The future of travel is inclusive

Hi, I’m Matthew Medeiros, but feel free to call me Matty. I’m from Vancouver, British Columbia, and I’m proud to serve as an Accessible Travel Advisor and Advocate, dedicated to making travel more inclusive for everyone. I also work as the Program Coordinator at Travel Best Bets, supporting more than 520+ home-based travel advisors across Canada. These two roles are deeply connected, blending my love of travel with my personal mission to ensure every traveller, regardless of ability and also educating every agent that everyone can experience the world with dignity and confidence.

My path into the travel industry wasn’t traditional. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis, which eventually deformed my knees and made me rely on a mobility scooter for long distances. Suddenly, the idea of travelling freely felt impossible. Navigating airports, hotels, and tours became overwhelming, and I quickly realized that the accessible travel landscape was far smaller than it needed to be. Instead of giving up on travel, I decided to lean in. I started learning the ins and outs of the industry, not only to help clients plan their trips with confidence but also to create a stronger voice for people with both visible and invisible accessibility needs.

Now I get asked many times – Matty, what do you love most about being in this industry? I answer every single time, The Human Connection. Travel isn’t just about flights and hotels- it’s about stories, moments, and memories. I’ve had the privilege of helping families take their first international adventures, couples plan the perfect resort getaway, and travellers with unique accessibility needs find options that make them feel safe and supported. Hearing their stories when they return – the joy in their voices, the memories they’ve created- reminds me that travel is so much more than a trip. It’s a source of healing, discovery and connection that everyone deserves to experience.  

For me, accessible travel is about making sure everyone has the chance to explore the world with dignity and confidence. I know firsthand how difficult it can feel when barriers get in the way of a trip you’ve been dreaming about. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating experiences that truly include everyone. When accessibility is prioritized, we don’t just make travel possible for a few; we make it better for all. A more inclusive approach allows this industry to adapt, grow, and rethink what travel can and should be. To me, travel is at its very best when no one is left out of the journey.

I’m also extremely passionate about advocating for people with invisible disabilities and non-physical accessibility needs. These challenges often go unnoticed, but they are just as real as the barriers we can see. By raising awareness, encouraging empathy, and offering flexible solutions, we can create travel experiences that work for everyone. Supporting these needs doesn’t just help one group; it makes the entire travel experience richer, kinder, and more adaptable for all.

That’s why I’m SO EXCITED to be writing for Accessible Journeys. Through my articles, I want readers to feel inspired, included, and reassured. I’ll be sharing a mix of personal stories, practical tips, and insights from my work in the travel industry. I hope that this space becomes one where people can learn, grow, and share together. A place where accessibility is seen not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of every journey.

With this first article, and in everything I write moving forward, my goal is to spark awareness and action. I want to encourage inclusive thinking while also giving travellers and industry professionals tools they can use. Most of all, I want readers to feel empowered. Travel is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the experiences, the people, and the memories we create along the way. When the world is open to everyone, those experiences become shared, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Thank you for joining me here. Whether you’re a fellow traveller, a professional in the industry, or someone curious about exploring the world in new ways, I hope my stories and insights will inspire and encourage you. Together, we can make travel not just possible but welcoming for everyone.