Take the stress out of a solo trip with assisted group tours designed to cater to all, writes Lina Molloholli
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Making travel accessible is not just about providing ramps and bathrooms that can accommodate a wheelchair – although those are pretty important, too. It’s about giving every traveller the power to take on the world and move towards a more inclusive, diverse and hassle-free travel experience.
With demand for solo travel soaring, so too is the interest in tours for wheelchair users who are going solo, reflecting a societal shift towards recognising and accommodating the unique requirements of people with mobility challenges.
Angus Drummond, founder of specialist accessible tour operator Limitless Travel, reports a “recent increase” in tours that offer the reassurance of a guide or support staff for solo travellers.
He says: “Many destinations claim accessibility, but for those lacking confidence or physical support, they remain inaccessible. Without having someone to travel with, they cannot go away. It’s important to offer continuous support from booking to the end of the holiday. Bringing carers and a tour manager on every trip provides not only the necessary care support, but also builds confidence.”
Here, we pick out a handful of tours to suit solo wheelchair travellers, offering partial to full assistance to cater for your client’s individual needs.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica pulsates with biodiversity with the ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life) spirit resonating through every accessible path. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Arenal Volcano National Park rainforests, where wheelchair-friendly trails lead to waterfalls and wildlife, including jaguars and tree frogs.
For the thrill-seekers, there are accessible zip-lining adventures. Historic, accessible treasures of capital San José include museums, the quirky mercado (market) and Spanish-era architecture.
Book it: Limitless Travel offers a fully assisted and guided 10-day tour from £4,999, flying on November 8, 2024, including excursions, transfers and some meals.
limitlesstravel.org
2. Golden Triangle, India
Comprising the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, the Golden Triangle is a ride through history, culture and delicious food. In Delhi, visitors will see the Red Fort and India Gate before heading to an elephant conservation centre.
In Agra, the Taj Mahal’s marble pathways allow wheelchair users to examine the mausoleum in detail. Jaipur boasts architectural wonder the City Palace, where the main rooms are wheelchair friendly.
Book it: Responsible Travel’s five-night Wheelchair Accessible Golden Triangle Tour starts at £1,712 for a solo traveller, including in-country transport, some meals and entry fees.
responsibletravel.com
3. Chania, Crete
Chania’s old town exudes charm, with well-preserved lanes full of tavernas and handicraft shops. Combine a visit with a stay at the Eria Resort – designed with accessibility in mind – which hosts a Greek night with a barbecue to give solo travellers the opportunity to mingle.
Book it: Enable Holidays offers seven nights at the Eria Resort from £1,595 for a solo traveller, including transfers, some meals and two excursions, flying from Gatwick on April 10, 2024.
enableholidays.com
4. Valletta, Malta
Malta mixes history with practicality. Wheelchair ramps provide access to capital Valletta’s main sights, including St John’s Co-Cathedral. In the southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk, rainbow-painted luzzu boats converge by the paved quayside.
Send clients keen to visit the island’s sun-kissed shores to Mellieha Bay, which has beach wheelchairs that can be used on sand and steered up to the water’s edge.
Book it: Your Direction offers seven nights in Malta from £2,690 for a solo traveller, including accommodation, some meals and excursions, departing on September 17, 2024.
yourdirection.co.uk
5. Albania
Albania’s commitment to accessibility has seen improvements in the country’s infrastructure, such as wheelchair-friendly pathways and ramps. In the capital Tirana, visitors can explore the grounds of Skanderbeg Square and the colorful Blloku district, offering eclectic boutiques and cafes.
Seaside Dürres boasts paved routes to the amphitheatre, while a short sojourn in Kruja reveals the Old Bazaar’s flat mosaic-tiled streets, allowing wheelchair users to immerse themselves in the town’s timeless charm.
Book it: Jules Verne offers a five-day semi-assisted tour from £895 for a solo traveller, flying from Heathrow on May 6, 2024, including excursions, transfers and some meals. Additional personal assistance on request.
vjv.com
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Amlan Sanyal, DaLiu; krivinis, trabantos, Arkadij Schell
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