Travel fit for all
Wanderlust Travel Magazine|December 2022 / January 2023
With the International Day of People with Disabilities on 3 December, sustainable-travel writer Holly Tuppen finds out who is leading the way when it comes to making the world more inclusive for everyone
Travel fit for all

More hotels in London invite dogs to stay in their rooms than they do disabled people,” Richard Thompson, founder of Inclu Travel, explains. It rings true; I’ve seen the press releases and marketing campaigns to confirm it. And while it might be incongruous for an industry based on hospitality – showing kindness to others – to be so slow off the mark, that means some 14.6 million disabled people in the UK alone are currently being ignored.

Richard believes tourism needs a mindset shift. After breaking his neck in a skiing accident, he became tetraplegic; he can walk but cannot use his hands. It’s something that he has learnt to control and live with, and it doesn’t stop him travelling as passionately as he did before his accident. But he needs the travel industry to catch up with him.

“Most disabled people don’t identify as ‘disabled’, and so the default marketing about ramps and accessible hotel rooms doesn’t resonate. What disabled travellers need is inclusion and for businesses to listen to their needs and be willing to adapt,” he continues.

Victoria Kruse, director of sustainability & wellness at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences, agrees. She says: “The magic always happens when you listen to the needs of guests, whether they have additional needs or not. Our guest preference form is gold here.”

At Amilla, this means noticing that someone is struggling at the breakfast buffet and offering to help them with tongs or carrying a plate, setting aside a table at a distance for a guest who is immune compromised, or finding an inclusive activity in the kids’ club for a child with a learning disability.

Bu hikaye Wanderlust Travel Magazine dergisinin December 2022 / January 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Wanderlust Travel Magazine dergisinin December 2022 / January 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

WANDERLUST TRAVEL MAGAZINE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Vermont, USA
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Vermont, USA

The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup

time-read
6 dak  |
October/November 2023
Unique North America
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Unique North America

See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips

time-read
5 dak  |
October/November 2023
The call of the Rockies
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

The call of the Rockies

From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting

time-read
6 dak  |
October/November 2023
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

A new dawn for the Garifuna community

When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities

time-read
9 dak  |
October/November 2023
On the edge of history
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

On the edge of history

In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?

time-read
10+ dak  |
October/November 2023
Tigers burning bright
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Tigers burning bright

As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing

time-read
9 dak  |
October/November 2023
SEASON'S GREETINGS
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

SEASON'S GREETINGS

From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences

time-read
10 dak  |
October/November 2023
Waking a sleeping GIANT
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Waking a sleeping GIANT

A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself

time-read
8 dak  |
October/November 2023
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

The rebirth of old JEDDAH

As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage

time-read
10 dak  |
October/November 2023
Star-studded escapes
Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Star-studded escapes

Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens

time-read
8 dak  |
October/November 2023