Accessible Travel Resources: Websites, Apps, and Tools I Actually Use
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Because traveling with a disability or chronic illness is hard enough without bad Wi-Fi, inaccessible hotel “surprises,” or a missing elevator.
Let’s be honest, accessible travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about how you get there without losing your mind, your meds, or your mobility aid along the way.
Hi, I’m Jenn Lloyd, the chronically ill explorer behind Sick Girl Travels, and when I say I’ve road-tested more travel tools than TSA has touched my collapsible cane, I mean it. Whether I’m planning a solo trip or navigating a flare mid-flight, these are the websites, apps, and tools I actually rely on to travel smarter, safer, and with fewer “Oops, there’s a staircase” moments.
Before I launch into the sites and apps I use, I want to make it clear which mobility aids I use. My chronic illness is a persnickety one. Ehlers-Danlos causes chronic, widespread pain and frequent joint dislocations. This means some days I can walk unaided, and some days I use a cane. When I’ve gone through particularly bad pain flares and spinal dislocations, I’ve relied on a wheelchair. This gives me unique insight into traveling with mobility aids. I’ve also traveled with my father, who uses a rollator. This is to say, I look at a wide spectrum of accessibility and always default to wheelchair accessible when writing my guides, since it means elevators, ramps, and the absence of stairs.
🧭 Websites for Planning Accessible Travel
🦽 Wheel the World
What it is: A global platform for booking accessible hotels, tours, and activities.
Why I use it: Their listings include actual accessibility info, door widths, roll-in showers, elevator access, not just vague promises. You can filter by your mobility needs and avoid nasty surprises.
👉 wheeltheworld.com
🌍 Sage Traveling
What it is: A tour planning service that specializes in wheelchair-accessible European travel.
Why I use it: Europe is stunning… and also full of cobblestones and “just one step” entrances. Sage Traveling creates custom itineraries with access-first thinking. You can also rent wheelchairs through their site, which is extra helpful.
👉 sagetraveling.com
🧳 AccessAble
What it is: A UK-based directory with detailed accessibility guides for restaurants, hotels, museums, and public spaces.
Why I use it: It goes beyond “wheelchair accessible” and shows things like lift dimensions, bathroom layouts, and whether there’s a hearing loop.
👉 accessable.co.uk
📱 Apps That Help Me Travel Without Melting Down
📍 Google Maps (Offline Mode)
Why I love it: I download maps for my destination before I leave, so I never get stranded without directions, even if my Wi-Fi is being shady.
Jenn’s Tip: Save places with accessible entrances or good bathroom access as “Favorites.”
🧑🦽 AccessNow
What it is: A crowdsourced app that shares accessibility info for public spaces around the world.
Why I love it: Fellow disabled travelers can rate restaurants, hotels, and venues — so you get real feedback, not marketing fluff.
🚕 Uber WAV
Why I love it: In cities that support it (like NYC, London, LA), you can request wheelchair-accessible vehicles through the regular Uber app.
Jenn’s Tip: Always check how many WAVs are in your area before relying on them for tight timing.
💊 MediSafe or RoundHealth
What it is: Medication reminder apps that keep you on schedule — even in a new time zone.
Why I love it: They’ve saved me from forgetting meds mid-jet lag more than once.
Jenn’s Tip: Sync it with your travel time zone before the plane lands.
🌤️ AllTrails (For Flare-Friendly Outdoorsy Vibes)
Why I love it: You can filter for wheelchair-accessible or easy trails, and some have detailed info about surface types and inclines.
Jenn’s Tip: Perfect for low-energy travel days when you still want nature but not a mountain.
🔧 Tools I Never Travel Without
💼 Packing Cubes with Labels
Because the last thing I want to do during a flare is dig through my bag for pain meds with socks flying everywhere. They also make going through customs an easy task during those times customs officials actually decide to dig through your medications. You can check out my guide to the best packing cubes.
🧊 Portable Cooling Towel or Fan
Life-saving in hot climates, on overheated buses, or when your nervous system is in meltdown mode (shoutout to my POTS people). I discovered my portable fan during a trip to Hong Kong now I never set foot in a humid environment without it.
🔋 Battery Pack with Multiple USB Ports
Because when your chair, your phone, and your portable fan all die at once, so do you (emotionally anyway).
🪑 Travel Seat Cushion
Airport benches were designed by people who hate comfort. Enough said.
💬 Final Thoughts From a Sick Girl Who's Been There
The best trips I’ve taken haven’t been the most luxurious or perfectly planned; they’ve been the ones where I felt prepared, supported, and empowered to travel on my own terms. And honestly? These websites, apps, and tools make that possible.
If you’re a disabled traveler or live with chronic illness, I hope this list helps you feel a little more in control, a little less stressed, and a lot more excited about saying yes to the world.
Have a favorite accessible travel tool I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments. I’m always adding to my arsenal.
💌 Looking for more travel tips?
Check out my post:
👉 How to Plan a Trip When You Have a Chronic Illness: Packing, Pacing, and Self-Care Tips
