Summer’s here and accessible beaches are few and far between but here are 3 of them:
We’re finally entering into the summer months, which will bring a smile to many people’s faces. Warm weather is on its way, and that can only mean one thing, it’s time for a holiday.
Few escapes are more popular than the archetypal beach getaway. However, beaches are not known for being the most accessible places. The tricky terrain can be difficult to navigate, and certain types of wheelchair tend to not fare very well on sand.
In fact, it was revealed in summer 2014 that UK holiday destinations have inadequate facilities for the disabled. This is disastrous, as people should be given the support they need, when they need it, especially in their leisure time.
There are many beaches around the world which can easily be accessed by disabled visitors. These beaches tend to have long, solid boardwalks, making them easy to navigate by wheelchair, and also offer fantastic scenery and a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.
by Keoni Cabral
Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall, UK
We’ll stay in the UK to start with, seeing as the UK has a pretty stunning coastline itself.
Summerleaze is a very wheelchair friendly and accessible beach. The beach can be easily accessed from the car park and even has a wheelchair-friendly route down to the seafront.
For added accessibility, sand chairs can be hired from the Summerleaze Beach Office, which is extremely useful. This is a feature most major holiday providers are now starting to roll out, including Virgin Holidays, which is extremely encouraging.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun has tonnes of wheelchair friendly boardwalks, which link up over a good chunk of beach. This is great as it means the beach is extremely accessible, so everyone can take full advantage of the stunning sites and impeccable weather.
Cancun is definitely a destination all of the family can enjoy and comes as highly recommended as it’s so diverse. You won’t be short of things to do or see.
A-One Pattaya Beach Resort, Thailand
The A-One Pattaya Beach Resort is a real heavyweight amongst disabled travellers. Why? Because it has been designed from the ground up with accessibility in mind.
The resort is luxurious and takes full advantage of Pattaya’s unique beauty, whilst also remaining ADA compliant. Rooms are fully accessible, have an assistance button, and the entire resort is stair-free and is connected by accessible ramps.
All in all, it’s a completely progressive resort that’s a little slice of paradise.
by jbremer57
Other things to consider before you go
It’s absolutely essential to ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers your disability. Many standard insurers will exploit loopholes and refuse to cover certain pre-existing medical conditions, especially if they think you are a high travel risk and may need treatment abroad.
Should you need medical treatment abroad, and you are properly insured, you should have nothing to worry about. Foreign hospitals in popular resorts and destinations have high standards and are still accountable for cases of medical negligence and patient dissatisfaction. In fact, more often than not, it’s possible to be treated by an English speaking doctor, which will alleviate any stress and uncertainty caused by a language barrier.
Beaches don’t have to be inaccessible to disabled people, as the places featured on this list show. With the right planning and attitude, most beaches can be improved and made more accessible.
After all, everyone should be able to enjoy the calm of the sea and take in the sights of the coast.
Have you been on holiday to an accessible beach that you would like to let us know about? Get in touch in the comments with your recommendations.