The Realities of Travelling with a Disability – What People Don’t See – When people think about travel, they usually picture excitement, freedom, and adventure. And yes, those moments do exist — but if you live with a disability, the reality of travel often looks very different behind the scenes.
For many of us, it’s a balancing act of joy and exhaustion, planning and persistence, access and inaccessibility. So, let’s talk about what people don’t see.
The Mental Load of Planning
For most travellers, planning a trip means choosing flights and finding a nice hotel. For disabled travellers, however, it means researching everything:
- Will my booked airport assistance turn up?
- Will the hotel room actually be accessible?
- Is there step-free transport at the destination?
- Accessible transfers or public transport?
- What happens if something breaks or goes wrong?
We don’t just book travel — we are risk assessors. Every part of the trip comes with questions, and those questions take up space in your brain long before you even pack a bag.
The Invisible Effort Behind “Looking Fine”
People often see us smiling in holiday photos and assume everything went smoothly. What they don’t see is the exhaustion, the stress of navigating barriers, or the pain we might be pushing through just to participate.
Sometimes, just “being there” is the result of hours of energy spent behind the scenes.
The Barriers No One Mentions
No, the cobblestones weren’t listed on the hotel website.
You did not state that the “step-free” entrance had a massive curb at the gate.
No, the “accessible bathroom” didn’t mention that the grab rails were on the wrong side.
All too often, access is an afterthought — or worse, misunderstood or missing altogether. We have to adapt constantly, but it’s mentally draining to always have to work around things that should’ve been considered in the first place.
The Frustration of Being Let Down (Again)
Delayed assistance. Booked transport not showing up. Hotels that “didn’t realise” you needed a wheelchair-accessible room, even though you booked one. Being the last one off the plane every time. It builds up.
And yet, we keep going. We travel anyway, because we deserve to experience the world just like anyone else. But let’s not pretend it doesn’t come with a toll.
But There Are Beautiful Moments
Despite all of this — or maybe even because of it — the moments when things do go right feel extra special.
A stranger helping without being patronising.
The unexpected accessible café with the amazing view.
That day, you got to do something you were sure you couldn’t.
A whole day without anything going wrong.
Travelling with a disability is not easy. But it’s full of power, resilience, and moments that stay with you forever.
Final Thought
If you’re disabled and you love to travel, you’re not alone. Your frustrations are valid, and so are your victories.
And if you’re non-disabled and want to be a better ally to disabled travellers? Start by listening to the people that matter….Your customers!
