From Dream to Departure: How to Turn Your Travel 'Somedays' Into 'Today'

We’ve all got one. It’s that mental folder tucked away in the back of our minds labelled “Someday.” You know the one: it’s filled with glossy mental snapshots of sipping a Guinness in a snug Dublin pub, watching the changing of the guard in London, or finally seeing the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands in person.

For many of us, especially those of us navigating life with a disability or supporting an elderly loved one, that “Someday” folder can feel a bit heavy. It’s weighted down by "What ifs." What if the hotel isn't actually accessible? What if I need medical support while I’m there? What if the flight is a nightmare?

At Altogether Travel, we’re here to tell you that "Someday" doesn't have to be a distant, blurry concept. In fact, we’re quite fond of turning "Someday" into "Next Tuesday" (or, you know, a well-planned date in the near future). Travel is about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about independence, joy, and the sheer thrill of seeing something new. So, let’s talk about how we can move from the dreaming phase to the boarding gate.

Shifting the Mindset: From "Can I?" to "How Can I?"

The biggest hurdle to any adventure isn't usually a flight of stairs or a narrow doorway: it’s the mindset that tells us travel is "too complicated" for people with support needs. It’s perfectly natural to feel a bit of trepidation. In fact, a bit of healthy respect for the logistics keeps you prepared! But don’t let that caution turn into a "No."

The first step is simply deciding that you deserve a holiday. Whether you’re a wheelchair user, living with sensory impairments, or an older traveler who just needs a helping hand, the world belongs to you just as much as anyone else. Once you make travel a priority, the excuses start to lose their power.

Think of it like this: instead of looking at a destination and wondering if it’s possible, start asking how we can make it work. This shift in perspective is where the magic happens. You don’t need to have all the answers right now: that’s what we’re here for!

Overcoming the Fear of the Unknown

The "Unknown" is a scary place. It’s where the "What ifs" live. For our travelers, the unknown might mean worrying about accessible transport in a foreign city or whether a carer will understand their specific routine.

One of the best ways to combat this fear is through information. Knowledge is the ultimate anxiety-buffer. Start by looking at photos of where you want to go. Read about other people’s experiences. If you’re thinking about a specific city, why not check out some of our handy guides? We’ve put together some great resources for places like London and Dublin to help you get a feel for the land.

Remember, it’s okay to start small. You don’t have to jet off to the other side of the world for your first trip. Maybe a weekend break in Edinburgh or Glasgow is the perfect way to test the waters and build your confidence.

Setting Your 'SMART' Travel Goals

If you want to turn a dream into a departure, you need a plan. Vague goals like "I want to travel more" are hard to achieve because they don't have a finish line. Instead, try using the SMART method:

• Specific: Instead of "Europe," say "A 4-day trip to Liverpool." (Check out our Liverpool guide if that sounds up your alley!)
• Measurable: Decide on a budget or a specific number of sights you want to see.
• Achievable: Be realistic about what you need. If you need 1-to-1 support, build that into the plan from day one.
• Relevant: Choose a destination that actually excites you, not just one that seems "easy."
• Time-bound: Pick a month or a season. "I want to see the autumn leaves in Scotland in October."

Writing these goals down makes them feel real. It moves the trip from your imagination onto a piece of paper (or a digital note), and suddenly, it’s a project rather than a pipe dream.

The Secret Sauce: Why Professional Planning Matters

This is the part where we get to brag a little: but only because we’re proud of what we do! Planning an accessible holiday involves about ten times more research than a standard trip. You have to verify door widths, check lift maintenance schedules, coordinate equipment hire, and ensure transport is truly inclusive.

It’s a lot of work, and frankly, you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

At Altogether Travel, we are regulated by the Care Inspectorate. This is a big deal! It means we don’t just book hotels; we provide a professional level of care and support that meets high national standards. When you book through our vacation planning service, we handle the heavy lifting:

1. Tailored Logistics: We find the accommodation that actually fits your needs, not just the ones that claim to be "accessible" on a website.
2. Expert Companionship: Our Holiday Companions are there to provide the support you need, whether it’s personal care or just an extra pair of hands to navigate a busy airport.
3. Stress-Free Coordination: From flights to specialized equipment hire, we knit it all together into one seamless itinerary.

By letting us handle the "nitty-gritty," you get to focus on the fun stuff: like deciding which souvenir to buy or which restaurant has the best gluten-free cake. Our goal is to make the process so easy that the only thing you have to worry about is whether you packed enough socks.

