Ep 185 w/ Matt Dennis On Travelling With A Disability: Breaking Barriers, Accessible Travel + Mindset

Ep 185 w/ Matt Dennis On Travelling With A Disability: Breaking Barriers, Accessible Travel + MindsetIn this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I’m joined by Matt Dennis — a travel writer, journalist, and accessibility advocate — to discuss his inspiring journey of travelling with a disability and how mindset can transform the way we see the world.Matt, also known as The Empowered Traveller, has been featured in publications like Metro, The Independent, Evening Standard, and Adventure.com. His work shines a light on accessible travel and how small changes in infrastructure, awareness, and attitude can open up destinations for millions of travellers worldwide.We dive into Matt’s story of becoming disabled at 18, navigating life with a paralysed leg, and discovering the confidence and freedom that comes through travel. From interrailing across Europe with crutches and a backpack to advocating for accessibility at global tourism expos, Matt shows that travel is not just possible with a disability — it can be empowering and life-changing.Throughout the episode, Matt shares insights into the realities of accessible travel, including which destinations are leading the way and which still have a long way to go. We explore countries such as Canada, France, Albania, and India, and discuss how accessibility isn’t just about wheelchair ramps — it’s about inclusive design, public transportation, adapted activities, and, most importantly, mindset.This conversation also highlights why accessible tourism matters for everyone. With ageing populations and an increasing number of people living with mobility challenges, accessibility benefits not only disabled travellers but also seniors, families, and anyone who wants easier, more inclusive travel experiences.Whether you are a disabled traveller looking for tips, an industry professional seeking to understand the importance of accessibility, or simply curious about how to make travel more inclusive, this episode will open your eyes to the possibilities.We discuss:Matt’s first major adventures travelling with crutches and a backpack across EuropeThe mental side of disability and how mindset influences what’s possibleThe challenges and triumphs of accessibility in destinations around the worldWhy countries that embrace accessibility benefit travellers of all abilitiesHow accessible travel opens doors not just for disabled travellers, but for everyoneWhether you’re a traveller with a disability, know someone who is, or want better to understand the importance of accessibility in global travel, this conversation will leave you inspired.Matt DennisWebsite - https://www.empoweredtraveller.com/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmpoweredTraveller-hh6vo🔔 Subscribe, leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review for Winging It, and support the podcast via Buy Me A Coffee!Timestamps00:00 The Joy of Travel and Mindset02:51 Introduction to Accessible Travel08:20 Early Travel Memories and Inspirations17:41 The Impact of Travel on Personal Growth25:30 Navigating Travel with a Disability35:35 Conversations on Accessibility in Travel37:56 Building Accessibility in Indian Tourism39:01 Exploring Karnataka's Heritage and History41:51 Experiencing Karnataka's Wildlife and Nature43:45 Challenges in Travel Organisation46:11 Cultural Insights from Local Experiences49:30 Media vs. Travel Agent Perspectives50:55 Wildlife Safari Cancellations and Expectations54:48 Accessibility in Travel: A Global Perspective01:01:26 The Future of Accessible Travel01:05:51 The Journey of a Travel Writer01:16:01 Serendipitous Encounters and Opportunities01:19:10 The Art of Pitching and Storytelling01:23:29 Networking and Building Connections01:25:54 Navigating the Travel Writing Landscape01:26:25 Diverse Perspectives in Accessible Travel01:27:29 Promoting Accessible Travel01:30:19 Upcoming Adventures and Future Plans01:34:00 Quickfire Travel Questions and Insights--------------------------------------------------------------Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/Winging It Travel Podcast - WebsitePlease leave a review and a 5-star rating wherever you get your podcasts!--------------------------------------------------------------Winging It Travel Podcast CreditsHost/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James HammondContact me - [email protected] Social Media - follow me on:InstagramTikTok Facebook --------------------------------------------------------------Support My Podcast - MembershipsPatreon - HereBuy Me A Coffee - HereAffiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here Use Revolut Travel Card - HereBook Your E-Sim With GigSky - Here Book Hostels With Hostelworld - HereBooking.com - HereBook Experiences With Viator - HereDiscovery Car Hire - HereBook Buses With Busbud - HereBook Trains With Trainline - HereTravel Insurance with SafetyWing - HereBook Flights With Expedia Canada - HereBuy my Digital Travel Planner - Here--------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!Cheers, James.Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast NetworkCheck out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast