Traveling Confidently with Hidden Disabilities: A Mature Explorer’s Guide

My autoimmune conditions (Sjogrens & Diabetes) limits my travel dreams, not to mention my now age of 65. The thought of long airport walks, standing in endless queues, and keeping up with tour groups felt overwhelming. Like many mature people with invisible disabilities, I struggled silently, often canceling trips or missing out on experiences I desperately wanted to try.

But here’s the thing: travelling when what the world considers old and having a hidden disability doesn’t mean you can’t travel. It means you need to travel differently. Through years of trial and error, I’ve learned how to navigate airports, find comfortable accommodations, and enjoy tourist attractions without exhausting myself.

This guide shares everything I wish I’d known when I first started traveling with a hidden disability. Whether you have chronic fatigue, limited mobility, feeling you age or any hidden or not hidden health challenge, you’ll find practical tips and strategies to make travel possible, and enjoyable.

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Dealing with Invisible Disabilities

One of the hardest parts of traveling with a condition like mine is that I look perfectly healthy. Requesting a wheelchair or airport cart ride when you “look fine” can feel uncomfortable. People might stare or make assumptions. But here’s what I’ve learned: using these services isn’t about what others think – it’s about making travel possible.

Remember:

• Not all disabilities are visible
• Using assistance preserves your energy for actual vacation activities
• You don’t owe anyone an explanation
• A moment of discomfort is better than ruining your entire trip

If someone questions you (though they rarely do), a simple “I have a medical condition” is enough. The staff who provide these services are used to helping people with all kinds of needs.

Before You Go: The Basics

Talk to Your Doctor

• Get a letter explaining your condition
• Make sure you have enough medication
• Ask about medication timing in different time zones
• Get emergency contact information

Choose Your Hotel Wisely

• Look for hotels close to places you want to visit
• Check if they have elevators
• Ask about distance from parking to room
• Request a room near the elevator

Airport Help (It’s Free!)

• Book wheelchair assistance when you buy your ticket
• This includes cart rides between gates
• You’ll get priority boarding automatically with:
  • Pre-booked wheelchair assistance
  • Hidden disability lanyard/card
  • Medical equipment
• They’ll help with your bags

Pro tip: When booking your flight, look for “Special Assistance” or “Additional Support” options – not “Priority Boarding.” The first is a free service for medical needs, while the second is a paid upgrade for convenience.

Plan Your Days

Do one main activity per day

Schedule rest breaks, go sit in a cafe and have a coffee break

Have a backup plan for tired days

Choose morning OR afternoon activities, not both

Smart Activity Choices

Look for seated tours (bus or boat)

Try half-day tours instead of full days

Check if attractions have places to sit

Consider private tours you can customize

Just in Case

Find the closest pharmacy to your hotel – ask at the front desk if you don’t spot one

Know where the nearest hospital is

Keep medicine in your carry-on bag

Buy travel insurance that covers your condition

Remember: You don’t have to do everything. Pick the activities that matter most to you and take your time.

Discrete Identifiers for Hidden Disabilities

Many airports and tourist attractions now offer ways to discreetly show you may need extra help or patience. Here are some common options:

Sunflower Lanyard

• Recognized internationally
• Shows you have a hidden disability
• Available free at many airports and stations
• No proof of disability needed
• Can request one online before travel

Airport Special Assistance Cards

Available from most airlines

Help identify your needs to staff

Usually free to obtain

Often don’t require medical proof but you can show a letter from your GP confirming your disability

Can request when booking your flight

National Disability Card: The National Disability Card offers a card designed for airport use, providing a secure photo ID and proof of disability. 

Airport-Specific Options: Some airports, like Heathrow and EasyJet, offer their own special assistance cards or lanyard options for passengers with hidden disabilities. 

Blue Badge recognition

You can generally use your North American disabled parking badge (Blue Badge equivalent) in Europe, but the recognition and specific rules vary by country. Here’s what you need to know:

Countries That Recognize Non EU Disabled Badges 

Many European countries accept foreign disabled parking permits, including those from the U.S. or Canada, but some may require an International Disabled Parking Permit (IDPP) or an official translation. 

Countries That Typically Accept U.S./Canadian Badges: 

 France – Recognizes foreign badges if accompanied by an official translation (French version). 

 Germany – Accepts foreign badges, but some cities may require an IDPP. 

 Italy – Recognizes them, but local authorities may request an Italian translation. 