Building Your Travel Resources

While we do the planning, you can start building your "Travel Muscles." This involves a bit of research and a bit of saving.

• The Vision Board: It might sound a bit "new age," but seeing a picture of the Eiffel Tower or the Blackpool Tower on your fridge every day keeps the goal front and centre. It’s a constant reminder of why you’re saving those extra pennies.
• The Financials: Start a dedicated travel fund. Even small amounts add up. Look for "quick wins": maybe skip that extra takeaway coffee and put the £4 into your "Holiday Pot."
• Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. We offer a range of free guides that cover everything from specific cities to general travel tips. Digging into these can help demystify the process.

The Joy of Independence

One of the most frequent things we hear from our travelers is how much they value the feeling of independence. It sounds a bit contradictory: using a support service to gain independence: but it’s true!

Having the right support in place means you aren't relying on family members who might be stressed or tired. It means you are the boss of your own holiday. You decide when to wake up, where to eat, and how long to stay at the museum. That freedom is the real heart of travel. It’s about rediscovering yourself outside of your usual four walls and realizing that you are capable of so much more than you thought.

Taking the First Step (It’s Easier Than You Think)

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start planning, this is it. Consider this your official invitation to stop "Someday-ing."

You don't have to have everything figured out right now. You don't even need to know exactly where you want to go. You just need to have the desire to explore. Why not take a look at our FAQ blog to see how we’ve helped others in similar situations? It’s a great place to find reassurance and see that your concerns are perfectly normal and, more importantly, solvable.

The world is a big, beautiful, and increasingly accessible place. From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the vibrant culture of London, there are memories waiting to be made.

So, what’s stopping you? Whether it's a fear of the unknown or just not knowing where to start, we’re here to walk (or roll!) alongside you every step of the way. We’ve seen firsthand how a single trip can change a person's outlook on life, boosting confidence and creating stories that last a lifetime.

Let’s Chat!

We’d love to hear about your travel dreams. Even if they feel a bit "pie in the sky" right now, get in touch with us! Our team is friendly, professional, and: most importantly: passionate about making travel inclusive for everyone.

You can contact us today for a no-pressure chat about your needs and ideas. Or, if you want to learn more about who we are and what we stand for, head over to our About Us page.

Your "Someday" is waiting. Let’s make it "Today." We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you turn those travel dreams into a reality. Safe travels!

Top Inclusive Videos and Blogs

Top Inclusive Videos and Blogs

Also featuring: 5 people from 100 Most Influential Disabled People UK

Blogs are a great way to find out info and read about personal experiences. If you are looking for travel inspiration or interested in checking out other content from like-minded people, please check out below.
First up, 5 great video options:

Videos more your thing?

First, Attitude is Live Click here is a huge collection of videos intended to inspire that look at chronic health and disability, life, being independent and opportunities. Some of the many series cover Attitude and Disabilities: Acquired, Physical, Congenital, Intellectual, Sensory. Also with many blog articles including The Importance of User Testing for Accessibility.

Autistic Genius Click here

Youtube Channel with over 2.5K subscribers. Hello there me hearties and welcome to my channel. I am here to help the world be enlightened about Autism, I would like people who are affected by Autism to unite and help each other to raise awareness.

Well Eye Never Click here

My name is Glen, and I’m a visually impaired blogger (link here) and Youtuber based in London. I post about my life with sight loss, the importance of accessibility & assistive technology, my adventures and discoveries in London and beyond, the entertainment I enjoy, and more.

Charlie Swinbourne Click here

Director, screenwriter and journalist focusing on Deaf culture - has made a range of comedies, dramas and documentaries in BSL. Also the Editor of The Limping Chicken Click here The UK’s independently-run deaf blog and news site.

Wheelsnoheels Click here

Gem Hubbard (UK) is a vlogger with over 47.5K subscribers to her YouTube channel, also with a TEDx talk about her journey. Living life to the fullest on wheels after suffering a Spinal cord injury.

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We've put together a collection of some Top Blogs, with a short description of each to help you find ones you may like most a little easier.
Maybe like us you'll want to check out them all, happy clicking!

Visual (4 blogs)

Catch These Words Click here

Holly Scott-Gardner (UK) blogs about Disability Rights and Social Policy. A post from February shares: My Life with Lebers Congenital Amaurosis: Living with a Rare form of Blindness.

