How Travel Has Become More Accommodating

In line with the maxim no man (or woman) should be left behind, travel is increasingly becoming accommodating to everyone, finds Crystal Symms

The reasons to travel may be different for different people, but the need remains universal—a need to get away, explore new shores, and be rejuvenated. While the thought of the elderly or physically challenged travelling is immediately met with disbelief, the change that can be seen now is understanding that they more than sympathy, they need a semblance of normalcy and accessibility wherever they go. Ashwini Melwaney, a celebrity hair and makeup artist who is hearing impaired, says, “The degree of the disability determines whether they can travel alone or need an attendant or escort. Like in my case, I can travel alone without any difficulty. When necessary, I ask people to write down directions or instructions for my understanding,” she says.

The LGBTQ community in India has for long stood on rocky ground. While they recently found legal acceptance, social exclusion remains a reality for many. Even while travelling with their SOs, all that the members want is to be treated equally and without any biases. It’s not all bad news, however. According to tour operators, major cities and tourist destinations in the country are now showing some green lights to pink travellers. The popular choices among these are Kerala, Goa, Delhi, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer.

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