Tag Archive for: wheelchair friendly travel

I’ve been a travel advisor for twenty years, but I’ve been an active Black traveller since I was a young girl, and for the first time in my life, I find myself seeking out destinations where I  feel safe, well, and welcome. Mexico hasn’t always been that place. I think back to a trip I took with my parents when I was sixteen years old. My family was somewhat adventurous in the way they travelled. Instead of flying in for a quick all-inclusive beach stay, my parents rented a car and took a road trip. It wasn’t the local people who side-eyed my blended family. It wasn’t the locals who commented about my braids, nor did they ever ask what a Black child was doing travelling with a White family. I fell madly in love with Mexico, its art, its culture, its food, its music, its grand cities, and its history. But it was how I was treated by white travellers from Canada, the United States, and Europe that prevented me from feeling safe and welcome, ultimately delaying my return to this beautiful nation for over a decade.

Hilton Playa Del Carmen – Adults-Only Resort


Last week, I flew into Cancun to embark on a seven-resort site inspection tour of the Playa Resorts portfolio. Now, this wasn’t my first return to Mexico since I was a child; there have been several visits since. In fact, I spent my 40th birthday in the Mayan Riviera this past February. But this would be my first time travelling with fellow travel advisors. These familiarization trips give us an opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes, chat with staff, explore the properties, learn about the amenities and gain essential knowledge we can pass on to our clients. For my clients, their health, wellness, accessibility, and safety are what are most paramount to them. I want them to feel welcomed, tended to, nourished, and seen.  Playa Resorts did not disappoint.


On Nourishment  

I once flew to New York for thirty-six hours just to dine at all my favourite spots. First, a small Italian eatery in Brooklyn. Next, the Theatre District to sip a Manhattan at my favourite martini bar. The next day, I took the 4 Train up to Harlem to gorge on Jerk Chicken at a hole-in-the-wall spot because it was made by a husband and wife who’ve lived there for fifty-seven years and poured as much love into their 100-year-old jerk chicken recipe as they did their blissful marriage. Food is one of my main inspirations for travel. Food is life. But that’s just it. Food is life. No one should ever have to compromise their nutrition and health by eating food that does them harm. And this is especially true when you’re enjoying precious, much-needed time away.

Five years ago, I developed an auto-immune disease that changed the way I ate when I travelled. I’m now a lactose-intolerant, anti-inflammatory-seeking, vegetarian-leaning foodie; I need LOT’S of options. Every single resort I dined at on my tour (and I dined at all seven!) accommodated every single food sensitivity, preference, and allergy we had amongst our group of fifteen. From gluten intolerant, shellfish allergies, pineapple allergies, veganism, and vegetarianism, every single one of our nourishment needs was not just met, but the chefs went above and beyond. No one was ever made to feel their dietary needs were burdensome, there was no judgment, just a warm smile, a hand over the heart (the Playa credo), and plates filled with beautiful, healthy, delicious food.

Alchemy Classes at the Zen Spa (Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun)

On Wellness

Most think of wellness as directly related to health. Gym facilities, yoga programs, healthy food, and beautiful spas. And yes, every Playa Resort, from the Hyatt Ziva Cancun with its alchemy room where you can learn to mix your own essential oils and healing lotions to the Hyatt Zilara’s exclusive off-property Zen spa that can only be likened to bathing outdoors in the jungles of Ubud, luxuriating is easy here. But as someone with sensory sensitivities, the softer colours, the preference for natural light over artificial, open spaces with plenty of airflow, and quiet spaces to escape when it all feels overwhelming, these are features I look for when I’m looking for wellness-focused resorts.  At one point on our tour, I suffered a debilitating migraine and had to retire to my room. It wasn’t until I closed my curtains at the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya that I noticed they were a soft ombre blue, mimicking a beautiful Mayan sunset. I may not have been able to enjoy it from the beach that evening, but it was with me nonetheless. Wellness is a state of being, not merely an hour-long massage at the spa.


On Accessibility

Travel is an ableist industry and always has been. The grand cities of Europe, the ancient sites of the Middle East, and the verdant green rice patties of Southeast Asia; These landscapes are never imagined with travellers with accessibility challenges. Qmooniti and Storied Lands Travel are working hard to change the narrative, blast open spaces, and align ourselves with destinations, hotels, tour companies, and travel brands that cater to and support people with disabilities, both visible and invisible.

