When it comes to the most accessible countries in the world, several destinations stand out for their commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy their travels.
While wheelchair accessibility is one of the most important considerations for a country to be considered disabled friendly, there are other factors at play, such as the availability of tourist attractions that can accommodate wheelchair users and have wheelchair access.
In Europe, several countries stand out for their commitment to ensuring their cities are accessible.
The Netherlands is a prime example, with the entire public transportation system being accessible and many attractions having been renovated to include wheelchair access. Other European countries, such as Germany, France, Sweden, and Denmark, have made great strides to ensure their cities are disabled friendly.
In Asia, Japan has some of the best disabled friendly infrastructure and facilities in the world. Tourists with physical disabilities, and wheelchair users in particular, can make use of special lifts, ramps, and elevators to get around the country’s cities and attractions.
In addition to Europe and Asia, countries in the Americas, such as Canada, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, and Ecuador, are also leading the way in ensuring their cities are accessible and that disabled tourists can make the most of their travels.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is of the most accessible cities for tourists thanks to its extensive public transportation system, which includes buses and trams equipped with wheelchair lifts.
Its attractions have also been renovated to include ramps and designated areas for wheelchair users. In addition, the Dutch government has launched an initiative to make restaurant and hotel patios more accessible for people in wheelchairs.
Furthermore, maps can be downloaded from the government’s website showing wheelchair accessible routes across the country.
Finally, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers assistance services specifically designed for disabled travelers.
Check out this video where Arta visits the Netherlands in a wheelchair. It’s possible, and you should never let a disability control your life. This video is a perfect example to just GO!
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most accessible cities in Europe, with tourists who have physical disabilities or use wheelchairs able to experience the city’s attractions. The city has taken several steps to ensure it is accessible for wheelchair users and those with physical disabilities, including making sure public transportation is wheelchair accessible and that many of its tourist attractions feature ramps and designated areas for individuals in wheelchairs.
The city is also home to several disabled friendly hotels and restaurants, as well as accessible walking routes and maps that can be downloaded from the government’s website.
Accessible hotel rooms
Yes, Amsterdam offers accessible hotels with accessible toilets and other amenities for disabled travelers.
Many hotels have been renovated to include ramps, designated areas for people with disabilities, and other disabled-friendly facilities. In addition, several online booking websites offer information about which hotels in Amsterdam are disability friendly and feature accessible rooms.
A perfect example is the Met Hotel.
Germany
Germany is an excellent choice for disabled tourists looking to explore Europe. The country has taken significant steps to ensure accessible transportation, attractions, and accessible rooms for disabled adults and kids. Public transportation in Germany is accessible with buses offering wheelchair lifts and trams.
Most tourist destinations are accessible with ramps, designated areas, and other accessibility features.
Furthermore, accessible hotel rooms are available in most major cities, and accessible bathrooms are becoming more common in hotels. Additionally, many German restaurants now offer accessible dining options.
Accessible public transportation
In Germany, accessible public transportation is widely available for those in wheelchairs. Most of the country’s major cities are accessible with buses that have wheelchair lifts and trams.
The government has implemented accessible infrastructure measures and taken steps to ensure accessible transportation systems in all major cities across the country.
Alongside buses, Germany also has wheelchair-friendly attractions, accessible hotels, and accessible restaurants. These measures have been taken to ensure that disabled tourists can easily enjoy their travels throughout Germany.
In this video, John talks about Munich and how accessible it is to people in wheelchairs.
Canada
Canada is an excellent choice for people with disabilities looking to explore the great outdoors. The government has taken significant steps to ensure its cities, parks, and attractions are accessible to people with physical limitations.
For example, many of Canada’s major cities have implemented fully accessible infrastructure measures, such as ramps and designated areas for disabled people. In addition, many of Canada’s national parks feature accessible trails and visitor centers so people with physical disabilities can enjoy the outdoors.
Furthermore, accessible hotels are available in most major cities, as well as accessible bathrooms in some hotels. Canadian restaurants have also taken steps to become more disability friendly by offering wheelchair accessible dining options.
Montreal
Montreal is one of the most accessible cities for tourists who have physical disabilities or use wheelchairs. The city has taken many steps to ensure its attractions, transportation, and lodging are accessible for people with disabilities and those with physical disabilities.
Public transportation in Montreal is accessible with buses offering wheelchair lifts and accessible trams. Many attractions around the city also have accessible entrances and exits and accessible toilets.
Additionally, many Montreal restaurants now offer accessible dining options.
These accessible infrastructure measures have been implemented to ensure that disabled tourists can explore the city of Montreal safely and enjoyably.
