Still feeling shocked that we’re in 2018 already? There’s no denying that the start of the year can be a pretty gloomy – so dust off the winter blues and get planning that sunshine break to look forward to later in the year! There’s no need to wallow in the dark nights, as we bring you the best breaks to add a touch of colour to the start of the year. This time of year is perfect for booking a break away, with many tour operators offering discounted breaks and cut-price flights – and the world’s got a lot more to offer in terms of accessibility than you’d ever imagine!
Turn up the heat
Ditch the scarves and woolly hats for swimming costumes and sunglasses – it’s time to get some sun. It’s a sad, cold fact that the average temperature in the UK at the start of the year is between three and six degrees. Sends a shiver down the spine just thinking about it. So why not hop on a plane and jet off to an island where the lowest temperature is 23 degrees, the water is clear blue, the beaches have miles of soft, white sand and the palm trees send a comforting breeze through the air?
We’re talking Barbados. Can Be Done bring the Caribbean to your front door with their expertise and knowledge of disabled travel. Boasting a combined total of 30 years worth of experience in booking disabled holidays, you are guaranteed to land in Barbados free from anxiety about what’s to come.
Similarly, Barbados is an island that has accessibility at its heart – ensuring you have the best trip possible. Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB) is working on the island, recognising the importance of accessibility for local residents and tourists. Enjoy a trip down the sugar soft beaches in a beach wheelchair, or take a swim in the tropical sea in the same chair thanks to their accessibility programme.
Can Be Done are on hand to make your Caribbean dream come true in a four-star hotel complete with restaurants, bar, pools, spa and gym. With prices starting from £725, you might not want to come back to the bitter coldness of home.
Open water
Granted, a long-haul flight can be daunting for some with accessibility needs. But beautiful sights, mountain dunes and volcanoes are waiting for you to visit – on the open water. Cruise ships are perfect for disabled travellers, with lots of built-in access features. And the team behind Disabled Access Holidays bring a great variety of disabled-friendly cruises to a handful of mystical and striking destinations.
Venture to the heart of the Canary Islands, enjoy weather blowing in from the African coast and indulge in the rustic scenery of the islands. Due to the close proximity to Africa, many beaches within the Canary Islands are semi-deserts with sand dunes and volcanic rock scattered around. Despite the desert terrain, the greenery and flowers thrive alongside the volcanic backdrop – Tenerife is home to the world’s third largest volcano, Mount Teide.
A family-run business, Disabled Access Holidays’ Mike and Lynn Davies ensure all holidays are tailored to the individual’s needs and are happy to organise mobility equipment, accessible rooms, adapted taxi transfers all the way to airport assistance. No stone is left unturned to ensure you have the best holiday or cruise experience possible.
Coach trip
The options are endless when it comes to accessible holiday travel. Some might say they’re limitless, and that’s where Limitless Travel takes the wheel. Don’t hit the brakes on a trip away if planes and boats don’t cut it for you. Going old school on a coach has never been more fun.
After being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, founder Angus Drummond went on to travel – only to discover accessibility wasn’t what he thought it should be. Fast-forward to the present day, and Limitless Travel offer holidays in a variety of different capacities – including jumping on the bus to spend five days in the cultural wonder that is Amsterdam. As one of the flattest locations in the world, the Amsterdam Adventure is completely wheelchair accessible.
With a central accessible hotel, accessible transport throughout your journey in Amsterdam, assistants to support your needs and a guide to point out all the key sights, this is one city break you won’t want to miss. The earlier months of the year don’t promise good weather but it definitely heats up in the summer – and with picturesque tours in the Dutch countryside, art galleries and even cheese demonstrations, you won’t be short on things to do.
Boasting a plethora of accessible friendly hotels and attractions, public transport that is all wheelchair friendly and adapted for visual and hearing impairment, if you want to explore the city alone, you can do so till your heart’s content.
Don’t let the damp weather outside bring you down because this is going to be the most exciting start of the year ever. From Stunning beaches and glorious coastlines to city breaks, travelers are spoiled for choice. Just remember to send us a postcard!