Plenty of Zero-Barrier Beach Access at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun

I was pleased to see resorts like the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya with beach-specific wheelchairs so not only can wheelchair users enjoy the beach, they can enjoy the surf. Ramps, elevators, wheelchair-accessible rooms, zero-entry pools, barrier-free beaches, and open dining and common spaces make navigating and enjoying these resorts a guarantee and not merely a possibility. There are also a number of companies based in the region that rent out specialized equipment for those with mobility issues. And to make things even easier, this equipment can be delivered directly to the resort.

The Hyatt Ziva’s and Wyndham Alltra’s Welcome & Cherish Families of All Ages

On Safety

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if Mexico was safe, I’d never have to work again. Everyone has their own definition of safe, and admittedly, mine has been rather loose over the years. I’ve travelled to some destinations and participated in some activities that would likely make some peoples’ hair stand on end (like running around in the wild with African lions or hiking deep into the Sumatran jungle alongside tarantulas the size of dinner plates, giant monitor lizards and whooping gibbons out for my lunch). However, since becoming a mom, my need for safety has increased exponentially. But my definition has also expanded to include places that are not only light on crime but also make me feel welcome as a woman of colour. Yes, Mexico has its issues. Yes, there has been a significant amount of drug-related crime, but rarely is it ever directed at tourists, and if it is, it’s almost always because they have been involved in the drug trade. I’m not justifying it; just providing context. I have yet to feel unsafe as a traveller in Mexico. More importantly, I felt warmly welcomed by the people of Mexico and by the myriad travellers I met along the way.

My brief stays at the Wyndham Alltra in Cancun, and Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya may not have been as relaxing as I would have liked (to be expected on a dizzying resort inspection tour), but I still felt an overall sense of calm and serenity, something this busy, single Mama needed desperately. A final point I wanted to highlight is that the all-inclusive culture in Mexico has changed dramatically. If you’re looking for that typical Americanized, homogenous all-inclusive experience, you won’t find it at Playa Resorts. Mexican culture has taken centre stage at the dining table, in the spa, on the walls, and in the meticulous service, they provide. Playa Resorts ‘service from the heart’ never once felt like a forced, corporate gimmick but rather an authentic reflection of Mexico’s distinct hospitality, pride, and warmth.

worlds most accessible destinations

According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people are living with some form of disability be it physical, cognitive, a vision or hearing impairment or numerous other visible and invisible disabilities. But there is no way around it, individuals with disabilities are the most underrepresented travellers across the travel industry, which is why we think it’s critical to highlight brands, products, destinations, and experiences that create accessibility and space spaces for people with disabilities. You deserve to access and explore the globe on your own terms, and to help you do that, here are a few of the world’s most accessible destinations.

Berlin 


Historically, Europe’s megacities have been anything but accessible to travellers with disabilities. Ancient transit systems, historical walk-up hotels, and Roman-era cobblestone streets, these aspects make Europe’s great cities charming but virtually inaccessible to travellers with mobility challenges. Berlin has led the charge in becoming one of the most accessible cities on the continent. The Berlin tourism board committed itself to become ‘barrier-free.’ In 2013, the European Commission’s Access City award was given to the iconic German city. Wheel-chair travellers can access several World UNESCO Heritage Sites, including Museum Island, the Bode Museum, and Schloss Charlottenburg Palace. For travellers who are hearing impaired, English & German signors can be on hand to make the world’s greatest works of hard accessible. Perhaps Berlin should be your next stop from accommodation options to experiencing the city’s parks, monuments, museums, and luxury hotels. 

world's most accessible destinations
Freedom to Explore with Loved Ones (Image: pch.vector on Freepik)

Seattle

For those with mobility issues, a visit to the Emerald City doesn’t mean you can’t soar 175 feet in the air on Seattle’s Great Wheel, explore one of the most famous markets in the world, or get out on nature trails and jaw-dropping look-outs. Seattle is equipped and ready for travellers who require the easier access. Other popular venues such as the Museum of Flight, Seattle Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture and the Boeing Aircraft Factory all offer access to elevators, mobility lifts, ramps and well designed exhibits. Getting around the city is also stress free with a well-connected train, bus, and ferry system that removes barriers for those who prefer to experience the city independently. 

