Taking a holiday or travelling abroad is always very exciting! It gives you an opportunity to relax, to enjoy different experiences and explore new parts of the country or world. Holidaying can often also lead to meeting new people and sometimes even making new friends.

Whats in this Section

• In the UK
• Abroad
• insurance
• Travelling Alone

However, if you have a disability or are of a certain age, the idea of going on holiday or travelling abroad can be quite daunting. It can be difficult to know where to go or what type of holiday to choose to ensure that your personal needs are met.

If you are thinking of going on holiday but are reluctant to go alone because of a specific health or mobility problem, you can either contact a charity or voluntary group in your area for more information. Alternatively check out the possibility of employing someone to accompany you. In our section on Specialised Care Services you will find Care Agencies who specialise in this area and helpful guidelines to assist you. Make yourself a list of what you want before you start making enquiries. for instance:

• Do you need a specialised holiday package that is tailored to your individual needs?
• Do you want a standard relaxation holiday or an adventure holiday?
• What level of insurance do you need?
• What is the best way to travel to your destination, and again, what are the transport options available once you reach your destination?
• If you plan to travel alone, have you taken all of the necessary security precautions to ensure you're safe when on holiday?

Fortunately here at beecareful.info we have pulled together information relating to all of the questions above. 

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In the UK

The UK is such a diverse and interesting country, offering different holidaying experiences to meet each individual's needs.
 
Taking a holiday in the UK is not only a great opportunity to discover and explore this varied country, but it also tends to offer you the same variety of holiday options and experiences that you would find with overseas holidays, (except for maybe the weather!) In the UK, you have access to the seaside, countryside and lively metropolitan cities. The choice of accommodation is as varied, whether it is a caravan, bed and breakfast or hotel complex, adjustments which are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act will have been made, ensuring your stay is as problem free as possible.  In some instances you do not even have to leave your setting as entertainment, refreshments etc are all provided. Taking a holiday in the UK can also often be easier for individuals with disabilities or mobility problems, benefits also include communication, you will not have to learn a new language. You also have more travel options; you can drive, or take a coach or train, all of which can generally offer greater accessibility and comfort than airplanes or ferries.
'When people book to go on a holiday, either in the UK or abroad, they tend to want one of the following holiday packages;'

• A specialised holiday
• A relaxation holiday
• An adventure holiday
• Tailored Holiday

A specialised holiday is a holiday that incorporates a particular hobby, pastime or interest. Examples of this type of holiday would include; walking holidays, gardening holidays, painting holidays, chess holidays, or holidays focused on antiques. Most holiday companies now provide details on specialised holidays, and the variety of holidays you can book is ever-increasing. As specialised holidays are put together to revolve around a particular interest, you normally find that each day is mapped out for you. So, for example on a walking holiday, a series of walks will be planned for each day, with refreshment breaks scheduled in. Specialised holidays can also refer to holidays that are provided to cater for individuals with health or social care needs.
 
There are many organisations and charities which arrange and provide holidays for disabled people. This ensures that you have access to the assistance you need whilst on holiday. You could also find that due to improved technology and increased funding the choices, regarding activities and location, you have when visiting a specialised centre are on a par with facilities provided for the able-bodied holiday maker.

Relaxation holidays and adventure holidays do exactly what the name suggests, they can either relax you or provide you with an adventurous experience! Relaxation holidays often take place at spas or health resorts, where you have access to exercise classes, meditation classes and health or body treatments, including massages, manicures and pedicures.

Alternatively, hiring a cottage in the depths of Yorkshire can be equally as relaxing; as can spending a holiday reading or visiting historical buildings or heritage sites.

Adventure holidays tend to involve some form of physical activity, and can be tailored around any specific interest you may have. With all the choices available to you it is possible to have a combination holiday, a bit of relaxation and adventure within a specialised setting.

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Abroad

Travelling abroad and visiting other countries is a great way to spend your leisure time. There are so many places to see and experiences to have. Holidays abroad are becoming more and more accessible for individuals who have a disability, as transportation, accommodation and specialised holiday packages are now often designed to accommodate individuals who have a disability.

When people book to go on a holiday they tend to want one of the following holiday packages;

• A specialised holiday
• A relaxation holiday
• An adventure holiday
• Tailored holiday

'A specialised holiday is a holiday that incoporates a particular hobby, pastime or interest. Examples of this type of holiday would include; walking holidays, cultural holidays, painting holidays, historical holidays, or holidays focused on architecture.

Most holiday companies now provide details on specialised holidays, and the variety of holidays you can book is ever-increasing. As specialised holidays are put together to revolve around a particular interest, you normally find that each day is mapped out for you. So, for example on a historical holiday, a series of different historical sites will be visited each day, with refreshment breaks scheduled in.

