Travel with confidence: a guide for Sunflower wearers

Travel can be one of life's greatest joys - a chance to visit loved ones, discover new places, or simply recharge somewhere different. But when you’re disabled, the journey itself can sometimes feel like the biggest challenge of all. From navigating crowded airports and busy stations, to managing fatigue, sensory overload, and the endless uncertainties that come with new environments - accessible travel isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about balancing preparation with flexibility, and remembering to make space for enjoyment along the way.

As a wheelchair user with both visible and non-visible conditions, I understand how easy it is for people to assume they see the full picture of your accessibility needs - when often, there’s much more going on beneath the surface. Over years of travelling, I’ve learned that true accessibility is about more than ramps and lifts: it’s about confidence, control, and compassion.

In this guide, I’ll share practical advice drawn from lived experience - strategies that help reduce travel stress, prepare for the unexpected, and focus on what really matters: making memories, not chasing the perfect trip. You'll also find references to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Sunflower Extra, tools that some travellers use to discreetly signal that they may need extra support.

Before you travel

Planning and booking with confidence

One of the biggest sources of anxiety when travelling with a disability is the 'pre-arrival worry' - will the assistance be there? Will the hotel meet my needs? Will the environment be overwhelming?

Good planning can ease a lot of that stress, but it’s also about building in flexibility. My best advice? Plan carefully - and then give yourself permission to adapt if things change.

When organising your trip, consider.

• Accessible transport - Does the airline, train company or bus service offer pre-booked assistance? Can you request priority boarding or accessible seating?
• Quiet spaces - Are there calmer areas available at airports, stations, or transport hubs where you can wait away from crowds?
• Accessible accommodation - Does the hotel offer accessible rooms that truly meet your needs (step-free access, roll-in showers, visual alarms, quiet location)? Check for detailed access information online, and don’t be afraid to call and double-check.
• Sensory considerations - Can lighting, noise levels, or room scents be adjusted if necessary?

Over 330 airports and 22 airlines worldwide now recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, offering discreet support for those with non-visible disabilities. Some travellers passengers also choose to carry the new Sunflower Extra digital card to signal their needs more clearly. These tools can be helpful, but they’re not the only options - your lived experience and voice always matter most.

Packing essentials: preparing for comfort and control

Packing for travel with a disability isn’t just about remembering the basics - it’s about setting yourself up for comfort, calm, and flexibility throughout the journey.

I’ve found that a few carefully chosen items can make all the difference:

• Essential documents - Travel tickets, booking confirmations, medical notes, and a list of emergency contacts.
• Medication - Always carry enough for your full trip (plus extras), and keep it in your hand luggage, in original packaging.
• Comfort and sensory tools - I swear by Loop Earplugs for managing sensory overload. A lightweight travel blanket, fidget toy, sunglasses, or familiar music playlist can also help calm overwhelming environments.
• Chargers and batteries - A portable charger is a lifesaver for phones, mobility aids, or communication devices.
• Your preferred support signals - Some travellers choose to wear the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or carry a Sunflower Extra card to discreetly indicate they may need assistance.

We’ve created a downloadable travel checklist to help you feel organised and confident before setting off.

Preparing for the unexpected

Even with the best planning, travel rarely goes 100% to plan - and that’s perfectly normal.

Delays happen. Assistance doesn’t always arrive on time. Crowds, noise, or fatigue can hit harder than expected. Over time, I’ve learned that having a 'Plan B' mindset is one of the best travel tools you can develop.

Before you travel, consider:

• Mapping alternatives - Save offline maps, alternative transport routes, and hotel details on your phone in case of changes.
• Identifying safe spaces - Know where you can go to rest and reset if environments become overwhelming.
• Creating a comfort kit - Snacks, water, medication, sensory tools - all in one easy-to-reach bag.
• Staying connected - Share your itinerary with someone you trust, and agree regular check-ins if travelling alone.
• Travel insurance - Make sure it covers both medical and accessibility-related needs.

