Accessible Holidays Shouldn’t Be A Luxury

For most of us, a holiday is a chance to relax, recharge, and create memories with family and friends. It’s an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and experience something different. But for many disabled people, planning a holiday is far from relaxing. Instead, it can become a frustrating search for accommodation that simply meets their basic needs.

Richard Douglas, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), knows this struggle all too well. As his condition has progressed over the years, finding suitable places to stay has become increasingly difficult. Accessible accommodation isn’t just about having a wheelchair ramp or wider doorways—it often requires specialist equipment such as ceiling hoists, profiling beds, and adapted bathrooms. Without these essential features, many holiday properties are simply not an option.

Accessibility Means More Than Compliance

Many accommodation providers proudly advertise themselves as “accessible,” but accessibility exists on a spectrum. A property that works for one guest may be completely unsuitable for another.

Current equality laws require service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled visitors. However, what is considered “reasonable” often depends on the size of the business, its resources, and the cost of making adaptations. While these legal requirements are important, they don’t always result in accommodation that genuinely meets the needs of people with complex disabilities.

For families who rely on specialist equipment every day, the difference between basic accessibility and true inclusivity can determine whether a holiday is even possible.

Holidays Matter for Everyone

The conversation around accessible tourism is often centred on the disabled traveller, but it’s equally important to recognise the impact on families and carers.

Caring for someone with significant physical needs is a full-time responsibility that doesn’t pause during a holiday. Yet having access to the right facilities can transform the experience, making everyday care easier while allowing everyone to enjoy a change of scenery together.

A few days away can provide emotional relief, strengthen family relationships, and improve wellbeing. These experiences shouldn’t be reserved only for those who can navigate inaccessible environments.

A Vision for Inclusive Tourism

Inspired by purpose-built accessible accommodation he visited in County Donegal, Richard hopes to create a similar holiday destination in Northern Ireland. His vision is to offer a space designed specifically for people with complex mobility needs, ensuring families can enjoy a holiday without worrying about whether essential equipment will be available.

Projects like this demonstrate what inclusive tourism can look like when accessibility is considered from the very beginning rather than added as an afterthought.

Why the Tourism Industry Should Care

Accessible tourism isn’t just a social responsibility—it also makes good business sense. Millions of people worldwide live with disabilities, and many travel with family members, friends, or carers. Investing in truly accessible accommodation opens the door to a wider customer base while promoting a more inclusive travel industry.

Small improvements such as clear accessibility information, step-free access, and adapted facilities can make a significant difference. Larger investments, including specialist equipment where feasible, can create destinations that genuinely welcome everyone.

Looking Ahead

Travel should be about discovering new places, spending quality time with loved ones, and making lasting memories. For disabled people, those opportunities are too often limited by barriers that could be addressed through thoughtful planning and inclusive design.

Creating more purpose-built accessible accommodation isn’t simply about meeting legal obligations—it’s about recognising that everyone deserves the chance to enjoy a holiday with dignity, independence, and peace of mind.

True accessibility isn’t achieved when a building just meets minimum standards. It’s achieved when every guest feels genuinely welcomed and able to enjoy the same experiences as everyone else.