Specialised holidays can also refer to holidays that are provided to cater for individuals with health or social care needs. There are many organisations and charities which arrange and provide overseas holidays for disabled people. This ensures that you have access to the assistance you need whilst on holiday. You could also find that due to improved technology and increased funding the choices available are now on a par with the able-bodied holiday maker.

Relaxation holidays and adventure holidays do exactly what they suggest. They are designed to either relax you or provide you with an adventurous experience! Relaxation holidays often take place at spas or health resorts, where you have access to exercise classes, meditation classes and health or body treatments, including massages and manicures.

Alternatively, beach holidays or countryside holidays can be equally as relaxing; as can package holidays, where there is no need to leave a particular resort, and all your individual needs are catered for. Cruises are becoming increasingly popular and are an ideal opportunity to meet people with the added bonus of having in place the required adaptations for retired or disabled people.

Adventure holidays tend to involve some form of physical activity and can be tailored around any specific interest. With all the choices available to you it is possible to have a combination holiday which will include relaxation and adventure all within a specialised setting.

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Insurance

Holiday and travel insurance are just as important as remembering to pack your clothes. They are there to protect you from any problems, as mistakes and lack of cover can ruin your trip and prove very costly.

Most holiday companies, particularly if you are going abroad will strongly advise you to have some form of holiday insurance. If your transport is delayed, you have a problem with your accomodation, you lose your luggage, passport or you become unwell. Having the correct level of insurance will give you some protection against these things which could in fact ruin your holiday.

If you have a particular medical condition or a specific social care need it is often advisable to go to an insurance company that understands disability and health needs. They can understand the potential risks involved for the disabled traveller and may be able to offer competitive rates   It is also advisable to contact Charities and Support Organisations as they may be able to recommend companies and ensure you have access to any available funding. Particular attention needs to be paid to medical treatment costs. Unlike the NHS in the UK, many countries will expect you to pay for your own treatment.
 
'If you are travelling within Europe, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).' This will entitle you to any necessary health treatment you may need resulting from a sudden illness or accident at a reduced rate or in some instances free of charge. It gives you the same rights to health care as people who reside in that country. As from 1st April 2008, you will need to show your EHIC card in order to obtain healthcare services, if you do not have the card with you, then you will be required to pay for any treatment you have. The EHIC card is not meant as a alternative to travel insurance as it only covers the basic services and you are liable for additional costs if for instance, you need to accommodate your family in an emergency. The EHIC card is only valid in countries within the EU.

If you do have the misfortune to require medical help whilst on holiday abroad, you may be expected to pay beforehand for any treatment you need. Before taking out travel insurance make sure you read the small print and take notice of any exclusions which may apply to you. It is important to disclose everything about your medical condition and history as any ommisions can render your insurance null and void resulting in you being fully responsible for any cost incurred.

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Travelling Alone

Having the opportunity to travel is a great experience. People often use holiday periods to pursue their own interests which may include meeting new or like-minded people, or see more of the UK or the rest of the world. Whilst many travel or go on holiday with friends, family, or on a scheduled trip, others choose to travel alone.

Travelling alone gives you the freedom and flexibility to see what you want to see, go where you want to go, and generally take control over your entire holiday. If this is your first trip alone you may consider booking or arranging your trip where you know you will meet people who have similar interests, or visiting somewhere you are confident that any special assistance you require can be provided.

However, travelling alone does potentially leave you in a more vulnerable position than if you travelled with others, and so you should take precautions to protect your safety.

Here at Beecareful.info we have pulled together a list of security measures and checks you can follow to protect your personal safety as much as possible when travelling;

Safety Tips

• Plan your trip well. Ensure you have finalised each part of your itinerary so that you know how you are going to get from one place to another, at what time you'll be able to check into your accommodation, etc
• Give details of your travel plans to friends or family, so that they know where you are suppose to be on each day of your trip
• Once you have started travelling, or commenced your holiday, call a friend or family member every few days so that they know you are safe and well
• Try to take notice of the area around you. Note important landmarks that are close to your hotel or place of accommodation, and pay particularly close attention to your surroundings if you are on a day or night time excursion
• When out and about, try not to look like you are new to the area
• Keep a close eye on your belongings and don't leave bags or purses lying around
• Think about investing in a mobile phone or personal alarm if you haven't already got them

The majority of people who holiday or travel alone have a wonderful time and don't encounter any problems with their personal safety. It can be an uplifting and confidence building exercise to holiday alone so don't be put off of travelling alone; just take some basic precautions and you will feel more confident about holidaying or travelling alone. 

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