Cheap & accessible flights holidays hotels

zoelife

I am planning to go abroad in the next month if possible and want to take advantage of some of the fab advise from this website about getting a fair price for a holiday/flight. Here comes the but...

I have mobility difficulties and have huge problems with fatigue I am also fairly young and don't look obviously disabled by most of society's definition.

What I hope to find out fom you good people out there is which airlines in your experience are "disabled friendly", need assistance stairlift and wheelchair at airport. Also destinations which are more suitable if your mobility is impaired, countries and resorts if poss, Malta Cyprus Benidorm?. Preferably not at extra cost, as i am not well off. Are cruises any better?

I want sun without humidity max 4 hour flight, near beach which isn't down stairs or steep hill, an accessible pool in case sea too rough/cold and v importantly a quiet resort where I can get sleep at night.

Here's hoping moneysavingexpert can convince all travelers to be treated equally! maybe you can help start a trend.......

equine_induced_poverty

I am disabled too, mobility problems, and I am definately not old enough! I will be taking my first solo flight since childhood soon and I am worried about the whole experience. If there is anyone out there with any information I too would greatly appreciate the help.
Many thanks.

sloppychops

You could try

http://www.accessibletravel.co.uk/ just to get some ideas and then try building up your own package to see if you can get it any cheaper.
Have a look and if you need any help let me know.

claz

be wary of booking flights without checking first what help is given at airports etc

eg. i was on crutches and so obviously couldn't carry my suitcase however at the destination the ground staff would only lift my luggage off the carousel and to the doors of customs and i was expected to carry it the rest of the way!!!! luckily a nice couple helped me and my family were meeting me at arrivals

lesson learned, always make friend with someone on the plane

zoelife

Thanks chaps for your suggestions. As chat forum users of much more expertise than I how do I get this noticed by more people - therefore more response or even by Martin to give advise to all of us on companies that are accessible/"disabled friendly" so we can get all of them to take us more seriously! Cheers

researcher

I used to inspect hotels for disabled access and have a family member who's wheelchair bound. My advice would be tp never book allocated on arrival - even if travelling last minute ask detail about the accommodation and check it for yourself. Try Thomsons for last minute deals, they're one of the better large companies. I'll come back later and let you know more.

zoelife

Thanks much appreciated. Fed up of being let down and having to battle big companies when my energy is so limited.

am_bain

Hi
I went to Palma Nova with Thomsons to the Santa Lucia hotel I told them in advance I used a wheelchair and they pre booked my seat and arranged wheelchair assistance at the airport which was very good. The hotel did not have disabled bedrooms but i can get about short distances so that was ok I was given a bedroom on a lower floor and they have a gift shop on the ground floor which hires out mobility scooters at 70 euros a week which was good for getting about hope this helps Palma Nova was lovely and the hotel is in a great location.

saveapenny

when are you thinking of going?

researcher

A few points to remember:

When travelling by air confirm with cusomer service of the airline that you will need wheelchair assistance at the airport. If booking flight only this is usually with the airline, with a package holiday it will be with the tour company. Ensure you say this to any individual if you are booking with a person whether f2f or by telephone.

Do not ask for extra legroom sitting in an emergency exit seat, as by civil avaition law you cannot have one. In an emergency, quite rightly, the people in that row have to be able to move quickly and be strong enough to open the emergency exit.

When you have any resort in mind as to see the 'gazatteer', this is a book the travel agents keep under the counter that gives 'unbiast' information on the hotels/appts in most major resorts. It won't have all properties, but it is always worth asking.

Study the holiday brochures, in brochure speak popular = busy/loud/noisey.
Developing = unmade road/construction work.

With regard to Palma Nova, I used to know it well as I lived on the island, and many disabled people travel there - particularly off season. I wouldn't describe it as quiet - as it's been developed over many years to look after tourists - you are nowhere near off the beaten track. However, it does offer reasonable facilities for disabled visitors, and the hotel Santa Lucia mentioned, which is owned by Thomsons does attract a lot of disabled guests. However, when I last viewed the property they did have a disco in the basement which went on till late - this might have changed now. Mallorca is humid. Better for humidity is Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands.

In Torromolinos, I remember inspecting a hotel which was very well liked by all disabled guests - the Don Pablo - situated frontline in a level area. However to go into the centre of town you had, if I remember right to go up a hill, so you'd need a taxi. Southern Tenerife and Lanzarote were very good for disabled access, the legislation in place meant that anything built since the late 80's had adapted room, ramps etc - but you need to choose your resorts carefully to avoid noise.

I think I'd do some research and look at some of the greek islands - some resorts in Crete for example could be excellent. But if you want warm sea water and quiet I'd wait and travel in October - in April the med is still freezing, and by June it's getting busier and your water is still only warmish!

The best you'll get for warmth in April will be the southern Med like Cyprus or the Canary Islands - Egypt will be much hotter, but I've no idea how good it might be.

zoelife

saveapenny wrote:

when are you thinking of going?

I really want to get away in the next few weeks as I am suffering vitamin D deprivation and my chap has holiday to take. I want to avoid holidays etc expense and excess noise wise.