Travelling with a chronic illness or physical limitation is possible, and for many people it's worth every bit of extra preparation. The planning changes considerably; the quality of the experience does not have to.

The Documentation That Travels With You

Medical documentation matters most at the border and on the plane. Carry a letter from your GP that describes your condition, your medication, and the treatment you may need in an emergency. In plain English, not in medical shorthand. If you carry medication in quantities that exceed what a traveller might ordinarily carry, the letter explains it.

For medication, carry it in original packaging and keep it in hand luggage. Never in the hold. If you use needles or equipment that would ordinarily raise a question at security, notify the airline in advance and carry supporting documentation.

Insurance: Declare Everything

This is the critical one. Travel insurance must be declared accurately. Pre-existing conditions that are not declared are grounds for voiding a claim, and the condition that you most need covered is exactly the one that most needs declaring.

UK residents retain access to the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card, which replaced the EHIC), which provides access to state healthcare in EU countries at the same rate as local residents. This is not comprehensive travel insurance and does not replace it, but it is a useful backup layer. Apply for one at the NHS website before you go.

Route from Airport to Hotel

Research this before you book the hotel, not after. The route from the airport involves: the airport itself (escalators, lifts, walking distances, whether a porter service exists), the transfer to the city (metro steps, bus access, taxi or accessible vehicle options), and the route from the drop-off point to the hotel entrance.

A hotel that lists itself as accessible but requires three steps at the front door is not accessible. A metro that has lifts only at some stations requires more planning than one that is fully step-free. Map the full journey end-to-end before you commit.

Cities That Are Easier Than Others

Amsterdam is one of the more challenging cities for wheelchair users despite its reputation for openness: cobbled streets and canal bridges are genuinely difficult. Rome is harder still, with uneven ancient surfaces throughout the historic centre. Stockholm, Vienna, and Zurich are among the most accessible major European cities: modern infrastructure, consistent step-free access, well-maintained surfaces.

Athens is improving but uneven. Lisbon's hills and historic trams are beautiful and difficult. Know the terrain of the city before you commit to it.

The Pace Adjustment as a Feature

A slower pace is not a compromise. It is often what produces the better trip. The traveller who stops more, sits more, and covers less ground in a day notices more than the one moving briskly between five sights. Adjust the pace to what your body needs and let the trip take the shape that comes from that. The city does not require your suffering.