 Spain – Officially accepts foreign badges, but an IDPP or translation is recommended. 

 UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) – Accepts U.S./Canadian badges for up to 12 months. 

 Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland – Usually accept foreign badges, but check local rules. 

Countries That May Require an IDPP or Additional Documentation: 

 Some countries (like Austria, Portugal, or Greece) may require an International Disabled Parking Permit (IDPP) or an official translation. 

 The IDPP can be obtained through organizations like the International Alliance of IAADP or Disabled Travelers. 

• U.S. State Department – Traveling with Disabilities
• Canadian Government – Accessible Travel

Destination-Specific Options

• Many tourist attractions have their own systems
• Theme parks often have accessibility passes
• Museums may offer special access cards
• Requirements vary by location

Important: Most of these identifiers work on an honor system. While some places might ask about your needs, they rarely require medical proof. The goal is to make travel easier, not create barriers.

Traveling Over 65

When you’re over 65, traveling with a hidden disability or simply travelling requires a different approach. The combination of age-related changes and invisible health conditions means we need to be particularly strategic about how we travel.

Making Travel Work

Instead of trying to “push through” like younger travelers might, focus on quality experiences over quantity. Consider:

• Booking hotels for longer stays in each location
• Planning rest days between major activities
• Choosing destinations with good medical facilities
• Taking advantage of senior discounts combined with disability access
• Using tour companies that cater to mature travelers
• Prioritizing comfort over cost for transportation and accommodation

Remember: Many destinations offer special services for senior travelers that can be combined with disability assistance. Don’t hesitate to ask about both – it can open up more support options.

Specific Strategies for Travelers Over 65

Making travel work after 65 requires smart planning and the right support:

Accommodation Choices

• Book ground floor rooms or ensure reliable elevators
• Choose hotels with 24-hour reception and medical assistance
• Look for properties with in-room refrigeration for medications
• Consider suite-style rooms for extra space to rest
• Prioritize locations with restaurants on-site or nearby

Transportation Tips

• Book direct flights when possible to avoid connections
• Request “meet and assist” services at airports
• Consider upgrading to premium economy for more space
• Book private transfers instead of group shuttles
• Choose cruise ships with accessible cabin locations

Tour Selection

• Look for “gentle” or “leisurely” pace designations
• Book private guides who can adjust to your needs
• Choose small group tours (under 15 people)
• Verify rest stop availability and frequency
• Ask about terrain and standing requirements

Medical Preparation

• Get extra documentation for all medications
• Research local medical facilities beforehand
• Consider medical evacuation insurance
• Carry translated medical information
• Pack medications in multiple bags
• Most airlines will allow you to carry on your medical equipment including: CPAP machines, portable dialysis machines, and Diabetic needles. Airlines may ask for a medical certificate if you are taking large quantities of medication
• A medical certificate is mandatory for carrying liquid or gel medicines over 100ml through security.
• Most airlines only cover a minimal amount for equipment damage such as wheelchairs, check your insurance covers the full cost before you go

Specific Strategies for Travelers Over 65

Making travel work after 65 requires smart planning and the right support:

Accommodation Choices

• Book ground floor rooms or ensure reliable elevators
• Choose hotels with 24-hour reception and medical assistance
• Look for properties with in-room refrigeration for medications
• Consider suite-style rooms for extra space to rest
• Prioritize locations with restaurants on-site or nearby

Transportation Tips

Book direct flights when possible to avoid connections

Request “meet and assist” services at airports

Consider upgrading to premium economy for more space

Book private transfers instead of group shuttles

Choose cruise ships with accessible cabin locations

Tour Selection

Look for “gentle” or “leisurely” pace designations

Book private guides who can adjust to your needs

Choose small group tours (under 15 people)

Verify rest stop availability and frequency

Ask about terrain and standing requirements

Medical Preparation

• Get extra documentation for all medications
• Research local medical facilities beforehand
• Consider medical evacuation insurance
• Carry translated medical information
• Pack medications in multiple bags

Remember, traveling with a hidden disability after 65 requires more planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The combination of age-related needs and invisible conditions might mean we travel differently now, but it also means we travel smarter. We’ve learned to prioritize comfort over conquest, quality over quantity, and self-care over sightseeing marathons.

Start small with a weekend trip to test these strategies. Listen to your body, use the assistance available, and don’t feel guilty about taking breaks or using services designed to help. Your vacation should work for you, not against you. With the right preparation and mindset, you can explore the world on your own terms, at your own pace.

