Two business partners with a background in working with people with additional needs have launched an accessible travel agency.
Michael Connolly and Sarah Baum have set up AllWays Travel, part of Barrhead Travel’s Brilliant Travel homeworking division.
They are drawing on their experiences as co-founders of Accessible Housing Scotland (AHS), which helps people with accessibility requirements find suitable homes.
Michael said: “Accessible travel is relevant to far more people than many realise. Our aim is simple – to make travel planning feel reassuring and straightforward, and to make sure accessibility is considered from the very start, not treated as an afterthought.
“We verify accessibility properly – not just at hotel level, but right down to room layouts, transfers, and the wider resort or destination. We use trusted tour operator partners and, as we grow, we’re keen to build stronger relationships with specialist accessible travel operators where that genuinely adds value.
“We’re seeing interest from people who simply want a more personal service, as well as those with specific mobility, health or accessibility requirements who want reassurance that everything has been properly checked.”
He said the business has had ‘a broad range of enquiries and bookings, which reflects the fact that accessible travel is relevant to far more people than many realise’.
“It’s been a really varied mix, which has been great to see. We’ve supported everything from cruises and city breaks to family holidays and group trips, including multi-generational travel and first-time travellers who want a bit more reassurance and guidance.”
Director of Brilliant Travel Linda Pyle said: “It is wonderful to welcome Sarah and Michael into the Brilliant Travel family. Having accessible travel experts who are so passionate about their work is really important, and we are very proud of the service they are providing for clients in Edinburgh and beyond.
“These two have a great track record working together and I’m excited to see what they can do in travel.”
