From a chance meeting at a cruise ship balloon drop to an unforgettable dance party at sea, my journey taught me that traveling with disabled children isn’t just possible—it’s life-changing. Here’s what I learned and how your family can create your own magical travel memories.

I’ve spent years writing about my adventures as a disabled traveler—the triumphs, the mishaps, and everything in between. But something changed during my recent 14-day transatlantic cruise. While I was familiar with the challenges of managing my mobility scooter, watching families create unforgettable moments with their disabled children opened my eyes to a whole new dimension of travel.

The Fun Begins: Day One

The ship’s promenade deck was filled with excitement during the balloon drop celebration. There was dancing before and after the balloons fell to the floor. Once all of the balloons were popped, the band started playing music, and the dancing began. I looked up and saw one of my solo cruise friends dancing with a young man in a wheelchair. His father was behind the chair, smiling and enjoying watching his son laugh with joy. His face was glowing with the kind of happiness that comes from seeing your child truly embracing life. I took a few pictures of them dancing.

An Unexpected Connection in Valencia

A few days later, during an accessible excursion in Valencia, fate introduced me to another remarkable family. As our group gathered at the Plaza de la Virgen, I noticed a woman taking photos of her son in his wheelchair. I was there on my scooter, and another solo traveler was taking my picture by the Turia fountain. I thought to myself, Who is going to take a picture of them together?

“Let me take a picture of you both together,” I offered after my own photo session. She hesitated, understandably wary of a stranger, but something in my smile must have reassured her. When she finally handed over her phone, I didn’t just take one picture—I took several pictures of them together. To me, it was a simple gesture, the kind travelers do for each other every day. But her repeated thanks suggested it meant far more.

That single moment blossomed into a beautiful friendship. Throughout the cruise, her son’s face would light up whenever he spotted me. Our daily conversations became something we all looked forward to. The highlight was a One Hit Wonder Street dance party, where the music, laughter, and joy erased any barriers between us. Watching him move around to the music in his chair, surrounded by new friends, I realized that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness create the biggest ripples of happiness.

Why Traveling with Disabled Children Matters

• Builds unshakeable family bonds through shared adventures
• Develop problem-solving skills in new environments
• Creates opportunities for unexpected friendships
• Shows children they can overcome any challenge
• Helps families discover their strength
• Teaches valuable lessons about accessibility worldwide
• Makes lasting memories beyond the everyday routine

Essential Tips for Successful Family Travel

Before You Go:

• Research accessibility at every stop thoroughly
• Connect with other traveling families online for specific advice
• Book accommodations that guarantee accessible features
• Request special assistance well in advance
• Pack extra medical supplies and important documents
• Create detailed itineraries with backup plans
• Consider comprehensive travel insurance

During Your Journey:

• Start each day with flexibility in mind
• Build in rest periods between activities
• Document everything—photos, videos, journals
• Stay open to unexpected opportunities
• Make friends with crew members and other families
• Celebrate small victories and special moments

Choosing the Right Vacation:

• Consider cruises for their extensive accessibility features
• Look into all-inclusive resorts with proven track records
• Research destinations with accessible attractions
• Check reviews from families with similar needs
• Start with shorter trips to build confidence

Making Connections:

• Share your experiences with other families
• Join accessible travel groups online
• Document your journey to help others
• Stay in touch with new friends
• Remember that kindness opens doors

The Reality of Accessible Family Travel

It’s not always perfect. There will be challenges, unexpected obstacles, and moments when plans need to change. However, these challenges often lead to the most meaningful experiences. That young man and his mother taught me something precious: travel isn’t just about the destinations we visit; it’s about the connections we make and the joy we share along the way.

I may not be a hero for taking those photos in Valencia, but I witnessed something heroic: families refusing to let disabilities define their boundaries. They chose adventure, embraced uncertainty, and created magical moments that would last a lifetime. And isn’t that what travel is all about?

These families weren’t just traveling—they were proving that adventure knows no bounds. And here I was, thinking I knew a lot about accessible travel when really, I’d only seen the tip of the iceberg. The world is waiting to welcome every family, just as they are, because every journey—whether it starts with a step or a roll—moves us all forward together.

I’d love to hear your stories and experiences, whether you’re a traveler with a disability or know someone who is. Every journey teaches us something new, and your insights could help others take that first step toward their dream adventure. Together, we can break down barriers and show that exploring this beautiful world isn’t limited by ability—it’s powered by spirit and determination. Because I truly believe that travel is for everyBODY®

Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out directly. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear to start their own travel journey.