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
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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
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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com
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