Accessibility Needs & Travel Listening Survey (Anonymous)
I’m creating a professional education resource to help travel advisors better support travelers with accessibility needs through respectful communication, privacy-minded planning, and real-world access awareness.This survey is anonymous and takes about 10–15 minutes.Please don’t include names, booking numbers, exact travel dates, or other highly identifying details.Share only what feels comfortable; you can skip any question.
Back
Next
Consent + About You
Consent to participate
*
I understand this is an anonymous listening survey. I will not include names, booking info, or exact travel dates. I’m choosing to participate
Who are you answering as?
*
I’m sharing my own experience
I’m a parent/guardian sharing for my child
I’m a caregiver/companion sharing for someone I support
I’m answering as an ally/support person who travels with loved ones
Prefer not to say
Other
Age group
Under 18 (answered with guardian)
18–24
25–34
35–44
45–54
55–64
65+
Prefer not to answer
Do you also identify as neurodivergent or travel with someone who is neurodivergent?
Yes
No
Prefer not to say
Back
Next
Your Travel Style
What kinds of trips do you take most often? (Choose all that apply)
Theme parks
Cruises
All-inclusive resorts
City trips
Road trips
Nature/adventure
Visiting family
International
Other
How often do you travel overnight (anywhere) in a typical year?
0-1 trips
2-3 trips
4-6 trips
7+ trips
Who do you usually travel with? (Choose all that apply)
Solo
Partner/spouse
Friends
Kids
Multi-generational family
Group tour / organized group
Other
How do you usually plan/book travel? (Choose all that apply)
I plan and book everything myself
I use a travel advisor
I book direct with airlines/hotels/cruise lines
I use OTAs (Expedia/Booking/etc.)
Family/friends help me plan
Other
Back
Next
Mental Load & Family Dynamics
This section is about the behind-the-scenes planning and emotional labor that often goes unseen - especially for the primary planning parent/caregiver. Share only what feels comfortable.
Who typically carries the mental load during trips?
Mostly me
Shared
Mostly my partner/another adult
It varies
Not applicable
Other
When one person carries most of the mental load, what are they usually managing?
Researching and decision-making
Booking/logistics (tickets, reservations, transportation)
Packing and prep
Keeping everyone on schedule
Accessibility accommodations + confirmations
Food routines / dietary needs
Medications / supplies / devices
Communication with staff
Advocacy/troubleshooting on the go
Conflict management / keeping the peace
Budgeting/payments
Other
At what point does travel feel most mentally heavy? (choose up to 2)
Before booking (research + deciding)
After booking (tracking details + payments)
The week before travel (prep + packing)
Travel day (airport/road trip transitions)
At the destination (daily decisions + regulation)
Coming home (recovery + routine reset)
It’s heavy throughout
Other
Which tasks are you usually doing while also trying to enjoy the trip?
Monitoring everyone’s energy levels & needs
Keeping track of time/reservations
Navigating/maps/parking/transport
Managing food timing and safe options
Negotiating sibling dynamics/conflict
Managing unexpected changes (closures, delays)
Carrying essentials (tools/snacks/meds)
Advocating with staff
Taking photos / making sure memories happen
Other
How easy is it to delegate tasks to other adults in the group?
1-Not easy at all
1
2
3
4
5-Very easy
5
1 is 1-Not easy at all, 5 is 5-Very easy
What makes delegating hard?
Others don’t notice what needs doing
It’s faster to do it myself
I worry it won’t be done right
It creates conflict/tension
I don’t trust others with the details
There aren’t other adults to delegate to
Other
Back
Next
Accessibility Needs + Travel Challenges
When you see the word “accessible” in travel marketing, what do you hope it means-and what are you tired of it meaning?
Which accessibility needs are relevant to your travel experience? (Choose all that apply)
Mobility (wheelchair/scooter/cane/walker)
Stamina / energy limits
Chronic pain
Chronic illness / flare-ups
Immunocompromised
Deaf / Hard of Hearing
Blind / Low vision
Dietary restrictions / severe allergies
Medical devices/equipment
Other
Do you use mobility aids or accessible transportation at any point while traveling?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Prefer not to say
How often do your needs require advance planning or accommodations?
