Inclusion tips

This Future of Travel column is a recurring series written by JD Shadel exploring the innovations and bold ideas changing—and challenging—travel.

The cruise industry has long promoted cruise vacations as seagoing alternatives to landside all-inclusive resorts—with the added benefit of hitting multiple destinations in a single trip (and only needing to unpack once). But most cruises aren’t actually all-inclusive—on the vast majority of cruise lines, there are extras available for purchase on the ship that can really mean cruisers pay twice for the same vacation: once up front, and once on board.

Seminole Hard Rock promotes Stephanie Piimauna as SVP of People and Inclusion, and Meaghan Ryan as Head of Human Resources, expanding their executive roles.

The Tourism Society introduced new board members Atlyn Forde and Robin Sheppard at its 47th AGM, enhancing the board with extensive DEI and hospitality expertise.

Want to rise up the ranks of your cruise line's loyalty program at quadruple speed? If you're a fan of Princess Cruises, you're in luck.

By age 17, Lucas Rubiño was a professional surfer. He is a five-time champion in the tandem category and a longboard champion. Aside from his surfing achievements, Lucas told SCENES that founding the Escuela Mardel Surf School is arguably his most fulfilling undertaking. It allows him to ride the waves with an exceptional group of people. 

At the 50th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, leaders focused on investment and innovative tourism to enhance regional resilience and inclusivity.

Wyndham – Decameron deal brings over 2,600 rooms into Wyndham’s rapidly growing all-inclusive portfolio, now spanning more than 50 resorts globally.

‘ Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More Than 100 Destinations Around the World ’ is National Geographic’s first travel book aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community. Authors Amy B. Scher and Mark Jason Williams dive into 120 destinations — from Austin to Antarctica — and what makes them both great vacations as well as inclusive for every traveler. I spoke with Scher and Williams about the need for this book and what they love most about travel.

During a trip to Paris last November, Samantha Renke just couldn’t seem to find a taxi that could accommodate her motorized wheelchair.

Reliable information regarding hotel accessibility can be murky at best, and the broader hotel industry often comes up short in making this travel experience as easy as possible. Hyatt leaders are showing the company is taking this seriously in a new initiative highlighting the needs of neurodivergent travelers and what needs to be done to improve the travel experience from booking to checking out.

While July and August are renowned as the festival months in the UK, the spring season in Morocco is when culture comes alive, with May and June being the best months to visit to experience festivals that incorporate music, art, nature, and celebration all across the country. Morocco’s first LGBTQ+ founded and led luxury travel company, Inclusive Morocco, can design full trips staying at some of the best hotels and incorporating authentic experiences for those wanting to head to Morocco during this celebratory and community-led time.

Imagine walking into a space where the elegant atmosphere immediately hits you with music playing, stylish brands lining the shelves, and where the who's who is gathering. This might sound like an introduction to Soho House, the chic social club known globally for its exclusive, elegant ambiance and a gathering spot for the elite. Yet, this description aptly fits The Bunny Hive, a burgeoning network of children's clubs quickly earning the nickname "Soho House for kids."

Ten new restaurants have another great reason to book a table.

How do you love a bike?

Driving change for inclusive travel experiences. 

The luxury all-inclusive landscape may be rapidly evolving, but Sandals Resorts International remains committed to one of the cornerstones of its long-term success: travel advisors.

From 5 to 7 March at the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion in Hall 4.1, LGBTQ+ tourism experts and interested parties can look forward to big-name exhibitors including the city of Valencia in Spain, the organiser of the Gay Games 2026, the LGBTQ+ cruise operator Vacaya, and Choose Chicago. Networking events and forward-looking lectures on the ITB segment’s own stage and at the ITB Berlin Convention round off events.

Discover Zeus International’s strategic expansion across Europe, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity to redefine luxury hospitality for a diverse and evolving market.

This certification is also a significant milestone in the Greater Palm Springs area’s initiative to become a Certified Autism Destination (CAD).

In the ever-evolving world of accessible travel, where the horizons of exploration are so often limited by systemic barriers and attitudinal hurdles, a profound transformation is taking place. Thanks to the relentless dedication of a selection of individuals with lived experience of Disability, we find ourselves on the cusp of a remarkable new era of travel, one which may well culminate in a barrier-free planet.