NIGEL THOMPSON MARJORIE YUE Access haul areas Getting around gets easier for less mobile
Going on holiday is pretty straightforward for most of us – pack, forget something, panic, set off... and relax. But for people with accessibility issues it can bring numerous challenges, with airports, railway stations, planes, trains, cars, buses and hotels to tackle.
Thankfully, although limited mobility can make travel daunting, it does look like the situation is improving.
Research by home care provider Helping Hands has found that almost six out of 10 people affected (58 per cent) believe travel companies have become more understanding, and 38 per cent were now going on holiday a lot more as places have become more accessible.
However, a significant amount still found travelling with their accessibility issues tiresome – 29 per cent had experienced companies that were unaware of how to deal with certain disabilities, both in the Boardwalk to white sand beach in Jurmala
UK and abroad. When it comes to staycations, almost one in three (30 per cent) found a problem with accessibility at attractions in the UK, compared with 23 per cent overseas.
Public transport in the UK scored well, with just seven per cent having problems compared with 29 per cent of those who went abroad.
Accessible travel expert Richard Thompson said: “The industry is much more geared up to service the requirements of those with mobility, sensory and cognitive requirements.
But there’s still a long way to go.’’ Helping Hands has highlighted three destinations that cater for those who need an extra bit of help:
Rotterdam, Netherlands: Comprehensive accessibility legislation is in place across this very modern city.
Chester: EU Access City of the Year for 2017, it has 192 taxis and 129 buses that are wheelchair accessible.
Jurmala, Latvia: Spa town near Riga with accessible public transport to the excellent beach. britishtravelawards.com
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