With around 10% – about 650 million people – of the world’s total population living with a disability, inclusive excursions are fast becoming popular. Limited mobility caused by lower back injuries or other ailments should not stop anyone from enjoying an active lifestyle. Even people in wheelchairs can now take pleasure in recreational activities such as inclusive travel.
Most tourism destinations offer the opportunity for people with physical disabilities to experience and enjoy traveling. With reliable customer service able to accommodate everyone, these places provide disabled individuals the chance to celebrate the holidays and other special events similar to other people.
An estimated 3.6 million people aged 15 and above in the United States use a wheelchair. If you are one of them and haven’t experienced inclusive travel, then you are missing out on a lot of fun. But first, it’s crucial to understand what an inclusive excursion is, its benefits and how you can make sure that it’s truly inclusive.
What Are Inclusive Excursions
To best understand what inclusive excursions are, imagine the following scenarios first.
How would you feel if you want to eat at a restaurant so bad, but your wheelchair won’t fit through the door? How about if you go on a trip out of town and visit a tourist attraction with lengthy stairs and no wheelchair accessibility? It would be frustrating to be left alone while the rest of your family or friends take in the scenery without you.
Inclusive travel takes away the frustration and opens up more opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy trips and vacations with little to no limitations. Taking away the limiting restrictions in mobility also gives the place an ability to attract a vast range of visitors regardless of physical abilities.
With an inclusive destination, there will be less uncertainty regarding the place and services they offer. When they have detailed information on their website or brochure, you’ll know what to expect even before you get there.
Disabled individuals feel very much welcome in inclusive places and not excluded from the rest of the guests. They are physically able to move about the site, and their emotional well-being is also greatly uplifted. They feel more confident and eager to participate in more similar experiences and activities.
Numerous groups of individuals can benefit from inclusive travel, such as:
- Senior citizens
- Young kids
- Persons who need to use a wheelchair
- Individuals with limited mobility
- People with poor eyesight
- Persons who are hearing-impaired
How To Make Sure the Excursion Is Inclusive
Owners of businesses and vacation spots are always looking for ways to attract more customers and visitors. They can set themselves further apart from the rest of their competitors by catering to more people.
When choosing a place to visit for inclusive excursions, you must ensure that all stages of your travel, from the planning to the trip back home, are smooth and effortless. Paying attention to even the smallest of details can make a substantial difference in your overall experience. Make sure that the inclusive destination covers the following:
They Have an Updated Website
How will you find out if the place is accessible by wheelchair if their website doesn’t mention anything about it? This is one of the first things you should check if you or anyone in your family uses a wheelchair.
First, the door must be able to accommodate the width of the wheelchair. Next, the bathroom should be wheelchair-friendly and easily accessible. Another factor to check is a parking space reserved for people with disabilities.
They Offer Several Ways To Book Your Stay
The choice should be yours when it comes to how you want to book your stay. Ensure the place has various contact details, including phone, email, text, and online booking through their website.
They Prioritize Their Visitors’ Best Interest
A welcoming smile from the receptionist is not enough. It’s the overall accommodating attitude of the staff that completes a beautiful experience in any place. Make sure that they are friendly and helpful regardless if you are in a wheelchair or not.
Make the Most Out of an Excursion
In the United States alone, there are around 2 million new wheelchair users every year and businesses are improving their services to accommodate them. To fully enjoy your excursion, make sure to accessorize your ride with wheelchair cushion covers and other accessories to make your trip more comfortable and fun.