Life of a Blind Girl Click here

Holly (UK) posts on all things visual impairment and disability, assistive technology, university, employment  and a few lifestyle posts thrown in the mix, these may include concert posts, travel posts, life hacks and giving you an insight into what I’ve been up to. I am registered blind due to a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Also one of the top 100 most influential disabled people UK in both 2018 and 2019!

My Blurred World Click here

Elin (UK) started her blog in the hope of building the very platform that I could have benefited from stumbling upon when I was younger. She shares personal experiences of growing up with a degenerative eye condition, accompanied by a few accounts of navigating life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, the occasional diary entry along with some tips and advice I have to offer.

Tony The Traveller Click here

Blind Author, writer and has visited most of the world. Tony describes early journeys: out for adventure but consumed by alcohol as a method for dealing with my disabilities. Also in his second ebook: a more sober, yet more emotional tale. It highlights my challenges of confronting personal issues whilst travelling.

Hearing (2 blogs)

Deafinitely Girly Click here

A blog by a deaf women from London who puts a funny, clever and positive slant on life. I am also working on my first book and a thousand other writing ideas.

Rexy Edventures Click here

Chronicles the ‘Adventures of a Deaf and Handsome Luxury Backpacker Travelling the Unexpected.’ Ed recounts how sometimes it is useful to be deaf on his travels and he offers advice how deaf people should make the most of any situation. Perhaps his Personal Cochlear Implant Journey will inspire you.

Learning Disabilities (2 blogs)

Alex Lowery Click here

A young man with Autism who blogs about his life and is a public speaker. This site is packed full of resources about autism.

Mencap's Here I Am Stories Click here

Offering insight into the lives of many people with different learning disabilities and lots of personal stories.

Physical (17 blogs)

Able Amsterdam Click here

Josephine Rees (Dutch-British), I hope to shatter disability stereotypes and encourage people of all levels of mobility to get the most out of Amsterdam.

Anything is Possible Travel Click here

Jeri's (USA) daughter was diagnosed with MS in her early 20’s.Traveling Near and Far, and Mindful of Wheelchair Accessibility.

Barrier Free Travels Click here

Candy Harrington (USA), I’ve been covering accessible travel exclusively for the past 25 years, and believe me, I do get a lot of strange questions about the subject. She has also published a number of books 'for Wheelers and Slow Walkers'.

Cazbarr Click here

Cazbarr Bites Back (UK) is a blog all about life with a disability. This ranges from consumer issues, accessibility issues to my personal reviews on products and services. I was born with Arthrogryposis. Now with two wonderful children, husband Jeff has a prosthetic leg who supports me and has had to become my carer.

Curb Free with Cory Lee Click here

Cory Lee (USA), sharing the world from a wheelchair user's perspective, with wheelie inspiring interviews.

David Ventures Click here

I have Cerebral Palsy and am committed to improving opportunities for disabled people to participate in outdoor and country sport. I love travelling and, as well as writing about the places I visit, seek to improve access to travel and holiday experiences.

Freewheel in Travel Click here

Hi! I’m Karin. I use a wheelchair and travel around the USA with my service dog, Aria. I blog about accessible travel and life with a disability. I’ve faced many challenges in life, but I don’t let my disability stop me from achieving my dreams!

Have Wheelchair Will Travel Click here

Julie has been travelling from an early age and features in a number of podcasts. A Sydney based family, our son BJ is 24 and lives with cerebral palsy, is non-verbal, a wheelchair user and needs assistance with all his living needs.

Jayonlife Click here

Jay focuses on accessibility and the attitudes of the people towards disability. Living in London since I was five years old with polio and scoliosis has given me plenty of things to complain about. The endless underground stairs, the airport searches triggered by my metallic leg brace, the looks and questions I occasionally get asked as I make my way through the day. Yet the very challenges have forced me to thrive.

Neo Walk Click here

Life on one leg. Hear about my varied experiences as an above knee amputee and why I find designing and making walking sticks so fulfilling and challenging.

Simply Emma Click here

One of the UKs leading disability bloggers - providing comprehensive reviews & advice on accessible travel. Emma has a muscle wasting condition called Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, which means my wheels are my legs, but that certainly hasn’t stopped me from travelling and living life the way I want to. Simply Emma is a way of sharing my experiences living with a physical disability. 