In this video, Mark talks about do’s and dont’s when you travel to Montreal. It might not be about how accessible Montreal is, but it’s a definite must to find out what you can do in the city.
Japan
Yes, Japan is fully accessible to tourists with physical disabilities. The government has implemented various accessible infrastructure measures, such as ramps and designated areas.
Public transportation in Japan is also disability friendly, with buses offering wheelchair lifts and trams. Many tourist attractions are disability friendly, with access to toilets specially designed for disabled people and ramps or elevators for wheelchairs.
Hotels in Japan also provide disability-friendly rooms with amenities such as grab bars in the bathroom, emergency buttons, and low-level beds for easy accessibility.
Making Tokyo easier for those traveling with physical disabilities to explore the historic cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Japan.
In this video, you’ll be assured by real testimony of individuals in wheelchairs that Japan is wheelchair friendly.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a historic city and fully accessible. Tokyo has taken many steps to ensure that its attractions, transportation, and other amenities are accessible for those with physical disabilities or wheelchairs.
Tokyo offers wheelchair accessible bus services with everything you need if you’re using a wheelchair, electric wheelchair, or a scooter.
The Meiji Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions. Founded in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, the shrine is situated within a beautiful 70-hectare forest full of towering trees and peaceful ponds.
There is accessible accommodation offered near The Meiji Shrine. Numerous hotels and lodges in the area offer wheelchair friendly amenities and services to ensure disabled travelers are comfortable during their visit.
For example, the Hotel Gracery, located just a short distance from The Meiji Shrine, offers wheelchair friendly rooms with grab bars in the bathroom, a low-level bed to make it easier for people with disabilities, and other disability-friendly amenities.
South America
South America is becoming increasingly disability friendly for disabled tourists. Several cities across the continent offer accessible infrastructure, public transportation, and disability friendly lodging.
In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a bustling city with disability friendly infrastructure in place. The public transportation system has been adapted to include wheelchair lifts on buses, as well as disability friendly trams and subway stations.
Copacabana Beach, one of the top tourist destinations in Rio de Janeiro, is disability friendly with ramps and specific beach access points. Additionally, many cafes and restaurants near the beach offer disability-friendly menus.
Argentina
In Argentina, Buenos Aires is an excellent disability friendly city with numerous disability-friendly attractions, public transportation, and accommodations. One of the most disability friendly sites in the city is Palermo Woods, which has accessible pathways and benches integrated with safety rails.
In this video, Jimmy goes over how he loves the city of Puerto Madryn in Argentina. The city might not be as advanced as Amsterdam, but that shouldn’t stop you from going if you’re in a wheelchair.
Buenos Aires also offers disability friendly public buses with wheelchair lifts on buses, as well as disability friendly trams and subway stations.
Accommodations in Buenos Aires are disability friendly and offer disability-friendly amenities such as grab bars, low-level beds, raised toilet seats, wheelchair ramps, etc., to ensure disabled visitors are comfortable during their stay.
United States
The United States is one of the most disability friendly countries in the world, with many cities offering accessible infrastructure and services for disabled tourists.
For example, Seattle, Washington offers many tourist attractions that are disability friendly. The city has wheelchair accessible buses and trams, as well as various public attractions that are adapted for anyone in a wheelchair.
The city also offers numerous disability-friendly accommodations, such as the Watertown Hotel, which has accessible rooms with grab bars in the bathroom and other disability friendly amenities.
New York
New York is a bastion of culture, art, and history, but it can also be intimidating for someone with mobility or accessibility issues. Fortunately, New York City has taken several steps to ensure anyone can visit and experience the city safely and easily.
Many of the city’s attractions are accessible, including the city’s iconic subway stations. Additionally, many city parks have ramps and pathways integrated with safety rails to make the city’s outdoor attractions accessible.
Regarding accommodations, New York City offers numerous disability-friendly hotels, lodges, and inns that offer grab bars in the bathroom, low-level beds for individuals in wheelchairs, and other disability friendly amenities.
With the right attitude and preparation, you can be confident that your travel experience will be stress-free and enjoyable!
In this video, Jenny and Laura discuss the accessibility of Times Square, Central Park, Subway, and Metro North. It’s a four-part series, so make sure you watch all of them.
Before you go
Shameless plug: If you’re traveling and need a light, foldable, and long-range electric wheelchair, check out the EWheels M45. It has everything you need for a perfect travel experience.
And, of course, we’ve written extensively about travel and physical disability. Check out our article highlighting vacations for seniors with limited mobility and the most accessible cities in the US.
