Who Gets to Travel Freely?

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a question that keeps resurfacing: What does freedom look like when it’s designed with everyone in mind?

Campervanning often symbolises independence, simplicity, and connection to nature. But for many wheelchair users, these spaces, however beautiful, can still feel like closed doors. And that’s something worth pausing on.

This isn’t about blame or guilt. It’s about curiosity, care, and the quiet power of asking:
How can we make these spaces more welcoming, more usable, more human?

What Inclusion Might Look Like on the Road

Here are a few thoughtful shifts that can make a real difference:

• Wider doorways and ramps for easy entry
• Lowered counters and reachable storage for autonomy
• Secure wheelchair tie-downs for safety while driving
• Adaptable sleeping and toilet setups that don’t require assistance
• Designs that invite rest, not just access – like a window at seated height or a table that adjusts for different needs

If you’re curious about what’s possible, Rolling Homes’ “Ability” campervan is a great example of bespoke design that centres mobility and dignity.

Want to Learn More or Get Inspired?

Here are some brilliant resources that explore accessible travel, inclusive design, and real-life stories from the road:

• Adventure Wheels – Karla and Stephen share their travels across Europe in an adapted caravan, with tips, reviews, and reflections
• CamperDays’ Guide to Barrier-Free Motorhome Travel – A practical overview of what makes a motorhome accessible
• Build Your Own Campervan: Accessibility Resources – A roundup of upfitters, gear, and design considerations
• Universal Design in Campsites – A thoughtful look at how campsites can be designed for all
• Wheelchair Travel’s RV Guide – A deep dive into accessible RVs, rentals, and travel tips

Let’s Talk

This is where I’d love to hear from you:

☑ Have you made (or seen) any small changes that support wheelchair users in vanlife or camping?
☑ What questions are you still holding around inclusive design?
☑ What would a more accessible travel culture look like to you?

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just a willingness to reflect, share, and learn together.

Because access isn’t a luxury, it’s a reflection of who we believe belongs.