Almost always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
Other
Where do barriers show up most often? (Choose all that apply)
Destination choice
Airports / air
Ground transportation
Hotels / rooms
Cruise ships / staterooms
Long days
Theme parks
Excursions / tours
Dining
Communication with staff
Emergencies/health
Budgeting/access costs
Other
Back
Next
Reality Check: Verification, Advocacy, and Trust
How often do accessibility needs increase the cost of your trip (equipment, room categories, transport, etc.)?
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Almost always
Other
How often have you had to advocate hard to get what you needed while traveling?
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Almost always
Other
What causes the biggest problems when access breaks down? (Choose all that apply)
“Accessible” wasn’t actually accessible
Room features didn’t match what was shared
Transportation wasn’t workable
Excursions labeled accessible but weren’t realistic
Staff didn’t understand or take it seriously
No clear escalation path when issues arise
Too much walking/standing between key locations
Communication barriers (hearing/vision)
Food/allergen safety failures
Other
What would reduce the advocacy burden the most? (Choose up to 3)
Confirming accessibility details in writing, when possible
Clear documentation shared with suppliers (only what’s needed)
Better expectation-setting up front
A clear “what to do if something goes wrong” plan
A realistic itinerary designed around access + rest
Staff follow-through at check-in/boarding
Other
If “accessible” has ever been misrepresented, what was the mismatch?
No names or exact dates.
What are the top 3 things you most need confirmed BEFORE your vacation?
Options could include: room features, transport accessibility, excursion accessibility details, dietary notes, medical fridge, communication needs, etc.
Back
Next
Planning & Advisor Support
If you’ve ever used a travel advisor (or planned with a travel company), how supported did you feel overall?
Very supported
Somewhat supported
Mixed/it depended
Not very supported
Not supported at all
I haven’t used a travel advisor / travel planner
Prefer not to answer
Other
How comfortable are you sharing accessibility needs during trip planning?
1-Not comfortable at all
1
2
3
4
5-Very comfortable
5
1 is 1-Not comfortable at all, 5 is 5-Very comfortable
What would increase your comfort?
When do you prefer to share accessibility-related needs during planning (if at all)?
Up front
After I trust the person
Only if asked in a respectful way
Only if a specific issue comes up
I prefer not to disclose / I keep it private
Other
What feels okay to share during planning? (Choose up to 4)
Mobility/physical needs in practical terms
Hearing/vision communication needs
Dietary/allergen needs
Pacing/rest needs
Medical equipment or medication storage needs
“Private medical needs - please ask before sharing details”
Prefer not to share details
Other
How would you prefer an advisor handle your needs with suppliers/hotels?
Ask what to share, then advocate for me
I’m comfortable with the advisor advocating with minimal back-and-forth
I prefer to handle sensitive requests myself
Other
What support from an advisor reduces stress the most? (Choose up to 3)
Curated options
Step-by-step plan
Written summaries
Checklists
Verifying details
Backup plans
Help coordinating accessible transport
Other
Optional: Any “red flags” (actions or phrases) that quickly reduce trust?
What communication style supports you best?
Email bullets
Text
Phone call
Video meeting
Written recap
One-step-at-a-time
Visual checklists
Fewer messages but more clarity
Other
Back
Next
Needs-Specific Details
This page helps us understand practical support needs in specific areas.
Mobility / Stamina / Chronic Pain - Which supports matter most for mobility/stamina while traveling?(Choose all that apply)
Accessible transportation (confirmed in advance)
Shorter walking distances / realistic routing
Seating and rest stops built into the plan
Slower pacing / fewer “must-do” items per day
Extra buffer time (less rushing)
Hotel room location considerations (near elevators/amenities)
Verified accessible room features (not assumed)
Roll-in shower / grab bars (if applicable)
Step-free access (no surprise stairs)
Elevators functioning and close by
Rental equipment coordination (wheelchair/scooter/etc.)
Not applicable
Other
Mobility / Stamina / Chronic Pain - How often do long distances or standing time change what you can do on a trip?
