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Accessible Travel Without the Anxiety: Why Lived Experience Makes All the Difference (Meet Fiona of STX)

Fiona Donaldson - Supported Travel eXperiences

Fiona has 30 years of travel industry experience and has been a wheelchair user since she was 19. Fiona isn’t just booking your holiday, she’s ensuring it’s possible.

For many Australians living with a disability, the dream of a holiday is often overshadowed by the “logistical nightmare” of planning it. You might find yourself asking: Is the hotel bathroom truly accessible? Will the airline handle my wheelchair correctly? Can I actually navigate the local transport?

The truth is, the anxiety of accessible travel is real. It turns what should be a relaxing break into a stressful checklist of “what-ifs.”

At Supported Travel eXperiences (STX), we believe travel should be inclusive, empowering, and, above all, doable. That’s why we’ve built a team that doesn’t just understand travel, they understand your travel.

Meet Fiona: Your Expert Disability Travel Advisor

When you book a holiday through STX, you aren’t just talking to a travel agent; you’re talking to an industry veteran with a unique perspective.

Fiona is a Disability Travel Advisor at STX with a powerhouse resume:

  • 30+ years of experience in the travel and airline industry.
  • Lived experience as a wheelchair user since the age of 19.
  • Personal insight as a mum of two active teenage boys.
 

Fiona understands the technical side of airlines and the practical side of navigating the world in a chair. This combination of professional expertise and lived experience is what makes her the person she wishes she had when she first started travelling with a disability.

Fiona Donaldson, STX Travel Advisor
Fiona is a travel advisor for Supported Travel eXperiences and wheelchair user since the age of 19.

Why Lived Experience Matters in Accessible Travel

A standard travel agent might look at a brochure and see the word “accessible.” Fiona looks at an itinerary and sees the details that actually matter.

1. The “Fine-Tooth Comb” Itinerary

As Fiona mentions in her video, she reviews every itinerary with a fine-tooth comb. She knows that “accessible” means different things to different people. Whether it’s checking the height of a bed or the gradient of a ramp, she ensures the world is ready for you before you arrive.

2. Removing the Anxiety of the Unknown

The biggest barrier to inclusive travel is fear. By having someone who has “been there and done that,” you gain the confidence to explore. Fiona’s goal is to absorb the stress of the logistics so you can focus on the joy of the journey.

3. Professional Industry Knowledge

With three decades in the airline sector, Fiona knows the “back-end” systems. She knows how to communicate with airlines regarding mobility equipment and how to ensure your rights as a traveller are respected.

I honestly wish that I had someone back when I was newly injured who could come to me and say, ‘Yes, travel is still possible. It may look a little different, but overall, it’s very doable.’ — Fiona, STX Advisor

What Our Clients Say About Fiona and STX

Our community trusts us because we deliver on our promises. Here are some recent Google Reviews highlighting Fiona’s impact on our travellers

Thanks to Fiona's wealth of knowledge about travelling in a wheelchair, everything was made easy. Fiona gathered all the important information to ensure my guide dog could accompany me on his first plane trip. The combination of Fiona's experience, the right advice for my dog, and choosing the amazing airline Virgin Australia meant that my trip to Sydney and back was a fantastic success.
The disabled equipment (hoist & shower commode) that I requested was absolutely perfect, arriving on time to our wheelchair accessible ocean view room, which takes a lot of stress away knowing all our requirements were fully met. Would highly recommend Fiona for all your disabled travel needs.
I have had Fiona Donaldson assist with a few holidays including Singapore and London. On each occasion Fiona has sourced appropriate accommodation, equipment and transfers which takes the stress out of planning. Fiona listens to what you want and is always responsive, gives great options to assist you. I'll be back again when looking at my next overseas trip and highly recommend her.

Ready to Book Your Next Inclusive Holiday?

Don’t let the fear of logistics hold you back from seeing the world. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway in Australia or an international adventure, Fiona and the STX team are here to make it happen.

Experience the STX Difference

  • Personalised, accessible travel itineraries.
  • Expert advice from people with lived experience.
  • Support from start to finish.

Book a Chat with Fiona Today

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