The time for fun in the sun is now, thanks to your own Accessible Visitor Guide

ADVERTORIAL

By Michelle Massey – Amplify Accessible Travel Specialists

Kids, just want to have fun!

No matter what their ability, fun is always number one on their agenda. Yet, when your child has a disability, it’s not always as easy as saying, “Hey, let’s get out of the house, let’s go to the park, let’s go to the beach. Or better yet, let’s reach for the stars, get on a plane and stay away from the comforts of home.”

When dealing with any kind of disability, hodophobia or trip-o-phobia (the fear of travel) can be an actual thing; with high levels of anxiety for the kids and their families looking to get away.

As a mother of two young boys with neurodiverse needs, the idea of getting my kids away from home, on a plane and travelling to a new destination is not only daunting but builds such high anxiety levels that it just becomes all too hard, too stressful and, well let’s face it, just too scary. It gets to the point that I get travel freeze and end up just cancelling our plans all together.

And you know what this results in? FOMO!

Does this sound familiar?

So, do you live a life of FOMO for you and the kids, or do you push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to have the incredible experiences that everyone else seems to be having on Instagram with their little ones?

The answer for me is… My kids need fun, they need to trust me to make the right decisions for the whole family and to allow them a life of ‘normality’.

Imagine my excitement when I learned that the solution is within reach, not just for me but for many other families as well! Many say that Australia’s Favourite Playground – the Gold Coast – is one of Australia’s most accessible destinations and they have now launched a series of game-changing resources available on the Destination Gold Coast website. These resources are designed to provide you with the support and confidence you need for your visit while offering a clear guide tailored to your family’s specific needs.

The Accessible Visitor Guide published by Destination Gold Coast in collaboration with the City of Gold Coast features a selection of their top recommended accommodation and attractions, highlighting their individual accessible and inclusive features, empowering you with valuable insights when seeking your next family stay in the city of fun.

You’ll also find mobility maps, Changing Places toilet locations, info on the Gold Coast Accessible Beaches program and, a series of 20 audio guides created by the team at VacayIt featuring over 100 accommodation, attractions and experiences via a handy new app.

Imagine a visit to Paradise Resort Gold Coast, known as Australia’s cruise ship on land for families, or Sea World Resort where the kids can splash around in the water park in the morning, and then explore iconic theme parks or the local Home of the Arts to enjoy breathtaking art displays for the rest of the day.

For those traveling with their fur babies, there are numerous suitable locations, like our personal favourite, Burleigh Beach Tourist Park, nestled among pristine beaches and stunning natural rainforest walks in Burleigh Heads, leading to the crystal blue waters of Tallebudgera Creek.

Your children will revel in the facilities of these venues, knowing they are fully accessible and inclusive for all. You can explore these options through the Accessible Visitor Guide and select the ideal stay for your family.

Whilst on the GC, if you’re looking for a cheeky parent’s night out, simply connect with one of the many experienced care support teams proficient in catering to all levels of abilities. They can stay and engage with your children while you duck out for dinner at one of the over 20 hatted restaurants throughout the city. Or why not attend a show at one of the cabaret restaurants designed to delight and inspire the perfect date night.

Beaches, rainforests, and theme parks – the choices for fun under the sun are limitless! All you need to do is gather the troops, open the Accessible Visitor Guide and empower your kids to help you to start planning your next exciting adventure.