The most important souvenir you can bring home isn’t just memories – it’s the confidence to plan your next adventure, knowing that age and hidden disabilities don’t define your travels, they just shape how you experience them.

Navigating Challenging Tourist Sites

Historic sites and popular attractions often present unique challenges when you have a hidden disability. Here’s how to handle common situations:

Before You Go

• Research accessibility features online
• Contact the site directly about:
  • Alternative entrances
  • Rest areas
  • Elevator availability
  • Wheelchair loans (many sites offer these free)
• Read recent reviews mentioning accessibility
• Check if they offer virtual tours of difficult-to-access areas

Finding Hidden Accessibility Challenges

Steps and difficult terrain often aren’t mentioned in standard reviews. Here’s how to uncover these details:

• Watch visitor videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
• Use Google Street View to preview approaches
• Search blogs from senior travelers or families (they often detail physical challenges)
• Join Facebook travel groups for disabled travelers
• Check hiking websites – they usually list elevation changes and steps
• Contact local tourist information offices
• Call visitor centers directly – staff know the real challenges
• Look for “walking tour” descriptions of sites

Pro tip: For historic or natural sites (like Carrick-a-rede rope bridge), contact the managing organization (like National Trust) directly. They often have detailed accessibility information that isn’t published online.

Managing Difficult Sites

• Visit during off-peak hours (usually early morning)
• Break up the visit into smaller chunks over several days
• Start from the top and work down (easier than climbing up when tired)
• Use nearby hotels/cafes as rest stops
• Bring a collapsible cane or seat stick
• Take photos from accessible viewpoints instead of climbing

When There’s No Elevator

• Ask about alternative routes
• See if staff can escort you through service elevators
• Consider viewing from ground level
• Look for virtual tours or video displays
• Focus on accessible areas instead of pushing yourself

Making the Most of Your Visit

• Plan your route to minimize backtracking
• Schedule rest breaks every 30-45 minutes
• Use audio guides so you can sit while learning
• Take advantage of benches in galleries/museums
• Don’t feel pressured to see everything

Remember: It’s better to enjoy parts of a site comfortably than exhaust yourself trying to see it all.

Challenging European Sites to Consider Carefully

Hidden Accessibility at Historic Sites

Don’t let historic buildings intimidate you – many have creative solutions for accessibility that aren’t immediately visible. While these sites must preserve their historical integrity, they often have:

• Portable ramps stored nearby
• Removable accessibility equipment
• Alternative entrance points
• Hidden modern adaptations

Pro tip: Always ask about accessibility options at historic sites. What looks inaccessible from the outside might have smart solutions hidden away. Many historic properties keep their accessibility equipment discreet to maintain the building’s authentic appearance, but they’re happy to provide it when asked.

Some popular tourist destinations can be particularly difficult for those with mobility or fatigue issues.  Here are some sites to research thoroughly before visiting:

Coastal and Mountain Areas

Cinque Terre, Italy: Steep coastal paths between villages

Amalfi Coast, Italy: Endless steps in towns like Positano

Santorini, Greece: Steep steps throughout the entire town

Dolomites region: High altitude and steep terrain

Historic Sites and Cities

Edinburgh Old Town: Steep hills and many steps

Prague Castle complex: Long uphill walks

Mont Saint-Michel, France: Multiple spiral staircases

Toledo, Spain: Very steep historic streets

Many historic European cities, such as York, Prague and Krakow, feature cobblestone streets, which can be difficult to navigate with mobility devices like canes or wheelchairs. 

Uneven Pavements: Even in areas with pavements, uneven surfaces or the presence of raised kerbs can create accessibility issues for travelers with mobility challenges. 

Older City Sections: The ancient Medieval towns in Europe, may have less accessible infrastructure compared to newer developments. 

Natural Attractions

Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Skellig Michael (think Star Wars) and the Stairway to Heaven in Northern Ireland have very steep steps to access the site

Giant’s Causeway: Steep paths to main attractions, although there is a shuttle bus to the site

French Chateaux: usually many stairs and corridors to traverse and several have massive gardens – ask for access assistance or shuttle rides around gardens

European Destinations: due to the age many medieval structures or locations have no other access to their sites. Think the Acropolis in Athens the Citadel of Kotor, Montenegro, any ancient castle in Europe from England and beyond.

