The Rise of Inclusive Travel: Top Destinations Leading the Way in Accessibility

Rosa Matthews
Jan 7
4 min read

Updated: 10 hours ago

Let’s be real—everyone should be able to travel. Whether you’re rolling through life on two feet, two wheels, or something in between, exploring the world shouldn’t be off-limits. And thankfully, a growing number of cities are starting to get that. Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox anymore—it’s becoming part of the travel experience itself.

There’s been a quiet (but important) shift happening across tourism. More and more, people are realizing that it’s usually the surroundings—not the person—that make travel difficult. Fix the surroundings, and suddenly a whole lot more people can join the adventure.

Why Inclusive Travel Actually Matters

Here’s something to think about: over a billion people globally live with some form of disability. One billion. That’s a lot of potential travelers. Add in their families, carers, friends—and we’re talking about a seriously powerful travel market (source: UNWTO).

But accessibility isn’t just about wheelchairs or ramps. Ever tried navigating cobblestones with a pram? Or climbed endless steps with a dodgy knee? Making places more accessible helps a lot more people than you’d think.

What Makes a Place Accessible, Really?

It’s not just about slapping on a lift and calling it a day. Truly accessible destinations tend to get a few things right:

Good infrastructure – Are sidewalks wide and flat? Can people get into buildings without playing Tetris with their mobility aids?
Accessible transport – Trains, buses, taxis—are they easy to board and use?
Adaptable accommodation – Do hotels actually cater to different access needs?
Trained staff – Are people on the ground equipped to help, or is it a guessing game?
User-friendly digital tools – Are websites and travel apps usable for everyone, or do they become a nightmare with screen readers?

There’s no universal accessibility rating just yet, but organizations like ENAT and UNWTO are pushing things in the right direction.

7 Cities That Are Actually Doing It Right

Planning a trip and want to avoid the usual accessibility headaches? These places are making real efforts to welcome everyone—not just in theory, but in practice.

1. Barcelona, Spain

What they’ve nailed: Almost every bus and metro line has level boarding, and the beaches? Fully kitted out with wide ramps, adapted showers, and even amphibious chairs.

Why go: Gorgeous architecture, seaside vibes, and real effort made to include everyone. Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are just the cherry on top.

2. Berlin, Germany

What they’ve nailed: They’ve got a national certification system called "Reisen für Alle" (Tourism for All), so things actually get checked by trained people—not just guessed at. Public transport’s top notch.

Why go: Rich history, cool modern culture, and museums that actually think about who can get through the doors.

3. Vienna, Austria

What they’ve nailed: Vienna’s old-world charm hasn’t stopped it from getting a modern makeover. Elevators and ramps have been added to some seriously historic venues—without ruining the vibe.

Why go: Come for the music and imperial beauty, stay because they’ve thought about how to make it work for everyone.

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

What they’ve nailed: Those famous canals? Now you can cruise them with specially equipped boats. Plus, the city keeps improving its sidewalks and accessible hotel options.

Why go: Art, bikes, canals, pancakes—you don’t have to miss out on any of it.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

What they’ve nailed: The city is all about universal design—basically, building things that just work for as many people as possible.

Why go: It’s clean, cool, and thoughtful in how it’s built. A win all around.

6. Melbourne, Australia

What they’ve nailed: Melbourne’s trams are gradually being updated with low floors—meaning fewer awkward steps and more smooth rides. Public parks and event spaces are getting better too.

Why go: Indie cafés, street art, live sports—and you can actually get around to enjoy it all (source: Tourism Australia).

7. Sydney, Australia

What they’ve nailed: From the Opera House to harbour cruises, Sydney’s big attractions are becoming easier to navigate.

Why go: Iconic skyline, stunning beaches, and a surprisingly solid approach to accessibility.

Real Wins from Around the World

It’s not all talk—some of these cities are really putting effort in:

Amsterdam’s canal boats are now decked out with ramps so wheelchair users don’t have to miss those postcard moments.
Vienna’s historic venues are proving you can mix 18th-century architecture with modern access needs.
Melbourne’s tram upgrades show what’s possible when cities commit to slow, steady improvements.

What’s Next for Inclusive Travel?

Some exciting stuff is on the horizon:

Smart tech: Apps that tell you where the nearest accessible loo is? Yes, please. Virtual tours are also great for pre-trip planning (Journal of Tourism Futures).
Universal design from the get-go: More places are getting that it’s easier to build access in from the start than to awkwardly tack it on later.
Stricter regulations: Governments are (slowly) setting tougher rules for tourism-related accessibility.
Better business sense: Accessibility = more tourists. It’s that simple.

Still Room for Growth

Even the best cities aren’t perfect. You’ll still run into:

Inconsistent accessibility—great one block, awful the next.
Last-mile gaps—getting from the train to your hotel can be the hardest part.
Poor staff training—sometimes it feels like accessibility is a mystery to the people who should know better.
Outdated websites—why is that booking page unreadable with assistive tech in 2025?
Heritage headaches—updating old buildings without ruining their charm is tough, but doable with creativity.

The Bottom Line

Inclusive travel isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the future. The more we design with real people in mind—all ages, abilities, and situations—the better the travel experience becomes for everyone.

So next time you’re planning a trip or designing a tour, don’t treat accessibility like a bonus feature. It’s the foundation of travel that actually works for everyone.

Because the real question isn’t, “Will it work for me?” It’s, “Where do we go next?”