The Life Quadriplegic Click here

Alex (UK) has 2 degrees and shares experiences with his blog to inform, entertain, inspire and connect with others. I sustained a head injury in a car crash. Due to the resulting brain damage, I now have limited movement in my arms and legs and need to use a powerchair to get around.

The Wheelchair Traveller Click here

Nath Fernandes (UK) sharing travel adventures as a wheelchair user. I have severe Cerebral Palsy and my daily life consists of running 3 businesses with a hint of Mindfulness to calm the brain.

View from a Walking Frame Click here

A blog about an average girl who just happens to have Cerebral Palsy.

Wheelingalong24 Click here

Fashion diary of a wheelchair user and M.E. sufferer.

Wheel Life Click here

Elaine "I have views on most things plus twenty years of Wheel Life experience to write about and my blogs won't all be on disability related issues. I hope I will both inform and entertain."

Wheelchair Travel Click here

John Morris (USA) has a podcast and travels the world. After a serious car accident, he became a triple amputee. He is a passionate advocate for disability rights.

Many More (15 blogs)

Accessible Tourism Research Click here

Simon Darcy (Australia), I teach and research in sport, tourism and diversity management. I take the knowledge arising from academic rigour into the public policy and business arena to develop enabling management practices to create a more inclusive environment.

Assistive Technology Blog Click here

This covers a huge range of the latest assisted technology to help people.

Disabled Living Click here

Manchester charity with their own Blog. Practical solutions supporting disabled adults, children and older people.

From Sarah Lex Click here

Sarah (UK), has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. My little space where I write about all things disability, beauty, fashion and lifestyle.

Hannah's Hope Click here

Hannah (UK) aspires to make a difference in the world. I had an injury as a young teenager, I developed several illnesses, then secondary complications and as a result I am disabled and use a powerchair.

Gem Turner Click here

When I was younger, there weren’t many disabled people in the media so I want to make sure I add my sparkle to the tiny part of the internet on this page. Oh I also have a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta (type 3) aka Brittle Bones, because some people like the deets.

Girl with MS Click here

Caroline Craven - Certified Life Coach, MS Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Writer & Patient Expert living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Life of an Ambitious Turtle Click here

Navigating Life and Motherhood with Muscular Dystrophy.

Life of Pippa Click here

Theatre, Lifestyle and Chronic Illness. Pippa was diagnosed at the age of 19 with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

Life on the Slow Lane Click here

Carrie Aimes (UK) has a Disability and Lifestyle Blog, living with the rare, progressive condition, Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

Nics Adventures and Bakes Click here

A Blog inspired by my journey as a diabetic, including food, travel and everyday life. I also have autism with language and social difficulties.

Scope Click here

Equality for disabled people. Scope exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Until then, we'll be here.

Shona Louise Click here

Shona (UK) has has Marfan Syndrome. Disability and Theatre Blogger, focusing on disability rights, writing for and working on many projects. I'm a published author, featuring in Rife: Twenty-One Stories From Britain's Youth where I talk about what it's like growing up with a long term condition and being a young disabled adult.

The Bimblers Click here

Rob and Bridget share their experience of life and travel. Our tagline has always been “Living Life in the Slow Lane”. We’re living with a long list of chronic illnesses: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Kidney Cancer, Chronic Kidney Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, Central Sleep Apnoea, Restless Leg Syndrome. I’m not bragging, that’d be weird.

The Chronic Traveller Click here

Jenny Wren (UK) is currently based in Barcelona. I have Ulcerative Colitis and Arthritis. I’ve lived in 9 countries across 5 continents, and I’ve travelled in 30. I’m determined to keep up with my travelling, despite my chronic illness.

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If our list missed a favourite Blog or if you would like the recommend any, please get in touch and we can signpost others. Happy to hear from you: emma@altogethertravel.co.uk

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100 Most Influential Disabled People UK

The Shaw Trust Power 100 is an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. Click here to find The List.

Among some of 2019:

Carrie-Ann Lightley Click here

Accessible travel blog sharing accessibility reviews, disability travel guides and wheelchair travel tips. I have Cerebral Palsy, which means I use a wheelchair. I was brought up to believe that there is nothing I absolutely cannot do – there is always a way. 

Euan MacDonald - Euan's Guide Click here

Euan was awarded an MBE in 2009 for his services to people with MND in Scotland. Euan's Guide: Disabled access reviews, by disabled people for disabled people.

Helen Dolphin MBE Click here

- member of the Consumer Panel for the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), in 2015 awarded an MBE for her services to disabled motorists, has been an ITV news reporter and much more. Helen became a quadruple amputee due to meningitis.

Kerry Thompson Click here

- "I want my disability to be seen in a positive way. Follow my campaigning journey in trying to make the world a more inclusive place." Kerry has a muscle-wasting condition called FHL1 Gene Mutation Muscular Dystrophy. 

Martyn Sibley Click here

- author of 'Everything is Possible', advises government, businesses and charities, and has presented for the BBC. "I drive my own adapted car, run my own business, have flown a plane, enjoyed skiing & SCUBA diving, and live independently on earth." Martyn is a regular guy who happens to have a disability called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

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Any questions or interested in our support services? Please do get in touch:

Tel: 0141 406 1821

Email: info@altogethertravel.co.uk

Airport Accessibility

Altogether Travel is an award winning accessible holiday and travel provider. Our companions accompany and support our customers to enjoy holidays all over the world.  When planning and booking customers travel we research many airports to ensure it has suitable facilities.

We have observed that not all airports offer consistent information to passengers or it can be difficult to find. If travel professionals find this a challenge then how must older or disabled travellers feel, and how confident would they be with using an airport or consider taking a holiday?

We decided to test how good 22 airports are at prompting the services they offer disabled passengers, how easy it is to find information, how quick they take to respond to questions relating to their services and look for any innovative ideas that other airports could learn from.

We researched from the perspective of someone considering flight, seeking airport information online. Customers may choose which airport to fly from based on facilities available for them to have most comfortable experience, and also based on what they can find out online.

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The airports in our online research included 17 UK airports and 5 International airports.
We scored airports using the following scoring system (1-3) and potential top score of 84. Higher airport score results best demonstrated across questions.

1 = No/Poor information provided            2 = Adequate                     3 = Good

1. Was special assistance easy to locate on website
2. Is there dedicated telephone number
3. Does airport have a dedicated chat button
4. Can you ask question via Social media
5. Length of time to respond to a question
6. Airport access statement
7. Accessible parking info easy to find
8. Accessible drop off information
9. Free disabled drop off
10. Hidden disabilities section on website
11. Offer Dementia friendly services
12. Offer Autism friendly services
13. Information in accessible toilets easy to find
14. Description of toilet facilities
15. Photographs of toilets/ facilities
16. Hoist/ specialist mobility equipment available
17. Changing places (adult)
18. Does airport offer an accessible FAQ section
19. Does airport provide walking distances in airport
20. Does airport offer services for deaf passengers
21. Does airport detail assistance dog facilities
22. Does airport offer videos to demonstrate services
23. Does airport offer an interpreting service
24. Any awards/ accreditation for access services
25. Innovative services unique to airport
26. Overall presentation of information
27. Ease of use of website in general
28. Does airport publish standards and results for PRM service

Results

Ranking	Airport(s)	Score
1st	Gatwick, Bristol	70
2nd	Aberdeen	69
3rd	Glasgow, Edinburgh	68
4th	Liverpool	64
5th	Cardiff	63
6th	Prestwick, East Midlands	61
7th	Belfast	60
8th	London Heathrow, Manchester	59
9th	Luton	56
10th	Stansted, London City, Leeds Bradford	55
11th	Birmingham	54
12th	Dublin	51
13th	Singapore	47
14th	Dubai	43
15th	Paris CDG, New York JFK	37

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Accessibility unknowns can be off-putting for people, some avoiding holidays outside the UK as seems too difficult.
The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) 2017/18 airport accessibility report states in June 2019 IATA (International Air Transport Association) estimates there are one billion people worldwide with disabilities.
The Challenging for Change Report 2015/16 by OCS highlights an estimated £80 billion spending power each year of disabled people in the UK.

We might expect these significant figures to motivate airports to recognise an investment opportunity in the Purple Pound having clear potential.
Both reports can be found online** – we took a closer look and compared with our research results.
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What we found out & Highlights
Airport accessibility is a benefit to fellow travellers as well as the passenger seeking support. When things don’t go smoothly, the negative experience can have a huge impact either on that trip or enough to put someone off travelling due to inconvenience and stress. Looking at satisfaction as well as working with charities or disability organisations to move forward towards improvement.

