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

In 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 Europe
• The mental side of disability and how mindset influences what’s possible
• The challenges and triumphs of accessibility in destinations around the world
• Why countries that embrace accessibility benefit travellers of all abilities
• How accessible travel opens doors not just for disabled travellers, but for everyone

Whether 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 Dennis

Website - 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!

Timestamps

00:00 The Joy of Travel and Mindset

02:51 Introduction to Accessible Travel

08:20 Early Travel Memories and Inspirations

17:41 The Impact of Travel on Personal Growth

25:30 Navigating Travel with a Disability

35:35 Conversations on Accessibility in Travel

37:56 Building Accessibility in Indian Tourism

39:01 Exploring Karnataka's Heritage and History

41:51 Experiencing Karnataka's Wildlife and Nature

43:45 Challenges in Travel Organisation

46:11 Cultural Insights from Local Experiences

49:30 Media vs. Travel Agent Perspectives

50:55 Wildlife Safari Cancellations and Expectations

54:48 Accessibility in Travel: A Global Perspective

01:01:26 The Future of Accessible Travel

01:05:51 The Journey of a Travel Writer

01:16:01 Serendipitous Encounters and Opportunities

01:19:10 The Art of Pitching and Storytelling

01:23:29 Networking and Building Connections

01:25:54 Navigating the Travel Writing Landscape

01:26:25 Diverse Perspectives in Accessible Travel

01:27:29 Promoting Accessible Travel

01:30:19 Upcoming Adventures and Future Plans

01:34:00 Quickfire Travel Questions and Insights

--------------------------------------------------------------

Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

Please leave a review and a 5-star rating wherever you get your podcasts!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] 

Social Media - follow me on:

Instagram

TikTok 

Facebook 

--------------------------------------------------------------

Support My Podcast - Memberships

Patreon - Here

Buy Me A Coffee - Here

Affiliate 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 - Here

Book Your E-Sim With GigSky - Here

Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here

Booking.com - Here

Book Experiences With Viator - Here

Discovery Car Hire - Here

Book Buses With Busbud - Here

Book Trains With Trainline - Here

Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here

Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here

Buy my Digital Travel Planner - Here

--------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!

Cheers, James.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This 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