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Travel for All: The Importance of Special Needs Travel

Writer's picture: Nicole NorwitzNicole Norwitz

Updated: Jun 28, 2024

Traveling is freedom; a universal human experience—an opportunity to explore new cultures, climates and landscapes. The act of travel and vacationing offers people the chance to relax and rejuvenate.  Taking time out from our hectic daily lives to restore ourselves not only supports our physical health, but additionally enhances our mental and emotional well-being, and strengthens our resilience in the face of life's challenges.  However, for individuals with disabilities, the travel experience can be fraught with challenges that go beyond mere logistics. Special needs travel plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in the joy of creating memories with family, exploring of new places, experiencing adventure, and practicing the art relaxation.





According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 26% of adults in the U.S. have a disability that requires special needs in order to live comfortably. This demographic encompasses a wide range of conditions, from short-term, physical disabilities that affect mobility, to cognitive disabilities that may impact communication and sensory processing, to emotional disabilities and beyond.  Special needs can be very complex or simple depending upon the type of required accommodation.  For example, a person that permanently uses a wheelchair will have more complex travel needs than another traveler with acid reflux.  Although, both travelers will require support and devices that will accommodate their needs to live comfortably and enjoy themselves while on vacation.

In the past decade there have been great advances in the travel industry for people with special needs.  For people that use wheelchairs, travel that included flying has long been an undignified and difficult process. Wheelchair users need to be transferred into narrow wheelchairs before being wheeled onto the plane and then lifted out of that chair and then secured into an airplane seat. Hopefully, this boarding and exiting process will soon change.  According to ABC News, Air4All and Delta Flight Products (a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines) have developed a new seat design “for passenger aircraft that will allow wheelchair users to sit in their wheelchairs on the plane (McMichael).”  The prototype for this removable seat with anchors that would then accept a traveler’s own wheelchair to be secured in place was debuted in June of 2023 at the Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg, Germany.  This type of advancement will bring dignity back to wheelchair users when they fly. 

Travel suppliers have also made wonderful strides toward inclusivity.  Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has created an entire program dedicated to travelers of all ages with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Families with children on the autism spectrum often feel overwhelmed when considering a vacation.  Routine disruptions, sensory overload, and the need for specialized support can make travel a daunting proposition for those parents of children with ASD. Autism is a prevalent condition; statistics from the CDC (2023) indicate that about 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD. This underscores the importance of considering the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum when it comes to travel and leisure activities.  As a longtime Special Educator and Travel Advisor, I was thrilled to learn of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to people with ASD.  Their programs at sea include special offerings that are tailored to those travelers with autism.  Some of the programs’ unique features include: a dedicated check-in, boarding and debarkation process, special film showings while at sea, staff trained in assisting youth and children with autism and even a toy lending program.  Royal Caribbean’s autism friendly commitment should not only encourage more families to travel and enjoy vacation time but should inspire other cruise lines to adapt and create more inclusive programming.


Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offers autism friendly cruise experiences.


Efforts to promote special needs travel involve awareness-building among fellow travelers and encouraging travel suppliers to develop inclusive accommodations.  Encouraging empathy and understanding among travelers fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable to explore and enjoy the world.  Additionally, travel agencies, hospitality providers, and tourist attractions can play a pivotal role by training staff to understand and accommodate diverse needs. From offering sensory-friendly accommodations to providing accessible transportation options, these initiatives can significantly enhance the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.  When destinations and travel services prioritize inclusivity, the benefits extend far beyond mere accessibility. Inclusive travel fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. It opens doors to new experiences, promotes social integration, and boosts self-confidence.  Inclusivity enriches the travel experience for all people by encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity.

For individuals with disabilities, travel can present a myriad of challenges, which is why the GO LUXE Travel Company specializes in assisting people with special needs.  Accessible travel is not merely about addressing logistical challenges; it is about ensuring equal access to the transformative, educational, experiential and restorative power of travel for all individuals. By embracing inclusivity and recognizing the unique needs of diverse travelers, we can create a world where equity in travel opportunities exists. Let us strive to make travel an enriching and accessible experience for everyone and celebrate the diversity that makes our journeys meaningful.




 



 

 

Work Cited

McMichael, Clara. “New seat designed to make flying easier for wheelchair users.” ABC News, 8 June 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/new-seat-designed-make-flying-easier-wheelchair-users/story?id=99869335. Accessed 27 June 2024.

 

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