Carrie-Ann’s passion for exploring new places, her organization skills and her vast experience in the travel industry come together in her successful promotion of accessible tourism. She has Cerebral Palsy and as a wheelchair user, she is devotedly helping the disability community via her accessible travel blog. She encourages others to travel, explore and discover new places through her reviews, guides and expert tips about travel. Carrie-Ann has had her articles published on The Guardian and HuffPost and has worked for TripAdvisor to author a series of accessible travel guides.

What inspired you to come up with your accessible travel blog?C: I love to travel, to the next town or somewhere far away. I’m an organiser, a planner, and a list maker. Researching new places to go is what I love to do, and it was part of my role as Information Service Manager at Tourism for All for 13 years. In 2018 I started a new job, as Marketing Manager at AccessAble, the UK's leading provider of accessibility information.
I have Cerebral Palsy, which means I use a wheelchair. I was brought up to believe that there is nothing I absolutely cannot do – there is always a way. This blog and my travel writing is my way of sharing that belief with the world, and celebrating accessible businesses that go above and beyond to make sure that everybody enjoys their holidays and travels.

What day-to-day challenges do you face as the Marketing Manager at AccessAble?C: My main difficulty is finding enough time to get everything done! Marketing is a small team, so it can be a challenge to keep on top of the work load. But when we meet people who tell us what a difference our Access Guides have made to their lives - particularly the AccessAble mobile App, which gives spontaneity back to disabled people - it's all worth it.

How do you prepare before traveling to new places?C: I work through my Wheelchair Accessible Travel Survival Guide. I do a lot of research, documenting everything. I take out insurance, and make sure that my mobility equipment is protected. I try to allow time for delays in my travel plans, and most importantly, remember to enjoy the experience!

How do you face obstacles in life? What keeps you moving forward?C: Accessible travel isn’t always easy, it does require a lot of extra planning and sometimes there are surprises along the way. For me, that makes the beach sunsets, the rooftop city views, and the countryside landscapes even more beautiful. To have overcome what feels like a million extra obstacles and be able to say ‘I got here!’ is an amazing feeling.

What are your other hobbies?C: I love cooking, and can usually be found in the kitchen at the weekend. Long walks with my dog are my solitude, and swimming regularly helps me physically, as well as mentally - endorphins are so powerful.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?C: Barcelona is without a doubt the most accessible place I’ve travelled to. The city’s Olympic legacy means that accessibility just is a part of every day life, and I had no issues at all accessing accommodation, transport, attractions, beaches, and places to eat and drink.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?C: Push the limits of boundaries and comfort zones. Think outside the box, find ways for your children to do things that others say they 'can't'. There is nothing more empowering than proving yourself, and others, wrong, especially if you have fun while you do it!

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to start their own blog?C: Go for it! Try not to worry about fitting in to a niche or competing with others - no one else can tell your story, that's your USP. Be honest and true to yourself, and keep it fun - you don't want blogging to feel like just another chore.

Any special message for our community?C: Keep going. Even through the most difficult days, perseverance will pay off. I often think that it takes disabled people longer to reach their goals, but in the end that makes us appreciate life so much more.