The 7 Best Places to Solo Travel with a Disability

 
The 7 Best Places To Solo Travel With A Disability
 

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Amazing, Accessible, and Absolutely Worth the Trip

Solo travel can be one of the most empowering and freeing experiences, especially when you find places that welcome you and your mobility aids with open arms. Whether you're rolling solo in a wheelchair, navigating with a cane, or traveling while managing chronic illness, the world is slowly catching up (emphasis on slowly, but progress is happening).

So grab your passport, your meds, your cane, your backup meds, and your sense of humor, and let’s explore some of the best places to solo travel with a disability.

 
Back Side of Casa Vicens in Barcelona Spain

Casa Vicens in Barcelona Spain

 

1. Barcelona, Spain

Vibrant, beachy, and flat enough to roll without rage

Barcelona doesn’t just serve Gaudí’s wild architecture and beachside sangria—it’s surprisingly accessible. Public buses are wheelchair-friendly, many metro stations have elevators, and the beachfront promenade is long, smooth, and blissfully barrier-free. Bonus: the locals are chill and helpful, especially if you try to speak a little Catalan (or just smile a lot).

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Step-free entrances at major museums like Sagrada Família and Museu Picasso

  • Wheelchair-friendly taxis are available via app

  • Beach wheelchairs are available at designated accessible beaches

For more on Barcelona, check out my guide to Unique Things To Do In Barcelona, Spain.

 
Busy Streets of Vienna Austria

Streets of Vienna Austria

 

2. Vienna, Austria

Old world charm meets 21st-century access

If your vibe is sipping espresso while staring dramatically out at a baroque opera house, Vienna is calling. The city has invested heavily in accessibility, including elevators at most U-Bahn stations and level trams. Even historical sites have been updated with ramps and lifts in clever, non-invasive ways.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Most attractions offer free admission to disabled visitors + a companion

  • Paved pedestrian zones perfect for power chairs

  • High accessibility ratings across hotels and transit

 
Princes Bridge In Melbourne Australia

Princes Bridge in Melbourne Australia

 

3. Melbourne, Australia

Hipster heaven with a side of universal access

Melbourne blends urban cool with thoughtful inclusivity. Its city center is loaded with accessible trams, curb cuts, and stylish cafés that won’t judge you for ordering oat milk. Australia also has strong disability rights protections, so you’re less likely to encounter awkward stairs with “sorry, no ramp” energy.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Many hotels offer fully accessible rooms (check for roll-in showers!)

  • The National Gallery of Victoria is fully wheelchair-accessible

  • Well-maintained parks and waterfront paths

 
Street Art in Montreal Canada

Street art in Montreal Canada

 

4. Montreal, Canada

French flavor without the jet lag (if you’re in North America)

Montreal is Canada’s cool kid, charming, bilingual, and surprisingly accommodating. Yes, it’s older than your grandmother’s casserole dish, but the city has made real strides to welcome disabled travelers, especially during warmer months when ice and slush aren’t sabotaging sidewalks.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Accessible buses + ride-share programs

  • Museums and galleries offer large-print and tactile guides

  • City initiatives to improve access in Old Montreal

 
Singapore Jewerl Rain Vortex

Jewel Rain Vortex in Singapore

 

5. Singapore

Clean, futuristic, and shockingly smooth to navigate

This tiny island nation has mastered the art of accessible design. Elevators. Ramps. Wide sidewalks. Accessible restrooms in every major public space. Singapore is like if Apple designed a country, with more hawker stalls and humidity. Plus, it’s one of the safest solo destinations on the planet.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Fully accessible MRT (metro) system

  • Zero-step entries in most shopping centers and attractions

  • Free wheelchair rental at major parks and attractions

Planning a trip? Don't miss my Singapore 2-Day Itinerary for accessible travel tips.

 
Casa de Balboa San Diego California USA

Casa de Balboa in San Diego, California USA

 

6. San Diego, California, USA

Sunshine, sea breeze, and wheelchair beach access

San Diego is a laid-back paradise for disabled solo travelers. The city has accessible trails, beachfront boardwalks, and a deeply inclusive spirit. Whether you're watching sea lions at La Jolla or rolling through Balboa Park, San Diego makes it easy to chill without worrying about access drama.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Beach wheelchairs are available at multiple beaches

  • ADA-compliant public transportation system

  • Accessible museums and gardens in Balboa Park

Exploring California? Check out my guide to Unique Things To Do In San Diego.

 
Canals in Copenhagen Denmark

Canals in Copenhagen Denmark

 

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Fairy tales and functionality

Copenhagen is cool in that effortless Scandinavian way—and it works hard to include everyone. The metro is 100% accessible, sidewalks are wide, and the Danes are famously kind. It’s also one of the safest and easiest cities to navigate solo, with or without wheels.

Accessibility Highlights:

  • Curb-free sidewalks and accessible public transit

  • Wheelchair-friendly canal tours (yes, really!)

  • Inclusive design across restaurants and shops

 
Casa Mila in Barcelona Spain

Casa Mila in Barcelona Spain

 

✈️ Tips for Solo Travel with a Disability

  • Call ahead. Even if a website says “accessible,” ask for specifics: ramp width, elevator access, bathroom setup, etc.

  • Use Google Maps’ “wheelchair accessible” route feature—sometimes accurate, sometimes laughably wrong, but still useful.

  • Pack your own backup accessibility gear (portable ramps, extra meds, seat cushion).

  • Learn a few phrases in the local language to explain your access needs. Bonus points for humor.

  • Travel insurance is your best friend. Seriously.

For more solo travel inspiration, read my post on Best Places to Solo Travel.

 
Big Lebowski Street Art in San Diego California USA

Street art in San Diego, California, USA

 

💬 Final Thoughts

Solo travel with a disability isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Every curb ramp, elevator, and kind stranger is a reminder that you can explore this world on your terms. And when the city doesn’t cooperate? You have a story. A spicy blog post. A reel. A reason to keep pushing for change.

Wherever you go, go boldly. Go with snacks. Go with wheels, braces, meds, or just your brilliant self.

And don’t forget to tag @sickgirltravels—I wanna see your adventures. ✈️💪💖

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