Travel Tips by Melanie

By: Accessible Travel Press

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Travel Tips by Melanie – how to get around on wheels in not too accessible hotels or other accommodation

“I love travel,” says Melanie

She always finds ways to get around in not-so-accessible places. Read some of her tips, it will help you keep your independence.

Travel Tips by Melanie — Melanie – Hospitality Industry Accessibility Advisor

What are your best travel tips Melanie?

1. Horizontal ‘hoist’ = a rope

A rope on the frame of another bed next to yours can help you to turn around easier and / or to get up.

You can also attach it to your own foot end, bed frame or surround so that you can pull up.

This makes it possible to stay in a bedroom without a (mobile) hoist; a regular hotel room, an ordinary room in an apartment / house.

2. Small (and thinner) transfer board

An ordinary transfer board is often large and weighs about half a kilo. A smaller and lighter shelf can sometimes be sufficient to bridge a small distance making a transfer.

This often fits in a simple travel bag and is a lot lighter.

Sometimes the wood store or a rehabilitation center can make this for you.

A rope, a transfer board and a foldable hand – always in my suitcase

3. Night stand

It is nice or necessary that you have things with you near the bed.

If there is no (usable) bedside table, a chair (possibly with a piece of cardboard or tray on it) can often offer a solution.

4. Foldable ‘hand’

Sometimes it is not possible to get something off the ground, close the curtains, … because you can not (yet) access it yourself.

And you do not always want to ask for help. Then a collapsible ‘hand’ or grab is handy. This often fits in a travel bag and weighs almost nothing.

5. Threshold help

When Melanie was in Spain, she wanted to soak up some sun on the balcony of her apartment.

“It was difficult for me to go on to the balcony myself, when I asked the concierge (should work at a hotel reception as well) if he could make something, it turned out there were these ‘auxiliary blocks’ available.”

Why you should ask for help:

Do not hesitate

1. It makes your stay more pleasant (because you stay more independent)

2. Questions are free and can offer convenience / great outcome -> so dare to ask!

In this video Melanie is riding her wheelchairbike in Austria

Authors

Jennifer Tonin, ITALY

For 28 years, Jenny has built a global career in the corporate sector, holding senior international roles across Automotive, Connected Products and Services, and global project management.

Her career includes serving as Global Commercial Director at Pirelli Connected Tyre Division and as a Principal Consultant, where she oversaw board meetings for leading organisations including Ferrari, Maserati and Illy. She has worked with some of the world’s most recognised brands, including Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, specialising in global project delivery and go-to-market strategies, with a strong ability to connect different cultures, markets, businesses and people.

Her experience of recovering from a stroke, including navigating communication, mobility and travel, has given her a first-hand understanding of the barriers people can face and the importance of designing travel around people, rather than expecting people to adapt to the system.

As a Board Member of Accessible Travel, Jenny will lead the development of the outdoor adventure section, bringing together her corporate experience, international perspective and lived experience to help make adventure and travel more accessible to everyone.
Nasim Khorsandi, IRAN

My name is Nasim Khorsandi, and I have been working in the field of accessible and sustainable tourism in Iran for several years. My background includes training programs, research projects, and initiatives with municipalities and NGOs, particularly focusing on accessibility in historical cities such as Isfahan and Yazd.

I would be delighted to contribute as a local storyteller/insider by sharing articles and case studies about accessible tourism experiences and destinations in Iran. I believe these stories could add valuable perspectives to your global platform.
Bianca Moody, SPAIN

My name is Bianca, and I’m a solo female traveller, kidney transplant patient, and visually impaired advocate currently based in Spain. Because of my lived experience, accessibility is not an abstract concept for me; it directly shapes how safely, freely, and confidently I’m able to move through the world.

While travel can present added challenges, I also actively choose to explore destinations where accessibility information may be limited or unclear, with the goal of understanding and communicating what travellers truly need to know.

