These two Italian sisters received 365 votes and became the Accessible Favorite of the Year in 2025. Extraordinary disability advocates with a smile, they win everyone’s heart. Well done Sara and Alessia!
The Accessible Travel Foundation raises awareness on the importance of accessible travel. Every other year the Awards of Excellence are given to companies, non-profits, travelers and others who stand out from the crowd when it comes to raising awareness or contributing to the world of accessible travel.
Ruote Libere is Accessible Favorite by Public Vote in 2025.
Hi! We are Sara and Alessia Michielon, the two sisters behind Ruote Libere.
Through our social media channels and our blog we share experiences, itineraries, and helpful tips to assist people with disabilities in traveling more confidently and consciously, while also promoting a culture of inclusion.
Our goal is twofold: to help people plan more informed trips and to raise awareness among tourism professionals about the importance of accessibility.
When did you start your work and why?
The idea of Ruote Libere was born during a summer holiday, when we faced several challenges trying to access cultural sites with a wheelchair. We realized that a confrontational approach wouldn’t change anything; instead, we wanted to let the “wheels roll” freely!
That’s how our idea of collecting and sharing accessible places began, starting from our home region, Veneto, in northern Italy.
In 2018, Sara dedicated her university thesis to accessible tourism, and in 2021 we launched Ruote Libere online.
Tell us a bit about your city and how do you experience it accessibility wise?
We live in a small town near the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a beautiful area full of historic villages and scenic landscapes. The region is mostly hilly, which often makes it difficult for wheelchair users to move around easily.
Unfortunately, accessible hotels, restaurants, and shops are still quite limited, and the culture of accessibility is not yet as widespread as it should be. However, we’re starting to see small improvements, and we’re proud to contribute by sharing and promoting accessible places in our area.
What is your favorite accessible destination?
We have a special place in our hearts for the island of Burano, the most colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon. It’s a magical place made of narrow streets, canals, and brightly painted houses, where we organized our first accessible group tour.
Together with a local tour guide, we designed a barrier-free route that allowed us to experience the island in an authentic and inclusive way.
Another city that truly impressed us for its commitment to accessibility is Vienna, with its well-organized museums, efficient public transport, and an increasingly open attitude toward inclusive tourism.
If you could spend 1 million on improving accessibility in your country, what would you do?
If we had 1 million euros to improve accessibility in our country, we would invest it in education and awareness. We believe true accessibility doesn’t start with ramps or elevators, but with people’s awareness and mindset.
We would create training programs for tourism professionals and institutions to promote a truly inclusive culture of hospitality, while also continuing to expand our mapping of accessible places to provide people with practical and useful information.
What would you like to share with our followers?
Accessibility and usability of places are a value for everyone, not only for those living with a disability. Every gesture, every conscious choice can help create a more inclusive world. Only by collaborating, raising awareness, and taking action together can we truly make a difference and make culture accessible to all.
As we always say, “Where we can go with a wheelchair, everyone can go!
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