Accessible To Or By

I was 27 and had just returned from a trip to a remote coastal town in the Pacific Northwest, where I had to navigate cobblestone streets, inaccessible restrooms. The absence of any real accommodation that catered to wheelchair users. It was the kind of trip that felt like a gamble—half adventure, half frustration. That trip taught me the importance of understanding the difference between 'accessible to' and 'accessible by.' When we talk about accessibility in travel, we're not just talking about whether a destination can be reached; we're talking about whether it can be experienced fully by everyone.^[1]

This realization led me to create Traveling with Disabilities Accessible, a blog dedicated to helping travelers with disabilities handle the world more easily. I've spent the last five years testing accommodations, airports, hotels, and public transportation systems. Every trip I've taken has been an opportunity to understand what 'accessible to' and 'accessible by' really mean. It's not just about the presence of a ramp or a sign—it's about how well those features function in real life, under real conditions.

What I've learned is that accessibility in travel is about more than just physical access. It's about inclusivity, comfort, and the overall experience. Whether you're navigating a crowded train station or trying to enjoy a scenic overlook, the details matter. In this article, I'll walk you through how to plan a trip that is both 'accessible to' and 'accessible by,' ensuring that your journey is not only possible but also enjoyable.

Understanding 'Accessible To' vs. 'Accessible By'

As of September 2026, when a destination is 'accessible to' someone, it means that they can reach it. However, being 'accessible by' means that they can move through it, use its services, and enjoy its features. This distinction is crucial for travelers with disabilities. I learned this the hard way when I visited a city that had a wheelchair-accessible entrance to a museum, but the interior was not wheelchair-friendly. The difference between being able to enter and being able to move through a space is often overlooked.

Accessibility is not just about the presence of physical features—it's about how well they work. A ramp may be there, but if it's steep or lacks handrails, it's not truly accessible. I once stayed in a hotel that had a wheelchair-accessible room, but the bathroom had a low sink and no grab bars. It was a small detail, but it made a huge difference in my comfort and safety.

The key to a great accessible trip is to find destinations that are not only 'accessible to' but also 'accessible by.' That means researching the entire journey, from the airport to the hotel, from the restaurants to the attractions. If you're not sure, reach out to the destination or hotel directly and ask specific questions about accessibility.

Planning Your Route with Accessibility in Mind

I always start by planning the entire trip, from the moment I arrive at the airport to the time I leave. I've found that accessible airports are often easier to navigate than inaccessible ones. I once traveled to a city where the airport had no elevators, and the only way to reach the departure level was via a long, steep staircase. It was a nightmare, but I had prepared for it by researching the airport's layout beforehand.

When planning your route, use tools like Google Maps or accessibility-focused travel apps to find the most accessible paths. I've used an app that shows wheelchair-friendly routes through cities, and it's made a huge difference in my ability to navigate unfamiliar places. These tools can help you avoid roads that are not wheelchair accessible or public transport that doesn't have accessible seating.

It's also important to check the accessibility of each stop in your itinerary. I once had to change planes in a city with a few accessible gates, but I had to request a specific one in advance. Planning ahead and knowing the details can help you avoid the stress of last-minute changes.

Accessibility is not just about the presence of features—it's about how well they work in real life.

Related: Accessible trip brazil

Related: Travels available near me

Related: Accessible to or accessible for

Related: How accessible travel

Choosing the Right Accommodations

Choosing the right accommodation is one of the most important steps in planning an accessible trip. I've stayed in several wheelchair-accessible hotels, but I've also stayed in some that were not as accommodating as they claimed to be. I once booked a room that was labeled as 'accessible,' but the door was too narrow for my wheelchair to pass through. It was a major inconvenience, but it could have been avoided with more research.^[2]

When booking, look for specific details, such as whether the room has a roll-in shower, grab bars in the bathroom, and a wide door. I've found that some hotels have accessibility features in the public areas but not in the guest rooms. It's important to check both the room and the public spaces.

I recommend reaching out to the hotel or rental company before booking to ask specific questions about accessibility. I once stayed in a rental that had a wheelchair-accessible entrance but no lift for the front steps. After contacting the host, they provided a temporary ramp, which made all the difference in my ability to enjoy the trip. (80 percent, osc.ny.gov)^[3]

“I was 27 and had just returned from a trip to a remote coastal town in the Pacific Northwest, where I had to navigate cobblestone…”— Traveling with Disabilities Accessible editors

Related: Accessible tourism definition

Navigating Public Transportation

Public transportation is often a major concern for travelers with disabilities. I've used buses, trains, and subways in several cities, and I've found that accessibility varies widely. I once traveled in a city where the buses had no wheelchair ramps and no designated seating, which made the trip very difficult. It was a challenge, but I had prepared by checking the transportation options in advance.

In some cities, public transportation is accessible, but in others, it's not. I've found that many cities have accessible buses and trains, but the accessibility can depend on the specific route and the time of day. It's important to check the accessibility of the transportation system before you travel.

I always recommend contacting the local transportation authority in advance to get information about accessible services. I've found that in some cities, you can request an accessible vehicle in advance, which can make a huge difference in your ability to travel comfortably.^[4]

Choosing Accessible Attractions and Services

When planning your trip, it's important to choose attractions that are accessible. I've visited several museums, parks, and historical sites, and I've found that some places are more accessible than others. I once visited a museum that had a wheelchair-accessible entrance but no accessible exhibits. It was a disappointment, but I had learned my lesson from previous trips.

Some attractions may have accessible entrances but not accessible interiors. I've found that some museums have elevators that are not wheelchair-friendly or restrooms that are not accessible. It's important to check the accessibility of the entire attraction, not just the entrance.

I recommend checking the accessibility of each attraction in advance. I've used a website that lists accessible attractions in different cities, and it's been a huge help. It's also a good idea to contact the attraction directly to get more information about their accessibility features.

Ensuring Accessibility in Restaurants and Shops

Dining and shopping are important parts of any trip, but they can be challenging for travelers with disabilities. I've found that some restaurants have accessible entrances but not accessible dining areas. I once dined in a restaurant that had a wheelchair-accessible entrance but no accessible tables. It was a problem, but I had learned my lesson from previous trips.

When choosing a restaurant or shop, it's important to check the accessibility of the entire space. I've found that some restaurants have accessible entrances but no accessible restrooms or seating. It's important to check the details before you go.

I recommend checking the accessibility of each restaurant and shop in advance. I've used a website that lists accessible dining and shopping options in different cities, and it's been a huge help. It's also a good idea to contact the restaurant or shop directly to get more information about their accessibility features.

Accessibility is not just about the presence of features—it's about how well they work in real life.

Staying Safe and Informed on the Road

Staying safe and informed is important for any traveler, but it's especially important for travelers with disabilities. I've found that some cities have emergency services that are not accessible, which can be a problem in an emergency. I once had to call an emergency service in a city where they had no wheelchair-accessible vehicles. It was a challenge, but I had prepared by researching the local emergency services in advance.

It's important to research the emergency services in the city you're visiting. I've found that some cities have emergency services that are not accessible, which can be a problem in an emergency. I once had to call an emergency service in a city where they had no wheelchair-accessible vehicles. It was a challenge, but I had prepared by researching the local emergency services in advance.

I recommend checking the accessibility of local emergency services before you travel. I've found that some cities have accessible emergency services, while others do not. It's important to know what to expect in case of an emergency.

Accessible To Or By