Holidays for disabled adults and their carers

Holidays or short breaks can be an excellent way to get a rest and have time to relax. Depending on your circumstances, you might go away with or without the person you care for.

If you’re away going with the person you care for, you may need to look for somewhere accessible or have specific requirements that are difficult to meet.

In this article, we will cover the questions you may have – Whether there are any travel companies specialising in holidays for disabled people, are there accessible days out and places to visit? And can carers get any financial help?

Are there companies which specialise in holidays for disabled people or older people?

Various companies specialise in finding appropriate accessible accommodations and locations for disabled travellers and older adults, ranging from activity holidays, family holidays, and simple relaxing breaks with accessible lodging options. Whatever your access needs, it’s possible to find a travel agent who can help you with your holiday plans.

Disabled Holidays is a disability specialist travel agency which provides accessible holiday experiences, including accessible cruises and coach holidays. They have a directory where you can search for holidays with wheelchair accessibility, holiday accommodation for people with limited mobility or pet-friendly properties for people with guide and support animals. They also can arrange holidays for people with terminal illnesses.

Enable Holidays are a tour operator that select supported holidays and accessible friendly holidays to meet varying requirements.

They have a catalogue of hotels, villas and apartments, with detailed information on each, about whether there is access suitable for you in bedrooms, bathrooms, pools and public areas, plus how accessible the location and surrounding areas are.

Tourism for All, or TFA for short, is a small independent national charity whose expert team give information to disabled tourists about holidays in whichever way they need it. They also work with policymakers to ensure that tourism and travel policies fully account for everyone’s accessible needs so that everyone can receive their right to a proper holiday. TFA operate a membership scheme with a small annual charge.

Revitalise provides respite breaks for adults with physical disabilities, with care support tailored to their needs, in an assisted living holiday home with hospitality. They run three accessible holiday centres in Essex, Southampton and Southport. Their centres cater for adults with a variety of different disabilities. The centres offer short holidays in a relaxed, holiday-style environment, with various trips and activities. Guests are supported by volunteers who provide companionship and assistance.

Dementia Adventure organises holidays for people with dementia and those who care for them. They plan the holiday for you, or with you, from accommodations to activities and meals. They provide a five-day itinerary for the enjoyment and rest of the person with dementia and their loved one or companion. They have staff available to do the cooking, driving, assist at mealtimes, and accompany you on days out. They will provide as little or as much support as you need.

For more information, The Brain Charity has a detailed holiday guide covering the best holiday companies for elderly travellers and people with disabilities, funding, and insurance.