CHRISTMAS, with it’s excitement, was quickly followed by the television tempting us to book a holiday. The dark cold days of January were brightened by the images of stunning beaches with glorious sunshine, blue seas and skies that leapt at us from the screen.

Coach holidays, cruises, adventure breaks; what a selection. And to tempt us even more were the offers of 50 per cent off, children go free and book now for reductions.

The choice seemed endless, but helped to pass those dark winter evenings.

Hang on a moment, though, do you have a disabled person to consider?

If so, the story changes, the choice narrows and, as you explain your needs, disappointment grows.

Accessibility is the key word. I can tell you from experience that every hotel I have tried to book has a different picture.

One hotel in London assured me it was fully accessible but, turning up in my wheelchair late in the evening, I was faced with a flight of stone steps.

Surely everyone knows that wheelchairs don’t know how to climb steps.

That was a silly assumption for me to make as this hotel obviously hadn’t grasped that fact.

Indeed, according to them a lift to the bedrooms means it is accessible (this facility didn’t even extend to the dining room).

Most accessible holidays on offer appear to be self-catering. But even disabled people like a bit of luxury from time to time. No washing up, no cooking, no shopping, no beds to make: just someone to answer your every need.

How about a coach holiday? They are trouble-free travel, hotels arranged and a variety of outings.

Sounds good but is it for people with mobility difficulties? Maybe if you could get on the coach that would be a start.

The steps are so steep that it is a barrier to many.

I have seen some determined people sitting backwards on the steps and hauling themselves up with their arms.

Not only undignified but also unpleasant if the steps are dirty or wet.

Coaches are beginning to get a lift to their steps, but I am told that passengers are not allowed to stand on it as it is for wheelchairs.

The law says “make reasonable adjustments” for disabled people so where is the adjustment here?

Things are improving.

Hoteliers are getting the message that disabled people like to go on holiday. What I would like to see next are accessible rooms with a view. Wet rooms, or rooms with showers that are not over the bath, nearly always seem to be at the back.