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Almost always
Not applicable
Other
Deaf / Hard of Hearing - What makes communication easier while traveling?
Staff who are patient and willing to repeat/rephrase
Written instructions or confirmations (not only verbal)
Captions on videos/safety presentations
Visual alerts (hotel room alerts, announcements displayed visually)
Quieter check-in experience / ability to step aside to communicate
Text-based communication options (chat, SMS, email)
Hearing loop / assistive listening compatibility (when available)
Clear signage and wayfinding
Not applicable
Other
Deaf / Hard of Hearing - What’s one common misunderstanding or barrier you run into?
Blind / Low Vision - What supports help most with navigation and access while traveling?
Clear, step-by-step directions (not “it’s over there”)
Staff willing to guide or describe environments
Consistent layouts / fewer surprise obstacles
High-contrast, readable signage (when available)
Accessible mobile apps / screen-reader compatible info
Safe drop-off/pick-up locations and clear landmarks
Help identifying entrances, counters, and key locations
Not applicable
Other
Dietary Restrictions / Severe Allergies - How serious are your dietary needs while traveling?
Preference (nice to have)
Intolerance (symptoms if not avoided)
Allergy (must avoid ingredient)
Severe allergy (cross-contact concerns)
Not applicable
Other
Dietary Restrictions / Severe Allergies - What dining support helps most while traveling?
Ingredient transparency (menus that list allergens clearly)
Staff who take it seriously (no minimizing)
Allergy notes confirmed and repeated back correctly
Access to safe options nearby (not “one option across the city”)
Ability to speak with a chef/manager when needed
Written confirmation of allergy accommodations when possible
Pre-ordering of meals
“Plan ahead” guidance (what to pack, where to eat, backup snacks)
Not applicable
Other
Dietary Restrictions / Severe Allergies - What’s your #1 dining worry when traveling?
Chronic Illness / Immunocompromised / Medical Equipment - Which supports matter most for health/medical needs while traveling?
Refrigerator for medication
Space for medical supplies/equipment
Flexible pacing / ability to rest without missing “everything”
Easy access to pharmacy/medical care
Minimizing exposure/crowding options when possible
Clear cancellation/refund flexibility (when available)
Mobility support planning during flare-ups
Backup plans if health changes mid-trip
Not applicable
Other
Chronic Illness / Immunocompromised / Medical Equipment - What’s one thing you wish travel professionals confirmed in advance for you?
Back
Next
Your Voice Matters
These questions help us understand what truly supportive travel planning looks like for travelers with accessibility needs.Share only what feels comfortable - you can skip any question.Please do not include names, booking details, or exact travel dates.
What do you wish travel advisors understood about accessibility needs and travel?
This can be about planning, travel day, pacing, communication, dignity/respect, or anything else that feels important.
What’s a common assumption that feels wrong, unhelpful, or frustrating?
For example: assumptions about what “accessible” means, what you can/can’t do, or how much support you need.
What would “excellent support” look like from planning through travel day?
What would make you feel cared for, respected, and confident that needs will be handled?
Optional: Share a moment you felt truly supported while traveling
What happened, and what made it work?
Optional: Share a moment something went wrong - and what would have helped
No names or exact dates needed — just what broke down and what support would have made it easier.
Which topics should be included in a course for travel advisors? (Choose all that apply)
Asking the right questions (intake best practices)
Privacy-minded planning and “only what’s needed” documentation
Verifying accessibility details (what to confirm + how to confirm it)
Accessible transportation planning (airport, transfers, local transit)
Excursions/tours vetting (what “accessible” really means)
Hotel room features to request and confirm
Dining/allergy confidence and safe planning
Cruise access considerations (embarkation, cabins, ports, logistics)
Theme park access considerations (pace, terrain, services, realistic days)
Advocacy scripts + troubleshooting when something goes wrong
Designing realistic pacing + rest
Supporting the primary planning parent/person or caregiver
Other
Anything else you wish to share?
May I use an anonymous quote from your responses for training/education?
Yes
No
Should be Empty: