6 Tips For Taking A City Break For Wheelchair Users

City breaks are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for a nice long weekend getaway. With so much to see and do in one place, big cities from London to New York are always bustling with holidaymakers and keen travellers looking to experience everything the city has to offer.

But travelling with a disability can often feel challenging, especially when you’re in a wheelchair. Thankfully, as the world is becoming more aware of the struggles faced by those with a disability, many big cities and popular travel destinations are working hard to improve accessibility and facilitate easier travel for all visitors. From accessible toilets to public transport, we’re starting to see some really positive changes across the globe.

So, if you’re considering taking a city break in the near future, there are plenty of exciting cities around the world for you to visit. In this guide Mybaggage.com share their six top tips for taking a city break when you’re a wheelchair user.

1. Choose your Destination Carefully

While many cities and landmarks are working hard to offer wheelchair access, there is still a long way to go. What’s more, the term ‘wheelchair friendly’ can vary in different destinations, with some offering more accessibility than others. For this reason, it is a good idea to do your research and choose your destination carefully.

If you’ve got a city in mind, before you go ahead and book up look at the attractions you’d like to visit and see if they offer wheelchair access. You could also look at forums or blogs from other wheelchair users that offer advice on the best cities to visit. By choosing your destination wisely you have a better chance of a stress-free and smooth city break, where you won’t miss out on a thing!

2. Put Together Itineraries

It can feel like you’re taking some of the fun and spontaneity out of your adventure but putting together an itinerary for your holiday can be the perfect way to help you relax and ensure there is no disappointment. You don’t have to plan every second of every day, but write a list of the places you’d like to visit and on which day.

That you can look into the best way to travel to and from your hotel, as well as checking that all attractions or activities can accommodate for your wheelchair. For example, if you book to go to the theatre or you want to visit a popular museum or gallery, you want to make sure they’ll be no issues getting in and out.

3. Consider Accessible Accommodation

Once you’ve decided where you’re going for your trip you need to choose the right accommodation. Sites like Hotels.com and Airbnb have made it so much easier to find the perfect place to stay. From apartments, hotels and chalets you’ll have a choice of hundreds of rooms, so pick the one that is going to be best for you.

Read up before booking to ensure there is wheelchair access or lifts if you’re staying in a bigger hotel. You’ll also want to make sure that your room is wheelchair friendly, for example that there is a shower stall and no steps to get in or out. You can get in contact with the accommodation, particularly if you go through sites like Airbnb where you can email the owner directly, to ask any questions you may have and ensure your stay will be as pleasant and easy as possible.

4. Look into Public Transport

If you’re staying further out of the city or you want to see attractions which are further apart, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the public transport in your chosen destination. For example, trains and buses are usually better equipped for wheelchair users, where tubes and metros can be more of a struggle. Look into local taxi companies that offer wheelchair friendly cars, or if you drive you might want to hire a car yourself. If this is the case, you’ll need to find a local car-rental company that offers modified vehicles.

What’s more, when you imagine the bustling city streets, let’s take New York for example, it can be easy to assume that getting about in your wheelchair will be quite difficult. But often this is not the case. Again, look online to see if anyone has written a review or article about your chosen city, you might find you don’t need public transport at all and that you’ll be able to get around just fine without it.

5. Plan your Journeys

You can do this before you go or once you’ve reached your chosen destination, but it can be really helpful to plan out your journeys ahead of time.
This helps to make your journey as easy and enjoyable as possible. Decide which form of transport is going to be most time and cost efficient for you and ensure any attractions you visit are accessible. If you plan ahead you could even book transfers/taxis before you arrive so everything is ready to go, and you can relax and enjoy your time away.

6. Choose Well-known Chains

Unfortunately, not everyone has made their properties wheelchair accessible. Smaller businesses might not have had the funds, or it could be on their to-do list. This means that it might not be possible to visit some shops, restaurants or bars. This can be a problem in some situations, for example if you’re looking for a toilet. If you can’t find accessible public toilets anywhere then look for a chain restaurant or cafe.
Often big brands are more likely to be accessible. Take for example chains like Starbucks or Pret a Manger, because these are big names, they are more inclined to ensure all visitors are welcomed and able to use their facilities. So, if you get stuck looking for a toilet, food or drinks, look for well-known chains as you stand a much better chance than with some smaller independent establishments.