Before everything happened, choosing somewhere to stay was mostly about the location, the price and whether or not it looked like somewhere we’d enjoy.

​

Now, as with most other things, there is more to consider. I have to think about parts of a building that never even crossed my mind. How many steps are there? Do they have a lift? Where is the parking in relation to the building entrance? What’s the bathroom like, and can I actually get in the shower?

​

This is where the term “accessible” appears.

​

Hotels or rental properties can have their own unique challenges. A hotel might have a lift but a totally unsuitable bathroom. A cottage might have plenty of space inside but a difficult set of steps to the garden. Just because something looks good on a website, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work when you arrive.

​

Some of my experiences in hotels have been better than others. Not necessarily to do with the facilities or hotel procedures, but more so the way I’ve been treated by staff members. They noticed when I might need help, offered it without making my disability into a big deal, and then carried on treating John and me just like any other guests.

​

That makes a difference.

​

Holiday lets are another potential issue. They require a lot of research and, even then, an explanation from, or even pictures taken by, someone else, such as an agency, don’t show a completely accurate representation. I have found renting a property to be more of a gamble. It can be a situation where you can’t fully judge the situation until you arrive. One property I stayed in had a level path from the driveway to the house, then two steps up to the porch to enter the front door, which we had been made aware of. There was level access throughout the property and a wet room-style shower. The building was quirky and made of concrete, so I ended up showering wearing non-slip swim shoes, leaning against the wall for balance. John helped me to use the front steps.

​

It may mean having to make do and adapt, but that hasn’t stopped me from having a good time.