Remember: Many of these sites have alternative ways to experience them – don’t feel pressured to do the most challenging routes.

How to Research Challenging Sites

Official Sources

• Site’s official website – look for “accessibility” or “plan your visit” sections
• Tourist board websites of the region/country
• Heritage organization websites (like National Trust in the UK)
• Email or call visitor centers directly or find the local Municipal offices

Community Knowledge

• Disability travel forums
• Facebook groups for travelers with chronic conditions
• TripAdvisor forum searches using terms like “stairs,” “walking,” or “accessibility”
• Local expat groups in the destination

Remember: Information from within the last year is most reliable, as accessibility features and conditions can change. When looking for travel blogs for disabled travelers, or mature travelers put blog in with your search term otherwise you get a load of Google drivel and inaccurate information.

Essential Resources for European Travel

Official EU Organizations

• AccessibleEU Network
  • Led by Fundación ONCE
  • Part of European Commission initiatives

Disability Support Organizations

• European Disability Forum
  • Key resource for EU accessibility policies
  • Newsletter available for updates
• Inclusion Europe
  • Network of disability organizations
  • Country-specific members:
    • Netherlands: Inclusie Nederland
    • Italy: Anffas Italy
    • Norway: NFU
    • Ireland: Disability Ireland

Travel Resources

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
  • Recognized across European airports
• AccessAble
  • Detailed accessibility guides
  • Mobile app available

Pro tip: Sign up for newsletters from these organizations to get updates about accessibility changes at major tourist sites.

Remember: Many organizations offer support in multiple languages – don’t hesitate to ask for information in your preferred language.

Recommended Disability Travel Blogs

These blogs offer real-world perspectives and detailed advice for traveling with various disabilities:

Curb Free with Cory Lee: Award-winning accessible travel blog featuring comprehensive wheelchair accessibility guides.

Where’s Wallock: Travel blog focused on invisible disabilities and neurological conditions:

Clumsy Girl Travels: Specializing in travel with Episodic Ataxia Type 2 and other neurological conditions:

Emma Cathro’s Blog: Expert advice on traveling with Type 1 Diabetes:

Little Miss Turtle: Comprehensive wheelchair travel guides by Melanie

A Lifestyle Blog With A Disabled Twist: World travel perspectives from Jessica Ping-Wild:

Pro tip: Most of these bloggers welcome direct questions about specific destinations they’ve visited.

Remember: While every traveler’s needs are different, these blogs provide invaluable first-hand experiences and practical solutions for common travel challenges.

Finding Gentle Tours and Experiences

For those who want to explore but need a gentler pace, many companies now offer accessible tours and experiences:

Food Tours and Culinary Experiences

• Road Scholar
• Easy Access Travel

Museum and Cultural Tours

Iceland Unlimited

Sage Traveling

Accessible Italy

Wheel the World

Endeavour Safaris

Special Needs Group: Equipment rentals worldwide

Accessible Travel Netherlands

Senior Travel Organizations & Networks

• Road Scholar: Not-for-profit educational travel organization
• AARP Travel for Americans: Exclusive member discounts on tours, cruises, and car rentals
• Grand Circle Travel specialized in mature travel since 1958. River cruises and small ship adventures along with single friendly policies and roomate matching.
• Overseas Adventure Travel: Small groups and solo friendly policies.
• ElderTreks: small group travel and adventure travel exclusively for the over 50+ crowd.
• Seniors on the Go Travel in the UK with offices in: Brisbane (Australia) and Johannesburg (South Africa) and represented in New Zealand, Canada and the USA.

Pro tip: Many of these organizations offer early booking discounts and “solo-friendly” options that waive or reduce single supplement fees.

Final Thoughts

Remember, traveling with a hidden disability after 65 requires more planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The combination of age-related needs and invisible conditions might mean we travel differently now, but it also means we travel smarter. We’ve learned to prioritize comfort over conquest, quality over quantity, and self-care over sightseeing marathons.

Start small with a weekend trip to test these strategies. Listen to your body, use the assistance available, and don’t feel guilty about taking breaks or using services designed to help. Your vacation should work for you, not against you. With the right preparation and mindset, you can explore the world on your own terms, at your own pace.

The most important souvenir you can bring home isn’t just memories – it’s the confidence to plan your next adventure, knowing that age and hidden disabilities don’t define your travels, they just shape how you experience them.