DIAL Doncaster has a wealth of information on Holidays, Holiday Travel and associated matters. Helpline staff will be happy to assist you in obtaining and providing whatever guidance you may need.

In this factsheet we aim to highlight some of the information that we hold and to give some practical guidance in choosing, booking and going on a holiday.

Holiday Travel

Air
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (now replaced by the Equality Act 2010) applies to Air Travel in relation to the use of booking services, airport facilities and services. The actual means of transport, the aircraft, is exempt. There is a Code of Practice that covers all aspects of Air Travel, from accessing information through to arriving at your final destination. The Code was produced by the department for Transport supported by a working group, which included representatives of the British Air Transport Association, Airport Operators Association, Association of British Travel Agents and The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC). Each airline company produces their own policy based on the guidelines. You can request this to ensure that you are treated accordingly.

As with other aspects of holidays and holiday travel, perhaps the most important thing is to make sure that your travel agent or airline is made fully aware of your disabilities and of your needs.
Assistance - such as use of a wheelchair or help with luggage - may be provided but airline staff will not provide personal care.

Rail
Under the Disability Discrimination Act (now replaced by the Equality Act 2010), train staff must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate a disabled passenger. If you need assistance to travel by train you can book through the train company orthe station where you want commence your journey. Wheelchair spaces are limited therefore it is recommended that you book your space in advance. Please check with the rail company you intend to travel with if you are thinking about taking your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair as most train operators have their own scooter/powered wheelchair policy. If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you may qualify for a Disabled Persons Railcard. The railcard allows you and an adult companion with you to obtain a reduction on most standard or first class fares throughout Great Britain. For further information or if you would like an application pack please telephone our helpline on 01302 327 800.

Sea
If you will be using a ferry or ferries as a part of your holiday, you should check with the specific ferry provider as to any special needs you may have. Fare concessions are sometimes available; in particular, some ferry providers have negotiated concessions for the benefit of full members of Disabled Motoring UK (formerly Mobilise).

Road
Motorists taking their car abroad, should check with their motor insurance company or broker regarding cover while abroad. If you wish to take a Mobility car abroad, check the conditions in your Motability handbook. Under no circumstances can you legally take a Motability car outside of the UK unless you comply with instructions given by Motability.European Countries recognise the Blue Badge (the European standardised parking card for people with disabilities). These countries offer visitors the same parking entitlements as local Blue Badge Holders. However, each country has its own scheme, so you should take care when and where you park. Contact DIAL Doncaster for information on the Blue Badge Scheme in the country you are going to visit.

Insurance

Travel Insurance
The factsheet Holiday Travel Insurancedeals with the topic of travel insurance and includes a list of companies offering policies that may be of particular interest to disabled people. This list is not exhaustive and further contacts can be sourced via the internet. DIAL does not endorse any company listed within the factsheet.

EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives the holder the right to treatment that becomes medically necessary during a temporary visit to European Economic Area countries or Switzerland. These cards are issued on an individual basis and not, as previously, to the head of the household only.Each individual travelling requires a card. The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance.

To apply for an EHIC card telephone 0845 5606 2030 or you can obtain an application form at the Post Office. Alternatively you can complete an online application at www.ehic.org.uk

Finance

There are a number of charities and trusts which can make finance available enabling severely disabled and disabled people, and perhaps their carers, to take a holiday which would otherwise be too expensive to consider. A selection of grant-providers is listed on our factsheet Grants and Trusts, in most cases it will be necessary to contact the organisation to obtain details and an application form.

Health Matters

The Department of Health booklet "Health Advice for Travellers" has lots of useful advice and information on avoiding health risks, planning for healthy travelling and obtaining emergency treatment wherever you may be travelling abroad. It is available from Post Offices or you can download a version from www.dh.gov.uk - the Department of Health website.

Types of Holidays

There are many charities and Organisations which specialise in providing specific types of holiday either at home or abroad. DIAL Doncaster has details of many of these. Please contact our Helpline for more detailed information. 

Specialist Holidays

As with various types of holiday there are also providers of holidays to cater for those with a specific disability such as blindness, polio, arthritis and spinal injuries. In many cases, providers of these holidays are the national support group for the disability concerned.

Holiday Planing and Booking

DIAL Doncaster has a selection of guidebooks and travel guides which are usually the most recent versions. Holiday providers generally provide us with a number of copies so that they can be provided to enquirers.

DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this fact sheet was correct at the time of going to press,
DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.