Top 5 disability-friendly holiday destinations for over 70s

When accessibility is important, there are so many fantastic places for a great getaway or a happy holiday. With vaccinations now in full swing and a promising light at the end of the Covid tunnel, why not start planning your next disability-friendly holiday?

Here are our top 5 disability-friendly holiday destinations for over 70s:

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of the best places to visit if you are disabled. Almost all public transport is wheelchair accessible, including all buses and most metro trains. So, you’ll be free to enjoy sightseeing trips without spending hours planning your routes.

Barcelona’s most famous street is the iconic Las Ramblas. Here there are shops, markets, hotels, restaurants and coffee shops. Street performers provide entertainment on most days and it is a great spot for sitting down, sipping on some sangria and enjoying a spot of people watching. The most important thing about Las Ramblas is that it’s a completely flat street – perfect if steep inclines aren’t your best friend! Meaning that even if you’re not great on your feet, you can explore Las Ramblas with ease.

If you visit Spain, you’ll also want to go to the beach. Wooden walkways have been put on many of Barcelona’s beaches, giving you a route out to the sea without a walk through the sand.

Sydney, Australia

Although international travel seems a long way off, for a holiday on the other side of the world… planning is key!  Sydney in Australia is very accessible, and a great choice if you’re looking for disability-friendly holiday destinations for over 70s.

You can hire beach wheelchairs if you’d like to get on the sand at Bondi Beach. Many of the leading landmarks, including Sydney Opera House, are also fully accessible.

You can even go hiking! The Fairfax Heritage Track is a hiking trail that can be enjoyed by those with limited mobility. This is a fantastic way to see some of the most beautiful natural sights, including waterfall and mountain surroundings.

The Cableway up to the Blue Mountains is completely accessible. Sydney Tower’s observation deck is also fully accessible, whilst you can book in advance to take part in the Skywalk even if you’re a wheelchair user.

Berlin, Germany

In 2012, Berlin earned the title of European Access City of the Year.

Travelling by train is easy around this German city. Many of the trains are BarrierFree, and you can call the Mobility Service Centre to arrange assistance if you need help boarding or disembarking. The service centre can also help with bus accessibility. Berlin’s train stations have ramps, hoists and other aids to make train travel go smoothly.

There is an official accessBerlin app, giving you all sorts of information about navigating Berlin. Download it on your smartphone before you travel, so that it’s ready when you need it. Using the app you can easily find wheelchair-friendly routes, accessible toilets and the easy routes to leading attractions.

San Francisco, USA

Another one to add to the planning list, the spectacular city of San Francisco is ideal for travellers with lower mobility. You can enjoy excellent accessibility on the Bay Area’s public transport, including street cars and the city’s buses.

Hotels and attractions are all accessible, wherever it’s possible to be so. There are also beach wheelchairs available to hire, with motorised caterpillar tracks.

Sightseeing boats around San Francisco are wheelchair accessible, and you’ll even find accessible transport on Alcatraz.

San Francisco is notoriously hilly, which might put you off. But with an electric or motorised wheelchair, you’ll have no trouble enjoying all the best sights.

Hurghada, Egypt

For a hotter holiday, why not consider a trip to Egypt? Hurghada has sunshine all year, and accessibility won’t be a problem. You can book tours to see many of Egypt’s beautiful landmarks and attractions, as well as finding accessible rooms in so many of the best hotels.

The M/S Amarco is a fully adapted wheelchair accessible boat, providing trips along the Nile to see the sights with full access to all four decks. You’ll be able to see the sights on the sun deck or under shelter.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might even want to visit one of Egypt’s accessible scuba diving centres. Many of Egypt’s scuba instructors are certified to work with people with additional needs. Hoists can be used to lift you in and out of the water.

If you want guaranteed good weather, a holiday to Egypt could be exactly what you’re looking for.

What should you look for in disability-friendly holiday destinations?

When you travel, you should be able to enjoy all of the attractions and activities. Look for cities that are relatively flat, with plenty of accessible attractions.

If you’re visiting a beach destination, look out for the option to hire a wheelchair that goes on the sand. Nothing can stop you dipping your toes in the crystal clear ocean waters!