Cancellation Insurance
We recommend taking out cancellation insurance for your break, as cancellation fees do apply if you are unable to travel for any reason.
Read our page about Travel Insurance to learn more.
If you have a disability, travelling sometimes isn’t as easy or accessible as it should be. We’ve put together some useful accessible travel advice and tips to help take the hassle out of getting to and enjoying your Revitalise respite holiday.
Transport
Train
Rail operators can help you in all sorts of ways. The key is to plan ahead, giving train networks and staff the opportunity to help you plan your journey and ensure every stage is accessible.
Utilising Passenger Assistance can ensure that your needs are met from booking to the day of travel. You can learn more about this on the National Rail website or book assistance for your trip using the new Transreport app.
National Rail also has a search feature to find information about station accessibility.
Watch the video below from National Rail about Accessible Travel for All for an overview on what to expect on your journey. Alternative versions at a relaxed pace, with British Sign Language and audio descriptions are available on their website.
Disabled Persons Railcard
At only £20 a year, the Disabled Persons Railcard gives you and an adult companion a third off standard or first-class rail travel throughout the UK. Even without a railcard, wheelchair users who stay in their chairs are entitled to the same discount.
Coach
Like train journeys, accessible coach travel can be made simpler by planning ahead. National Express have several resources to help you enjoy your coach journey with ease.
Many coaches are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Booking in advance is not required, but contacting National Express ahead of time on 03717 81 81 81 is recommended to allow drivers time to carry out wheelchair accessibility checks. View the list of accessible stops on their website.
You may wish to travel with an Assisted Travel Card, allowing station staff to discreetly offer assistance.
Disabled Persons Coachcard
At only £12.50 per year, the Disabled Persons Coachcard works similarly to the Railcard. With it, you save a third off standard and fully flexible coach fares throughout the UK. You can also enjoy £15 mid-week day returns on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Local Buses
In recent years, many low-floor buses have been introduced locally throughout the UK, with over 80% in major urban areas.
You can also apply for a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass to enjoy free bus fares throughout the UK.
Car
If you are travelling to a Revitalise centre by car, there are plenty of resources to ensure a hitch-free journey:
- The Automobile Association (AA) can help you plan your journey from anywhere in the UK.
- Traffic England gives up-to-the-minute advice on avoiding traffic hotspots, incidents and roadworks.
- The Highways Agency gives 24-hour traffic information and updates by phone, online and on digital radio.
Taxis
Taxi services are readily available throughout the UK. For the easiest and most comfortable journey, we recommend booking a minicab ahead of time. Read more about disabled taxi support services on the Government’s website.
London Black Cabs are wheelchair accessible. Disabled Londoners can also get a Taxicard to save on fares in the city.
Specialist Taxi Services
There are also many specialist taxi services available throughout the UK that can provide peace of mind and a more accessible journey.
Here are some we recommend:
Transmobility
Transmobility is an accessible taxi and minibus service based in the Southampton area, with specially designed vehicles for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair Transport Service (WTS)
WTS can provide long distance wheelchair taxi service throughout the UK and mainland Europe.
Wheelchair Taxis London
Ride in style and comfort with Wheelchair Taxis London’s fleet of wheelchair-friendly Mercedes Vito cabs, with plenty of space for passengers, luggage and equipment.
Airplane
Did you know that each of our centres is within easy reach of a regional airport?
- London City airport – 11 miles from Jubilee Lodge
- Manchester airport – 45 miles from Sandpipers
Thanks to new regional airports and an increasing choice in domestic flights, getting to Revitalise by air is also an option. As with travelling by train, we recommend booking well in advance, communicating your requests to the airline, and arranging airport assistance if you need it.
Flying Disabled is a UK campaign offering resources for accessible flying.
For more advice on flying, visit Directgov’s web page for disabled travellers.
Communicating with Transport Providers
Communicating your unique travel requirements to your transport service of choice is the first step to a stress-free experience. They can offer resources to streamline your journey. Whether it’s ensuring that the station is accessible or helping you choose a service that meets your needs, this can prevent any surprises on the day.
UK train lines, coaches and airports have implemented the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for hidden disabilities. Staff are trained to recognise and discreetly help should you need it.
Book Transport in Advance
By booking in advance, you can prevent some stress on the day of travel. This allows stations and drivers to undertake any checks that may need to be done. It also gives you peace of mind and an opportunity to book any additional services you may want or need.
Consider a Medical Statement from your Doctor
For disabilities that may require any medical attention or intervention, we recommend carrying a medical statement from your GP for assurance. This can provide clarity to emergency service workers, if the unexpected happens.
It can also provide additional information for staff to better help you.
Prepare your Medication for Travel
Travel can be stressful, especially if you have medication that must be taken at specific times. We recommend labelling and organising any medication you may need throughout your journey before you depart. This way you’ll have everything readily at hand. In combination with a medical statement, this can be helpful to anyone who might assist you.
Legal Protections for Discrimination
It is against the law to discriminate against anyone based on age or disability in the UK. You’re protected from discrimination as a consumer and when using public services by the Equality Act of 2010.
Carers, friends and family of disabled people are also protected against discrimination under the same law.
Other Useful Resources
The Blue Badge Scheme helps you park closer to your destination if you’re disabled. Blue Badge also has an interactive online map, which is available as a mobile phone app via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You can search the UK for Blue Badge parking bays, accessible public toilets, train stations, Shopmobility centres, accessible beaches and more.
The Community Transport Association UK (CTAUK) provides local accessible transport, including dial-a-ride, vehicle hire and private car schemes.
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) provides transport and travel advice for disabled people.