As a travel advisor, I specialize in accessible and sustainable travel. A friend recently asked me, “Why both? Wouldn’t it be easier to just focus on one?”
It’s a fair question, so I'm going to answer it here.
Accessibility and Sustainability: Two Sides of the Same Coin
I focus on both because I care deeply about both. But more than that, I believe accessibility and sustainability are interconnected. You can’t have truly responsible travel if it doesn’t include everyone.
People with disabilities want to travel just like anyone else. We dream of seeing iconic places, experiencing new cultures, and creating lifelong memories. But the reality is that many disabled travellers face barriers that others don't even have to think about, like physical inaccessibility, ableist assumptions and discrimination.
These aren’t just inconveniences—they can be harmful. They can turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare, or worse, a dangerous situation.
Why Accessibility Matters in the Conversation Around Sustainability
Because of these challenges, many disabled travellers actively seek out destinations and travel providers who are kind, inclusive, and attentive to their needs. But that compassion shouldn't only flow in one direction.
All travellers—disabled or not—have a responsibility to treat their destinations and the people who live there with care and respect. Many people with disabilities, having experienced vulnerability themselves, are especially empathetic to others, whether it’s local communities overwhelmed by mass tourism or underpaid workers in the hospitality industry.
In my view, accessibility is a core component of sustainability. We can't call travel "sustainable" if it excludes or disrespects the most vulnerable among us, be it people with disabilities, children, the elderly, or marginalized groups.
Accessibility Must Come First, But Sustainability Can Still Follow
No matter how hard we try, sustainable travel options are not always going to be possible. For example, flying might be the only feasible transportation option for someone with certain accessibility needs, even if a train would be more eco-friendly. In these cases, accessibility has to come first.
A trip can’t be sustainable if it isn’t possible for the person taking it.
But that doesn’t mean sustainability gets thrown out the window. No matter what your access needs look like, there are practical, manageable ways to incorporate sustainability into your travel:
Choose accommodations with green certifications like EarthCheck, Green Key, or LEED
Use airports with clearly defined sustainability goals and accessible services
Pack light to reduce your carbon footprint, especially on flights
Support small local businesses and artisans instead of global chains
Avoid unnecessary single-use plastics—bring your own water bottle and tote bag
Take fewer but longer trips, reducing the impact of frequent travel
Work with a travel advisor (hi, that’s me!) who understands how to balance both accessibility and sustainability
Travel with Intention
Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being mindful.
And accessibility doesn’t have to be at odds with sustainability. In fact, they both reflect the same core values: inclusion, empathy, and responsibility.
When we travel with intention, we not only open ourselves up to the world—we help make the world more open to others.
Looking for Accessible or Sustainable Travel Options?
If you're dreaming of a trip that feels both right for you and right for the planet, I’d love to help. Whether you're looking for destinations that meet your accessibility needs, want to minimize your travel footprint, or both, I'm here to support you.
Send me a message or book a calendar slot to get started.