Remember, needing to adjust your plans doesn’t mean you’ve failed - it means you’re travelling with awareness and taking care of yourself.

During your journey

At the airport

Airports can be some of the most challenging environments for travellers those with disabilities - and also, sometimes, some of the most supportive.

Whenever I fly, I always book assistance in advance and arrive early to give myself plenty of time to navigate check-in, security, and boarding without feeling rushed. Some key tips that have helped me:

• Pre-book assistance directly with your airline and airport if possible.
• Use assistance desks as soon as you arrive - don’t hesitate to ask for help.
• Communicate your accessibility needs clearly - whether verbally, using a communication card, or by wearing the Sunflower lanyard if that’s your preference.
• Request private security screenings if a standard one feels overwhelming or impractical.
• Pace yourself - allow time for breaks, and find quiet areas if you need a sensory reset.

Using public transport

Public transport offers freedom and flexibility, but it can also feel unpredictable. Crowded buses, platform changes, and limited seating options can quickly become overwhelming without a plan.;

If you’re travelling by train, tram, or bus, consider:

• Pre-booking assistance whenever it's offered.
• Asking for priority seating - it’s there for a reason, and you deserve it.
• Using real-time apps to track quieter travel times or platform changes.
• Wearing sensory aids like earplugs or headphones if noise is an issue.

If you choose to wear the Sunflower, it can be a helpful signal to staff or other passengers - but remember: your comfort is what matters most. You shouldn’t have to explain or justify your needs the support you need.

At your destination

Checking into your hotel

Arriving at your hotel should be a moment to breathe - but it’s still worth double-checking that everything you arranged in advance is in place.

Even if I’ve confirmed accessibility requirements during booking, I always take a few minutes at check-in to make sure the room suits my needs. Don't be afraid to ask:

• Is the room physically accessible - step-free access, accessible bathroom, enough space for mobility aids?
• Is the room close to a lift?
• Is it away from noisy areas like bars or event spaces?
• Can strong air fresheners or scents be removed if necessary?

If communicating these needs feels tiring after your journey, you can use notes, communication cards, or simply ask for extra patience.

The goal isn’t perfection - it’s comfort.

Finding accessible places

Exploring a new city, town, or village should feel exciting, not daunting.

Before heading out, I like to map a few accessible options: restaurants, cafés, museums, or shops that are either listed as accessible or known to be Sunflower-friendly.

I usually check:

• Is there step-free access?
• Are there quieter dining areas available?
• Can dietary needs or sensory sensitivities be accommodated?

Planning downtime and breaks

This might be my most important tip: build in time to rest.

Travel is amazing - but it’s also physically and mentally demanding, especially when managing fatigue, sensory needs, or accessibility barriers.

Whenever I plan a trip, I:

• Schedule shorter days - less packed with activities.
• Plan regular quiet breaks - in parks, cafés, or sensory-friendly spaces.
• Allow full buffer days on longer trips - days with no fixed plans, just rest and gentle exploration.

Downtime isn’t wasted time. It’s what makes the memorable moments possible.

If you hit a day when things don’t go to plan - when energy runs low or access isn’t what you hoped - it’s OK to pause. You’re still travelling. You’re still achieving something amazing.

Conclusion

Accessible travel isn’t about chasing the perfect trip - it’s about creating experiences that are meaningful for you.

Things might go wrong. Plans might change. That’s normal.

What matters most is embracing the adventure, making memories, and remembering why you travel in the first place: to enjoy yourself.
Preparation helps. Tools like assistance services, accessible planning, and sometimes the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower can help too. But at the heart of it all is you - your resilience, your flexibility, your right to explore the world.

So build your plans, pack your essentials, and leave room for the unexpected.

Travel at your own pace. Trust your instincts. And most importantly - remember to enjoy it.

Wishing you safe, accessible, and unforgettable journeys.