Traveling as a family should be a source of joy and connection, not an added source of stress. But for travelers with particular accessibility or neurodivergent needs, a vacation often adds more stress than just staying home!
That’s not okay in my book. As a family travel advisor, I’m deeply committed to inclusive travel and am a passionate advocate for the unique needs of travelers with disabilities and their primary caregivers. Luckily, today, more than ever, society is embracing diversity in all its forms, including disability and neurodivergence. In fact, according to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability, and research shows that 15–20% of the global population is neurodivergent.
This population shift is driving real change: many resorts are now offering specialized staff training and creating dedicated low-sensory spaces to accommodate a wider range of guest needs. Below, I’m sharing three luxurious properties or outfitters who offer outstanding accessibility features, proving that inclusive travel can also be indulgent and unforgettable:
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos (Caribbean)
Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive luxury resort that has set the standard for inclusive family vacations. It was the first resort company in the world to earn Advanced Certified Autism Center status, meaning its kids’ camps and staff are specially trained to support children on the autism spectrum. This gives parents peace of mind and a chance to truly relax—I believe caregivers deserve a break, too!
Beyond autism-friendly programming, the resort was designed with accessibility in mind: there are wheelchair-accessible rooms, roll-in showers, grab rails, and even beach wheelchairs available. Families love the low-sensory zones sprinkled throughout the property, where anyone needing a break from stimulation can unwind.
Ximuwu Safari Lodge
Klaserie Private Reserve, South Africa (Greater Kruger area)
This gorgeous, five-star luxury safari lodge was built to be 100% wheelchair accessible—making some of the wildest places on earth possible to explore for even more travelers. Your trip starts off on a promising foot, as the resort picks you up in a specially designed transfer vehicle where you can remain in your wheelchair or use an automated swivel seat for easy access. The lodge itself has no steps at all; instead you’ll find gently sloping ramps and wide pathways that make every area—lounges, dining decks, even a hidden wildlife viewing hide—reachable by wheelchair. For cooling off, there’s an infinity pool with a portable hoist lift, so everyone can take a dip.
The real magic, of course, is the wildlife: Ximuwu’s game drive vehicle has a custom ramp and secure wheelchair tie-downs, meaning wheelchair-using guests can safely enjoy safari drives right alongside their family. Guides provide incredible support at each outing—whether it’s a daytime Big Five drive or a nighttime stargazing safari—to ensure no one misses a moment.
Royal Caribbean “Autism on the Seas” Cruises
Various worldwide itineraries
Cruising can be one of the most convenient ways to travel with a family, since everything you need for an amazing vacation is all on board. Now, Royal Caribbean International has gone above and beyond to make their voyages welcoming for family members of all abilities. Through a partnership with the nonprofit Autism on the Seas, select Royal Caribbean sailings offer an autism-friendly cruise experience unlike any other. First, pre-cruise planning is handled with care: Autism on the Seas coordinators help arrange priority check-in, expedited boarding, private muster drills, and any necessary accommodations before you ever set sail.
Once on board, families benefit from a team of trained volunteer staff who provide respite care, help supervise at the pool or kids’ club, and organize private activities with smaller crowds. Imagine enjoying a Broadway-style show knowing you have reserved seating in a low-sensory area, or taking a shore excursion with guides who understand your child’s needs—that’s the kind of peace of mind this program delivers. Furthermore, from dining room to deck, the crew is trained to assist guests with mobility, hearing, visual, or cognitive disabilities.
As a luxury family travel advisor, I believe that “accessible” and “amazing” can and should go hand in hand. My goal is to not only pair you with perfect-fit properties and experiences like the ones above, but to ensure your entire vacation unfurls as smoothly as possible. That may look like making sure you’re checking into accessible suites, arranging for beach wheelchairs to be available, and matching you with the ideal sailing itinerary and booking private accessible excursions.
If you’re ready to make your own amazing and accessible family escape, learn more about my travel planning services here—or hop to completing my brief trip inquiry form to get started!
