Accessible travel in Flanders 7 practical tips

Banner-VisitFlandersaccessibility-toegankelijkheid6

Two people walk through a bright lounge with bar and chairs; a man holds a white cane.

Whether you're planning a weekend break or staying longer in Flanders: a carefree holiday starts with good preparation. Are you travelling with a disability or specific accessibility needs? Prepare well for your holiday in Flanders with these practical tips. From accessible places to stay and travel to useful aids: set off relaxed and fully enjoy your stay.

1. Choose a destination that suits you

Make sure you gather enough information about your destination in advance. This helps you gauge if it fits your needs. Consider your entire holiday: accommodation, sights, places to eat, travel and any care or support needed.

Don't just look at the accessibility of individual places, but view your trip as a complete whole. Can you easily get from your accommodation to the activities you want to do? Are there suitable restaurants and accessible toilets nearby? And can you make use of suitable transport? This gives you a better idea in advance of what is possible at your destination.

Vakantieverblijf Middelpunt_© Kris Snoeck

A man pushes a smiling woman in a wheelchair on a bike trailer past a modern building with terrace.

2. Book smart

And on time! First come, first served. Accessible holiday accommodation is often booked up even faster than regular rooms. The same applies to group holidays with provisions for people with disabilities.

Are you organising your holiday yourself, or are you getting help from a travel agency? Some travel agencies specialise in holidays for people with disabilities. However, you can just as easily book your trip through a regular travel agency. They may have less experience with themes like accessibility. Discuss your needs and wishes thoroughly in advance. What are the dimensions of your wheelchair? Can you walk short distances? Do you use aids, take medication, or need medical care?

Are you travelling alone, or is someone coming with you? This can be a determining factor in the choice of your accommodation, transport, activities, and any care or assistance needs.

More information about care, aids, and personal assistance

Two older people laugh at a table in a bright cafeteria; sunflower in the foreground.

3. Discuss what you need in advance

Accessibility means something different to everyone. You do not have to explain what impairment or diagnosis you have. Above all, explain what you need to travel comfortably, independently, and safely. This allows a provider to better assess what is possible.

Contact the provider in advance and ask specific questions. Do not just ask whether a bathroom is accessible, but also, for example, how wide the door is or how much space is available next to the toilet. Photos, dimensions, or a floor plan will help you assess for yourself whether a location is suitable.

Preferably ask important questions in writing. This gives you the opportunity to list everything properly, and the provider has time to check the information or verify it on site. Keep a record of arrangements and bookings so you can always refer back to them throughout your holiday.

Vakantieverblijf Middelpunt_35726530112_o_© Kris Snoeck

Three men sit outside on a terrace at a table with drinks; one man is in a wheelchair.

4. What accessibility questions should you ask in advance?

Good preparation will make your visit more enjoyable. These points of attention can help you on your way:

Do you use a wheelchair? Ask about doorways, lifts, and sufficient manoeuvring space.
Are you blind or visually impaired? Enquire how to find your way around and what information is accessible to you.
Are you deaf or hard of hearing? Ask how information and emergency signals are communicated.
Do you need some time to take a break? Ask about seating or a quiet place to do so.
Are you travelling with an assistance dog? Notify them in advance and make practical arrangements if necessary.
Are you sensitive to crowds or sensory stimuli? Enquire about quiet times, queues, and lighting or sound stimuli. A visual step-by-step guide can help you prepare for your visit.

Vlaanderen All Inclusive - toerisme vlaanderen toegankelijkheid diplomat dag (39)

A man holds a walking stick and looks at a map on a clipboard while a staff member helps him at a counter.

5. Think about care, aids, and unexpected situations

Do you need care, medical support, or aids during your holiday? Be sure to check in advance where you can find assistance for this. Consider things such as district nursing or hiring aids.

Also prepare for unexpected situations. Do you use powered equipment? Then check whether you can charge them on-site and whether the sockets are suitable. Also check where you can go if an aid breaks down.

Know what to do in an emergency. Enquire how to call for help, how an evacuation works, and whether you might need support with this.

More information about care and aids

Vakantieverblijf Middelpunt_35086626023_o_© Kris Snoeck

Hospital bed with side rails, green blanket, pillow and grab handle in a quiet room.

6. Check benefits and extra support

Do you have a European Disability Card (EDC)? Various museums, attractions, and other leisure providers in Flanders accept the card.

Sometimes you receive a discount or free admission for a companion or other support. Check in advance where the card is accepted and what benefits apply.