Andrea and John Hickey, along with their three children, needed an accessible holiday that met all their unique needs—a task that proved far more challenging than expected. After numerous obstacles, they found help and support through World Accessible Holidays, a service they now wholeheartedly recommend for easing the stress of planning inclusive holidays.
The Search for Accessibility
It was a pleasure to speak with Andrea and John about their experience planning an accessible holiday for their family, which includes their three children and a carer. For most families, booking a holiday is an exciting process with endless choices to match budgets and preferences. However, for families with accessibility requirements, it’s often not that simple.
Andrea’s husband, John, is an ambulant wheelchair user. Two of their children, 11-year-old twins, have cerebral palsy and require wheelchairs for longer distances. Their eldest son is 13. With such diverse needs, finding a holiday that accommodated everyone was no easy feat.
Their must-haves included:
- A waterpark and swimming pool with accessible features, such as hoists or gradual walk-in entrances.
- Accommodation for five people in a single space or adjoining rooms.
Despite Andrea’s background in the travel industry, having worked as a tour representative, her search for a suitable holiday became an exhausting project filled with obstacles. High-street operators often fell short in catering to families with accessibility requirements, and budget-friendly options were limited. That’s when Andrea turned to Paula Hansen of World Accessible Holidays, a travel expert with first hand experience of navigating travel challenges for people with disabilities.
Challenges of Accessible Travel
One significant barrier was finding suitable flights. John, being tall and requiring extra legroom due to his condition, needed seats with a pitch of at least 34 inches. While premium economy seats offered this space, such options are unavailable on short-haul European flights, making long-haul travel the only option.
Additionally, airlines would not permit John to sit in emergency exit rows due to disability restrictions, further complicating their options. These limitations forced Andrea and Paula to explore long-haul destinations, ultimately landing on Mexico as the most viable choice.
The Solution: Hotel Riu Palace Costa Mujeres
After extensive research, countless phone calls, and checking reviews, Andrea and Paula booked the Hickey family a stay at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Mujeres. The hotel staff, particularly Adeline and her team, went above and beyond to ensure the family’s rooms were accessible, close together, and met their needs.
Highlights of their stay included:
- A pool with gradient walk-in access and nearby waterslides, perfect for the children.
- Accessible communal areas, including restaurants, bars, and toilets.
- Beach access via walkways, though the lack of a complimentary beach wheelchair was noted as a gap.
While there were minor challenges, such as stress during boarding and limited beach access, the overall experience was positive, with staff proving exceptionally accommodating.
Beyond the Resort
The family enjoyed exploring areas outside the resort, finding accessible shopping malls and helpful locals who assisted with wheelchairs. Transportation was also available, though they occasionally needed two vehicles to accommodate everyone.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Andrea and John are determined to continue travelling as a family. With Paula’s help, they’ve already booked their next holiday in Thailand.
Their journey underscores the importance of accessible holiday services and the dedication of organisations like World Accessible Holidays in making inclusive travel a reality for families like theirs
This article was written by Paula, you can find more of her articles here.
