Limitless Travel Limitless Travel Homepage Link Feefo Trusted Service Award Certificate
Call the Limitless team now on 0800 711 7232

January Sale! £1 Deposits, Save £100, Reschedule For Free

☰
  • Home
  • All Holidays
    • Coach Holidays
    • New Releases
    • 2021 Holidays
    • Beach Holidays
    • UK Holidays
    • Holidays Abroad
    • Holidays in Europe
    • Customer Favourites
    • 2022 Holidays
    • Disabled Holidays
  • UK Holidays
  • Holidays Abroad
  • Care Packages
  • COVID Response
  • About Us

£1 Deposits, Save £100, Reschedule For Free

Accessible Sunshine in Tenerife

By Martyn Sibley - 05/04/2017
Tenerife. A word that brings me many happy memories. My family first took me there when I was barely a teenager. We partly wanted a sunny holiday destination, and we partly needed wheelchair access.
This beautiful island off of Africa (but Spanish in nationality) has provided all of this, and more. The all year round sunshine is a huge attraction. The provision for disabled people has become world leading. Particularly with the sensationally adapted beach 'playa las vistas'.

So when Limitless asked me to go and research Tenerife for them, I didn't hesitate. Hopefully I've balanced the accessibility bits with the dreamy bits. Access might not be so glamorous, but we all know it is essential for any of us with a disability.

Flying to Tenerife

There are plenty of flights from the UK. The average flight time is around 4 hours. I always book my tickets online, then phone the 'special assistance' number about my needs afterwards. Just Google the airline name for their customer service telephone number.

 

Personally I phone to secure the Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM) assistance getting me onto the plane, and to share my wheelchair (and sometimes mobile hoist and shower chair) dimensions. These vital items do not cost extra to your general luggage allowance. 

 

On the morning of the journey I hoist into my wheelchair with my transit seat already positioned. It's kind of like the promove sling (http://www.promove.uk.com/the-promove-sling/) and makes it easier to be lifted by people later. Plus I wear a urine bag, to simplify the toilet difficulties on the plane. I know this is trickier for the ladies, but solutions are available (often shared in accessible travel groups on Facebook). I then drive my car, and park in the airport parking for disabled people. 

Transfer from the Airport

After a good audio book, doze and a cuppa I'm in Tenerife. There are accessible transfer companies available from the airport. Just ask Limitless to arrange them to collect you. These firms offer wheelchair accessible vehicles, meaning I can stay comfortably in my chair. Alongside all the suitcases (fashion doesn't take a holiday), and with my extra equipment. Adapted taxis are available at the airport, but aren't always as spacious.

Accomodation

You have two choices for your Tenerife accommodation. Very adapted and with other disabled people. Less accessible with non disabled people. This is really about your needs first and foremost being met. Then it's about your inclusion preferences. Some people simply need high level adaptions, some prefer being around other disabled people, and others like basic access with a more integrated experience.

In the past I preferred 'roughing it' and being with non disabled people. This might sound funny, but integration is important too. However as I've got older, I prefer having the roll-in shower, swimming pool hoist and so forth.

On this recent trip I met a Co Founder of Spotify (the music streaming app) who had Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The same disability that I have. So these shared experiences have become as powerful as the relaxation of just having the right adaptions.

Out and About

Of course, you can leave the hotel too! The options of highly accessible hotels are still near the beaches, bars, restaurants and shops.

The Los Cristianos and Playa De Las Americas areas (in the southern part of the island) are known for their accessibility. The beach I mentioned above has wooden boards, so I can get nearer to the sea in my chair. The red cross lifeguards nearby can assist disabled people into the sea. Their amphibian chair means people like me can be rolled into the water.

Due to the history of accessible hotels and this beach, the other businesses have upped their game. Naturally some bars and shops still aren't accessible. Their loss right?! Because with enough options I will spend my money and sing my worst karaoke tunes elsewhere :-)

If you feel very daring, there are excursions available to the famous Mount Teide volcano. Plus you can join other adapted tours around the island, or go on boat cruises, or SCUBA dive (like I did a few years ago in 2012).

Whether you have travelled lots with a disability, or its your first time - I can't recommend Tenerife enough. There's always great weather, the accessibility is so fantastic, and you'll never be short of things to do.

 

If you have any questions please do tweet me @martynsibley or private message me on Facebook (Martyn Sibley).

 

If you are ready to book up your next trip, then give Limitless a call. You won't regret it :-)

Like and Share

If you liked this article then please help us out by sharing it on social media using the buttons below or exploring our Holiday Opportunities.

Related Posts

Travel Inspiration - Have Wheelchair Will Travel
By Niamh Duffy - 13/02/2017

Travel Inspiration - Have Wheelchair Will Travel

The third instalment of our travel blogger series is here! A family blog that shares stories of their travels, tips and experiences along with day-to-day life.

Lifestyle
Perfectly Pleasant Penzance
By Lyn Shaw - 12/06/2017

Perfectly Pleasant Penzance

A lot of folks tend to discount a wee jaunt to Cornwall on the basis it is “too hilly”, well I’m pleased to say that really isn’t true of Penzance which has so much to offer not least 23 ....yes 23 Pubs! - Lyn Shaw

Travel
Feefo Trusted Service Award Certificate

Our Address

Scott House, Custard Factory
Gibb st
Birmingham
B9 4AA

Contact

0800 711 7232
holidays@limitlesstravel.org
Limitless Travel Limitless Travel Homepage Link
  • Terms and Conditions
  • FAQ
  • Sitemap
  • Press Page
  • Contact Us
  • Job Opportunities