The main performance area airports will record and publicly show is focused on waiting times when receiving assistance. Although this is an important metric and standard to uphold, we at Altogether Travel think this should not be the only way to monitor service standards. From our research we found only 1 airport to report their complaints and complements for service provided, while most stick to the requirement of time reports. Perhaps this information is not recorded, or maybe this is something airports don’t want to share. Only way to know for sure is if these details become more transparent, proud to show the positive experience they can bring to the bookends of any holiday – travelling from and back home. Also holding themselves accountable for any poor service.

Providing airport distances online (not by minutes walking, as different pace for many) can help people work out if they may require assistance – a category we scored against in our research, and this is not provided clearly by all airports selected.

Having a main point of contact (email address and telephone number) or an Accessibility Manager for airports can provide customer service to reassure passengers, even if to direct to their airline for assistance request or clear up any missing information with website.

When requesting assistance, systems should allow for more individual support details to be added to avoid miscommunication of information between airline, airports and staff. Things typically get lost in translation when passed on but even a 100-character note box could help details to be clear and avoid repetition or inconveniences on day of travel.

Some airports list charities/organisations working with to improve accessibility and engage with community, those describing how working together demonstrates more than brief discussion. Some airports are proactive, offering meeting minutes/forum notes available to view online, and what actions have been completed/ planned.

Service performance results – only London Gatwick seems to offer PRM service results above CAA requirements of waiting times, showing percentages for complaints/ complements at airport which offers transparency and accountability of service. Others show seeking PRM feedback to improve experience but no evidence of this clearly shown. We feel ‘service’ should be literally synonymous with ‘experience’, not only waiting time focused. Percentages of complaints/ complements received by number of passengers is a basic statistic we feel could be offered by all airports. Some may be hesitant to show this of course if more complaints are received by proportion of customers, than complaints compared to number of complements received. It might be expected complements would be highlighted (unless little to none are received).

Highlights airports could consider, as some offer:

• Visual guides/videos of what can expect at airport.
• Visits to airport before you travel.
• Videos of service provided/equipment available.
• Approx. walking distances throughout airport.
• Link to ‘AccessAble’ website with accessibility details/images.
• The ‘Signlive’ videos/app for interpreting services, for hearing impaired people.
• Airport map describing where toilets, changing places (accessible for adults), equipment, quiet area/sensory room, assistance, and location of dog facilities.
• Changing Places symbol on airport maps – it is also unclear across many airports if ‘changing places’ refers to baby changing table located within disabled toilet, or if accessible adult changing facilities are available.

When airports can show consistency and people can expect an enjoyable experience, confidence and bookings may grow – benefitting all areas of the tourism industry.

We hope this has been an interesting read and we invite you to get in touch with us:

Tel: 0141 406 1821

Email: info@altogethertravel.co.uk

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**Both reports mentioned with our research results can be found online, and we have put together some highlights below:
The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) 2017/18 airport accessibility report and The Challenging for Change Report 2015/16 by OCS.

> People should not be left waiting in isolation to ensure comfortable and able to access toilet facilities or drinking water.

> Developments in technology can carry out automatic data collection throughout each customers journey, however few airports invest in this. The sector including airlines strive to keep costs low to operate effectively – but with unhappy customers the current system appears to be not so effective. Number of staff, training quality and equipment can all contribute to effective and inclusive service. More staff at peak times could reduce the wait for many.

> Shop aisles and queues may not be accessible for many people to navigate.

> People expressed frustration with having to explain things to airport staff and have felt they were treated more like baggage than people – a clear opportunity to improve the customer journey. Peoples’ experiences are shown in their own words – such as being asked to walk through security scanners after taking crutches away, and to lift arms when unable to.

> PRM = Passengers Reduced mobility, often used interchangeably with ‘Special/Airport Assistance’ even if the person does not require assistance with mobility. This leads to confusion and frustration, assuming a person requires a wheelchair but not assuming they may like a coffee or to browse in shops. Offering a wheelchair to a blind person for example is inappropriate and can be avoided if noted no mobility support required.

> Informing your airline when booking or at least 48 hours before their flight can help to reduce waiting time as staff will be expecting you.

> Also highlighted is how staff lack awareness of assistance dog toileting areas, unwelcome interaction with their dog, unclear allowances for food and drinking water, lack being mindful to not trap dogs’ tail in lift/doors, and often unsure of document checking procedure. Dogs may have to hold their bladder for many hours and if they have an accident it is assumed that they are not well trained.

> Speaking to people with the disabled passenger, not the individual directly is incredibly frustrating. Many people are fully capable of communicating themselves and some friendly customer service is desirable. Feeling valued and included are important for a positive customer journey.

