Planning a holiday while supporting a loved one with a disability or caring for an older family member can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, travel doesn’t have to be stressful. These handy tips are designed to make things easier for Carers—so you can enjoy a well-earned break, too. Discover how a little planning can lead to a smoother, more enjoyable journey for both you and your loved one. Start with Smart PlanningThe key to a stress-free trip is advanced planning. Booking your accommodation early guarantees you'll secure the best options for your loved one’s specific needs. Start by selecting your destination and keep your travel dates flexible to maximise your choices. Accessible Accommodation offers over 300 locations across Australia, Bali, and New Zealand, with detailed information including FAQs, video tours, and local activity guides. When booking through this site, you’re assured of an accessible room, so you can enjoy peace of mind.Next, plan your route. For many, driving is the preferred mode of transport due to its flexibility. If road trips are your choice, research stops with accessible Changing Places facilities. These well-equipped restrooms with adult change tables and showers are a godsend for carers, ensuring comfort for your loved one during long drives.https://changingplaces.org.au/  

Planning a holiday for someone with accessibility needs can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re caring for a family member or client, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. In the first part of our carer-focused travel tips series, we provided recommendations for booking your stay. Now, in part two, we cover activities, resources for flying, road or air travel and more. Plan for Accessible Travel: Special AssistanceWhen it comes to transport, many Australian airlines, public transport systems, and even ferries offer special assistance for passengers with accessibility needs. If you're flying, it’s crucial to notify your airline in advance to arrange wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, or other specific requirements. Here are links to airport assistance: Qantas special assistance: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs.html Virgin special assistance: https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-travel/specific-needs-assistance/ Jetstar assistance https://www.jetstar.com/au/en/help/specific-assistance Air New Zealand special assistance: https://www.airnewzealand.com.au/special-assistance-disability-accessible-travel 

If you’re planning an accessible coastal adventure through Queensland, this 16-day road trip is for you. Starting and ending in Brisbane, the journey takes in city stays, beach towns, scenic hinterlands, and a tropical island escape, each location offering verified accessible accommodation. Every property listed has a minimum of step-free access, a step-free shower with grab rails, and doors wider than 76cm, with many offering more, including electric beds, hoists, and pool access. Let’s start the adventure! Follow the CoastDay 1: Stay in Brisbane