world's most accessible destinations
Royal Caribbean ‘Autism at Sea’

Caribbean Cruise

For some, the idea of stepping on a cruise ship may seem overwhelming, busy, noisy and crowded. But for those who live with neurodiversity, there is one cruise line in particular that has designed a program specifically for travellers with autism. Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line across the industry to roll out autism-friendly services that addressed the issues and barriers young children and adults face when they travel. Some of these services include priority check-in, early boarding and early departures, all in an effort to mitigate the stress of standing in large crowds, dealing with excessive wait times. On select itineraries, Royal Caribbean runs fully “staffed” cruises, meaning there are professional autism specialists on board the ship who will help organize neurodiverse-friendly activities, offer mental support and provides spaces for respite. 


world's most accessible destinations
Casa Batlló

Barcelona 

Sumptuous tapas, sultry Flamenco bars, whimsical architecture and a vibe that can only be described as vibrant; Barcelona is destination like no other, and it is working hard to open its arms to all who want to enjoy it. Wheelchair travellers are able to experience the multi-cultural sea of humanity that is La Rambla because of it’s easy-to-navigate pavement strolls. In fact, unlike other European cities that heavily utilized cobble-stone in their city centres, Barcelona used larger paving stones making it naturally accessible. Historic and exciting sites like the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Gaudi’s Casa Batlló are all wheelchair accessible, with attendants on hand to help travellers who need assistance. How about a day at the beach? Barcelona’s beaches are not only some of the most beautiful in Europe, they’re also rated amongst the world’s most accessible. Wooden walkways leading to the ocean, specially designed sand-friendy wheelchairs, assisted bathing services and ramps leading down to the beaches make it easier to enjoy those Mediterranean breezes. 


world's most accessible destinations
Accessible Seaside Charm in Loutraki

Loutraki, Greece 

If all of those cobble-stone alleyways, endless stairs and inaccessible sites have you wondering why Greece would make this list, hear us out! It’s true that much of Greece has a long way to go in terms of updating it’s infrastructure to accommodate travellers with disabilities, but not all places. Nestled in the Gulf of Corinth sits the seaside town of Loutraki. Known for its therapeutic spas, natural spring and warm breezes, it’s also home to the Sirens Resort, a resort specifically designed for wheelchair travellers and those with mobility difficulties. The mobility-friendly apartments are spacious, come fully equipped, and the resort offers complete beach access with free wheelchairs and sea ramps. Those who wish to spend time exploring the local wheelchair-friendly town and nearby sites, Qmooniti can arrange tours and excursions that will address your specific needs.

world's most accessible destinations
Exploring the World’s Most Exciting Cities on Your Terms

Sydney, Australia 

The City of Sydney is on it’s fifth edition of its “City for All: Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan.” As one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, it’s also one of the most visited, with an average of 4 million visitors every year (excluding the pandemic years). It was essential to make this international city more accessible, not for international visitors, but its own community. World famous blogger and avid wheel-chair traveller Cory Lee speaks about one of his favourite Sydney attractions, the Sydney Tower: 

“The view from the observation deck is unlike anything else in Sydney. It has lower rails and binoculars that are on shorter mounts specifically for people who use wheelchairs. The touchscreen system allows easy access to information about different buildings in the city that you are able to see from the viewing platform. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible as well.” 

Sydney boasts hundreds of accessible-friendly attractions, restaurants, accommodations and nature sites. The city is committed to understanding disabilities, both visible and less visible, and finding ways to make the city more inclusive at every level.

world's most accessible destinations

Over the coming months, we’ll be spotlighting destinations, travel brands and experiences designed for neuro-diverse, hearing and sight-impaired travellers, and travellers with both visible and invisible mobility challenges. The travel industry has much work to do to understand disability, to demand change, and to be seated at the table where decisions surrounding accessibility are made. But it’s the disabled traveller community that can move the needle on progress. When you visit a destination, make note of the shortfalls, consider writing or voicing a review about the sites you visit so that others can raise their voice in solidarity. Feedback is critical for progress, and sometimes, a simple comment that can set off a tsunami of change.