I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, and through living in Spain I’ve developed strong familiarity with accessible travel considerations across different regions and cultures. I’ve also recently created an Instagram account, where I plan to share honest travel experiences, accessibility insights, and personal reflections around travelling with a disability and chronic health history. My focus is on showing that inclusive travel is not a luxury but more an option.
Vivienne Gunning, SOUTH AFRICA

Vivienne Gunning is a senior expedition leader, Africa specialist, travel photographer, artist, and storyteller based in Cape Town, South Africa. With over 30 years of hands-on experience across 35 African countries, she brings unmatched depth in remote expedition leadership, aviation logistics, lodge development, and high-end guest care for clients including Bushtracks Expeditions, National Geographic Expeditions, and WWF.

Her expertise shines in accessible and assisted travel—designing and personally accompanying realistic, empathetic journeys for solo travelers, seniors, those recovering from challenges, or anyone with mobility, stamina, or situational needs (e.g., aging-related fatigue, medication effects, or first-time exposure to Africa’s intensity). She focuses on human judgment over checklists: gentle pacing, reading subtle cues, proactive reassurance, and leveraging local relationships to make ambitious adventures feel safe, dignified, and deeply rewarding—without diluting the wild.

Vivienne complements pre-arrival tools (like WelcoMe’s notifications) with on-the-ground companionship that adapts in the moment amid heat, long transfers, remote terrains, and cultural rhythms. Her approach turns vulnerabilities into strengths, ensuring guests feel seen and supported every step.

Beyond leadership, she captures the continent’s soul through travel and wildlife photography (pausing the world to reveal its quiet dignity) and painting emotional interpretations of wild places available as originals, prints, or commissions. She shares field stories via her blog, motivational talks (emphasizing resilience, women’s strength, and trading comfort for curiosity), and workshops for groups, forums, or corporate events.

Find her work at viviennegunning.com, follow on Instagram @VivieGunning (or @VNGwild), or connect via WhatsApp +27 (0)82 895 0411 or gunningvivienne@gmail.com.

Passionate about Africa’s wild corners, Vivienne is dedicated to making them reachable for everyone—through presence, possibility, and heartfelt storytelling. Let’s uncover your next chapter together.
Sea 4 All, ITALY
Gavin Neate, SCOTLAND

I get out of bed thinking about my "Why" (thanks, Simon), and I go to bed thinking about it, too.

My "Why" is driven by a single conviction: that when we view everyone through an equitable lens and assume everyone has something to add, society gains infinitely more than it loses. I don’t just advocate for inclusion; I build the tools to make it a reality.

The Journey So Far:
In 2011, while working for Guide Dogs for the Blind, I realised technology was the frontier for accessibility. Since then, I’ve been focused on turning that realisation into real-world impact:

2012: Invented the world's first smartphone-operated pedestrian crossing (Button).

2017: Launched WelcoMe, a platform redefining disability awareness and customer service.

What WelcoMe Does:
WelcoMe bridges the gap between disabled visitors and service teams before they meet. By allowing users to communicate their needs in advance, we eliminate the anxiety of stepping out the door and equip staff with "sticky," actionable training. It’s not just a tool; it’s a framework for dignity.

With 1.3 billion disabled people worldwide, my goal is to fundamentally change how society interacts and ensure everyone achieves their true value. It’s a massive challenge, which is why I look forward to taking another step toward it every time the sun rises.

Let’s Connect:
If you are a positive, engaging person who believes in equity of opportunity and that positive action can change the world... I want to connect with you.

Please reach out, engage, and let’s be a part of the solution together.
Rita Duarte, Portugal

My name is Rita and I am the founder of Portugal 4all Senses, a travel company focused on accessible travel for individuals with reduced mobility, seniors and blind travellers.

We are based in Lisbon but operate on an a national scale. Our travellers are individuals looking for a smooth travel experience adapted to their needs mainly from English speaking countries (UK, Canada, USA).

We offer a range of services like: adapted transfer, adapted car rental, caregivers, private tours, multiple days holidays and group holidays focused on learning, culture and adventure like our Inclusive Surf Trips.
Il Viaggio Travel, COSTA RICA
Elsie Gabriel, India
Village 4 All, ITALY
Stella Waterhouse, UK
Handicap X, GERMANY
Accessible Switzerland, SWITZERLAND
Open Door Organization, United States
Tur 4all Travel, SPAIN
Insolito Posto, ITALY
Acc-Red (Accessibility Redefined), INDIA
Ruote Libere, ITALY
Matilda Wilson, AUSTRALIA