Accessible Holiday Travel: Making Inclusion Part of the Journey

Image Description: Two men in wheelchairs are seen in an airport terminal, smiling and talking as they travel together. Both have luggage on their laps, and a third traveler with a rolling suitcase walks behind them. Sunlight filters through large windows, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the values of inclusion and accessibility in travel.

The Season of Connection

The holidays are a time to reconnect with family, friends, and experiences that remind us of what truly matters. But for travelers with disabilities, holiday journeys can come with additional obstacles: inaccessible transportation, unclear communication, or environments that overlook inclusivity altogether.

Accessibility should not depend on the season; it should be a standard part of every travel experience. As travel ramps up, now is the perfect time for the hospitality and tourism industries to revisit how they design, communicate, and deliver inclusive experiences.

1. Preparing for Inclusive Travel: Accessibility Starts at the Planning Stage

Accessibility begins long before check-in or boarding.

• Websites and booking tools should be accessible with screen readers and navigable by keyboard.

• Accurate accessibility information: room dimensions, step-free routes, adaptive equipment, and service animal policies help travelers plan confidently.

• Clear communication, such as alt text on images, captioned videos, and detailed written descriptions, helps eliminate confusion for travelers with low vision, hearing loss, or cognitive disabilities.

💡 Tip: Businesses can audit their digital platforms using WCAG 2.2 standards and partner with accessibility consultants to ensure both compliance and usability.

2. Accessible Transit and Navigation

The journey itself should be seamless:

• Airports and transit hubs benefit from tactile maps, high-contrast signage, and real-time audio wayfinding (such as RightHear).

• Ground transportation providers should verify ramp functionality, vehicle space for mobility aids, and the availability of accessible pick-up zones.

• Staff training on helping travelers respectfully, without overstepping or assuming needs, can turn frustrating experiences into empowering ones.

💡 Tip: Train seasonal employees in disability etiquette. Even a simple greeting like “How can I best assist you?” can redefine what it means to be inclusive.

3. Accessible Accommodations and Experiences

Hotels and short-term rentals can take small but powerful steps:

• Ensure accessible routes connect entrances, elevators, and amenities.

• Provide visual and tactile indicators in rooms for key features such as thermostats, remotes, or outlets.

• Keep service dog relief areas safe and easy to find.

• Create quiet spaces or sensory-friendly time slots for guests who need less stimulation.

💡 Tip: A short accessibility checklist for housekeeping and guest services can improve consistency during the busy holiday season.

4. Inclusive Design Means Everyone Wins

Accessibility is not just about compliance; it is about hospitality.

When venues and travel providers invest in inclusive design, they welcome more guests, earn loyalty, and strengthen their reputation for care and innovation.

At Impaktive Group, we help organizations move beyond minimum standards to create experiences that are functional, inclusive, and memorable.

Inclusive design makes accessible holiday travel possible for everyone.

The holidays remind us that connection is a universal experience. Let’s ensure every traveler, of every ability, can share in that experience without barriers.

Accessibility is not seasonal. It is essential.

Want to make your travel or hospitality services more accessible?

Visit our Accessibility Consulting page and learn about the services we provide, and schedule a consultation to see how inclusive design can improve your guest experience.