Travelling solo as a disabled person can feel impossible because you can get caught in the trap of thinking, “I need too much help with everything.”
But travelling solo is one of the best experiences that I have ever had. It is one of the first times in my life that I felt like I had some space, freedom and opportunities.
Here’s the thing though – with little thought and imagination – it’s not that hard!
Gaining Assistance at Airports and Train Stations
The big myth in terms of travel inside the UK at train stations and airports is that you need to book in advance – you don’t – you can turn up and travel on the day. Just be prepared that you might have wait.
For more helpful information on planes and trains, click the links!
Where Should Disabled Solo Travellers Go?
From experience, I can say that many parts of Europe are the best places for disabled solo travellers to go. I’m especially fond of some parts of Scandinavia that have great public transport and culture around disability.
Attitude in some countries can be everything. If you go somewhere with negative public attitudes to disability, facilities don’t make up for the fact that people are just rude.
Do some research into places and ask around, but Europe is usually a good bet.
For information on specific cities – see Global Hopper Guides.
Pack Power Packs
If you anything like me, then your phone is your Swiss army knife that you use for everything from navigation to paying for things.
So the one thing that you don’t want to happen is for your battery to die, when you really need it!
Luckily if you have a power bank handy – say in your Day Bag – then you’ve always got a back up.
Look For The M
For disabled people who travel solo, one of the biggest challenges can be finding facilities that suitable.
A handy little trick can be to look for something like a McDonald’s, this is because that sterile blandness that you hate most of the time, can be a life saver.
So if you are stuck for a toilet or somewhere to nip into for a coffee, look for a M.
Airbnb
Airbnb have some great accessibility options built into their website. These include step-free access to the front door and wide door ways.
Airbnb is now a great way to book accessible rooms on the fly.
For Travelling Solo But With A Safety Net
If you want a bit more of a structured travel experience but still want to go solo – check out Seable Holidays.
Seable Holidays offer totally accessible holiday packages for visually impaired and wheelchair users to a number of destinations.
What is perhaps unique about Seable is that they offer the whole package, including tours and activities. It is perhaps the only way that you can guarantee that you enjoy the whole of your trip.
They cannot not control the weather though!
