A relaxing and enjoyable holiday filled with sun, sand and sea should be accessible to all. For those with reduced mobility, getting onto the beach can feel like a daunting prospect, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be just as fun for you as it is for anyone else.
Being prepared is key – the right tools, clothes and mobility aids will make a massive difference to your enjoyment of your holiday, ensuring you are comfortable and relaxed throughout.
It is best to begin with some thorough research – you’ll need all of the information you can gather on your destination and possible accessibility issues you might face. Some destinations will be more accessible than others, so it is worth taking this into account when choosing your holiday location. It can also help to discuss accessible holiday locations with other people you know who have mobility issues.
Get Your Wardrobe Right
Planning your wardrobe for your beach holiday can be exciting, but it can also be a bit of a head-scratcher at times. It can be tough to know exactly what is best to buy before you travel, but there are some near-universal essentials you should take, including:
- Swimwear
- Cooling summer dresses
- Relaxed shorts
- Comfortable t-shirts
You should invest in quality items that you can wear time and again for summer holidays or warm weather at home. It is best to wear light, breathable fabrics which will keep you cool and comfortable while you relax by the sea.
Wear The Right Shoes
You’ll need shoes that offer you excellent grip and stability when you’re visiting the beach. Sandals are often popular because they have strong tread while being open and cooling. It is best to visit a shoe shop and try on a few different choices until you find the pair that fits well. Make sure to break them in before you go on your travels – the last thing you want is blisters hampering your mobility on your holiday.
Bring Some Shade
Lounging in the sun can be great fun, but it is important to be safety conscious; the last thing you want on your trip is sunburn. SPF is vital for preventing sunburn (more on that below!), as is bringing along some shade. Most hotels in warmer places provide beach umbrellas for their guests, either free of charge or at a small fee. This can be invaluable for bringing some much-needed shade to the beach, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Invest In A Quality Rollator
When accessing the beach, you’ll likely encounter a wide range of ground surfaces that could present problems for people with limited mobility. A rollator can be an ideal investment for anyone who will be travelling over different surfaces. Rollz Mobility have a variety of excellent rollators that could be perfect for a beachside holiday, including an all-terrain option that gives users a smooth and comfortable experience.
Go As A Group
Solo travelling can be incredible fun, but it may be better to go on your beachside holiday with friends or family. Having someone nearby to help if you need it can be invaluable, and a group holiday can be an incredible bonding experience. Be upfront about your mobility needs with your travelling companions and ensure they are able and ready to help out if necessary.
Use High SPF Sunscreen
The last thing anyone wants to deal with on holiday is sunburn. Using a quality, high-SPF sunscreen is essential to prevent what can be aggravating at best and painfully disabling at worst. Use an SPF of at least 50, and remember to cover all areas of your body that will be in the sun. You can get specialist SPF for hair and scalp coverage, as well as gentler options for the sensitive skin of the face.
Take Out Quality Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for any traveller, but you might find it challenging to get the best cover if you have pre-existing medical conditions. It is important to get insurance that will cover medical costs, lost or stolen luggage, and other emergencies that could otherwise leave you out of pocket. You may need to shop around to find the right insurance, but it is worth it for the essential peace of mind it will give you.
Conclusion
A holiday to warmer locales can be an excellent way to relax and ease the stresses of day-to-day life. You may need to do some extra planning and preparation to ensure that your mobility issues don’t impact on your ability to enjoy your holiday. You should ensure that you bring all the things that you might need to make accessing the beach easier, including quality mobility aids like rollators. The clothes you pack will also make a big difference in your comfort levels during your time at the beach.
