Connect to nature through Experiences and stays with accessibility features

Three people using Grit Freedom Chair wheelchairs along a gravel path between some trees Three people using Grit Freedom Chair wheelchairs along a gravel path between some trees

With travel restrictions lifting, many people want to get outside, and this includes people with disabilities and other accessibility needs. Airbnb guests in the United States planning summer travel are opting for remote locations to explore the outdoors.

As people around the world prepare to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Airbnb is highlighting ways to get closer to nature through Experiences designed by hosts with accessibility in mind and places to stay with accessibility features. 

From adaptive hiking with off-road wheelchairs and therapeutic surfing designed for neurodiverse guests to serene sound healing in Sedona, Experiences that consider a variety of interests and needs are available to book. And for those who want to explore the world from home, Online Experiences like this virtual farm visit with therapy animals can transport guests.

Three people participating in a Therapeutic Surfing lesson in La Barrosa, Spain
Therapeutic Surfing in La Barrosa (Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain)
One guest doing adaptive hiking with Grit Freedom Chair in the forest.
Adaptive Hiking with Grit Freedom Chair (Ellenville, NY, United States)
Several guests preparing to go canoe sailing on the lake in Newby Bridge, United Kingdom
Canoe Sailing - A Real Buzz on the Lake (Newby Bridge, United Kingdom)
A guest taking a beach excursion in a specialized beach wheelchair.
Wheelchair Adventures in the Overberg (Stanford, South Africa)
A guest tending do a resident donkey on the farm in Idro, Italy.
Live the Farm (Idro, Italy)
A few guests on a beautiful guided hike on private land of Big Sky country.
Hike to Chimney Rock (Livingston, MT, United States)
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From a cabin overlooking a picturesque lake and to a luxury yurt with a deck to relax on, below are stays to inspire future getaways – all with an array of accessibility features.

Large Accessible Home on the Coast of Combe Martin, United Kingdom
Large Accessible Home on the Coast (Combe Martin, United Kingdom)
Living room with couch and fireplace at a handicap accessible cabin in Sevierville, TN
Views! Handicap Accessible! Outdoor Living! (Sevierville, TN, United States)
Bohemian bedroom of luxury yurt cabin in Bastrop, TX
Luxury Yurt Cabin (Bastrop, TX, United States)
Exterior shot of bayside cabin in Port Arthur, Australia
Bayside Cabin (Port Arthur, Australia)
Outdoor pool and view from the Tradicampo Eco Country House in Nordeste, Portugal
Tradicampo Eco Country Houses (Nordeste, Portugal)
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To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Airbnb is partnering with No Barriers, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people of all backgrounds and abilities to get some of their members out and exploring the great outdoors. 

“More than 90 percent of No Barriers community members say they are ready to explore the world this summer, with nearly 90 percent planning visits to natural areas and 53 percent to urban centers. Yet, people with disabilities need more accessible options when it comes to planning travel and activities. We are glad to see Airbnb is working to help fill that need and we are honored to be partnering with Airbnb to help make more accessible adventures possible for our community this summer.”

Erik Weihenmayer, co-founder of No Barriers, and bestselling author and blind adventurer

“As part of our mission of belonging, we continue working to grow the number of stays and Experiences for guests with accessibility needs. With guests starting to embrace the great outdoors again, I’m delighted to highlight adventurous Experiences, from a beginner’s horseback ride designed for neurodiverse guests to an adaptive canoe excursion. As a full time wheelchair user, I’ve also been inspired by Hosts’ stylish rural homes with accessibility features,” said Suzanne Edwards, Airbnb Head of Accessibility Standards.

Airbnb is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day in Italy by partnering with FISH to educate local Hosts through seminars and to encourage them to be clear about any accessible features their homes already have. Additionally, Airbnb has worked with Diversity Lab to create an Inclusive Travel Guide for Hosts in Italy written by the activist Valentina Tomirotti. The guide provides tips about how to help guests with accessibility needs have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

For more inspiration, check out more experiences and stays to add to your wishlist.