> Customers can receive texts from airlines about your flight being tomorrow and feedback requests are sent the day after travel. It may be helpful to also receive text reminders of when check in closes, gate when announced and any updates to times so easier to view or refer back to.

> Some airports are developing training and airport design, others offering a Sunflower lanyard scheme to discreetly show staff some assistance may be beneficial, sensory rooms or quiet areas, a team of ‘Dog staff’ to relieve stress for anxious passengers, and online videos to help show what can be expected when travelling through the airport. The Aira app for audio description interprets documents and helps with finding a bag at conveyor belt.

> The importance of experiences people with disabilities have with airports is shown in these reports, connecting with statistics and offers industry recommendations.

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Accessible European Cities

Our Top 10 Accessible Cities in Europe Altogether Travel has used our customer feedback, combined with our expert knowledge and we have created our top 10 Most accessible cities in Europe. Why not check them out and if you haven’t visited one of them yet then what is stopping you? Get in touch with us today and we can make it happen.

2nd Lyon, France Many consider Lyon to be the food enthusiast capital of France. Despite inclines and cobbled streets, there are lots of accessible areas to explore. If you are in any doubt about this destination, Lyon won ‘EU Access City Award’ in 2018.

1st Rotterdam, The Netherlands Rotterdam was impacted greatly with WW2, recovering to it what it is today. Contemporary buildings have supported the city’s reputation for accessibility.

3rd Barcelona, Spain A popular destination for people across the world, Barcelona is not to be forgotten as host of the 1992 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The city has been updated, developing accessibility.

4th Madrid, Spain This capital city has a top guide ‘Accessible Madrid’, showcasing accessible tourist areas and great detail is included. Exactly what we want to see!

5th Salzburg, Austria Salzburg was crowned ‘EU Access City Award’ back in 2012. This title still very much applies today with accessibility by the Alps. Floors have been lowered, ramps extended, with the vast majority of public transport being completely accessible. This has been achieved by working alongside locals with disabilities.

6th Gothenburg, Sweden Gothenburg achieved ‘EU Access City Award’ more recently in 2014, with a focus on ensuring accessibility throughout spaces for the public. Travel Instructors were formed to assist people with accessibility concerns.

7th Ljubljana, Slovenia This capital of Slovenia is building on its accessibility reputation, enforcing new developments to provide accessible buildings and most buses provide low flooring. Also showcased is a tactile guide, highlighting various routes to be explored with people in mind, living with visual impairment or blindness.

8th Frankfurt, Germany Frankfurt is known for its Christmas markets and blending tradition with the contemporary, committed to removing barriers people experience – even to enjoy skyscraper views! Also in place is a city tour for people with visual impairment called ‘Feeling Frankfurt’.

9th Budapest, Hungary Budapest has a focus for accessibility, working towards achieving greater accessibility by 2030. Currently many buses have lowered floors, and historical trams (known locally as trolleys!) offer full access.

10th Milan, Italy Milan has been driven since 2011 to address accessibility, being awarded ‘EU Access City Award’ not too long ago in 2016. The central train stations of the city are completely accessible, with tourist routes highlighted online for accessibility.

Beyond our Top 10 There are so many accessible destinations to choose from! Beyond our Top 10 here are a few more we think you may be interested in. Vienna, Austria This capital has lots to offer, both with information and accessibility. Vienna has an official travel page with accessible attractions, places to eat, famous opera houses and theatres. Oslo, Norway As this country’s biggest city, Oslo has achieved close to fully accessible public transport. The harbour destination’s boats and ferries are also known to be accessible. Cologne, Germany Aside the river Rhine, Cologne has driven accessibility improvements since 2004 and welcomes more people with various accessible tour options to experience landmarks such as its famous Cathedral. Also, a local brewery if this may interest you! Stockholm, Sweden This capital has a dedicated accessibility Vice-Mayor, focused on developing improvements for access. Throughout the city ramps are in place, with cross points for pedestrians designed for people with visual impairment and wheelchair users. Berlin, Germany Berlin is well known for its focus for accessibility, collaborating to drive the removal of barriers people may face with mobility. Most improvements have involved buildings open to the public, as well as transport. Copenhagen, Denmark Scandinavia in general is a major forward-thinker in terms of accessibility. This applies inclusive of Copenhagen’s contemporary Black Diamond building, historical Palace, and amusement park. Lots of exploring to do whatever your interests!