Leisure Group Travel Magazine
April 2025Turn the pages of Leisure Group Travel Magazine and discover a world of possibilities for your next group adventure. Because every journey is better when shared.
Leisure Group Travel Magazine
April 2025Turn the pages of Leisure Group Travel Magazine and discover a world of possibilities for your next group adventure. Because every journey is better when shared.
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Accessible Travel is a ‘Game Changer’
Coming from a family with a pair of disabled uncles, I have first-hand experience witnessing how difficult life was for them on a day-to-day basis. And travel was mostly out of the question.
Thankfully, the world is working on improving accessible travel, and people are taking notice. According to UN Tourism, accessible travel is a “game changer” for destinations as globally, 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability and 1 in 6 of the population is set to be aged 60 and older in five years’ time. So, it makes sense for destinations to work on becoming more inclusive.
This month, Leisure Group Travel reached out to several tourism leaders who are working to make the world more accessible for disabled travelers. They offer valuable advice to destinations on how to be more inclusive and share their thoughts on what the future holds for accessible travel. LGT also interviews Jake Steinman, the founder of TravelAbility, a platform dedicated to advancing accessibility in tourism. Through TravelAbility, Jake has worked to educate destinations, tour operators and industry leaders, advocating for clear information and practical solutions.
This issue also contains the Illinois Group Tour Planner, featuring the best attractions in the Land of Lincoln. From the Japanese Gardens in Rockford to the Great River Road to Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, this guide has something for everything. Joining the Illinois guide is the Virginia Group Tour Guide, which spotlights the state’s unparalleled history and heritage. Virginia is at the epicenter for American Revolution 250th Commemoration tours with not to miss special events in 2025, 2026 and beyond.
We also feature the 2025 Travel Alliance Partnership Dream Destinations magazine which highlights TAP’s Preferred Destination Guild Member regions, renowned for their distinctive accommodations, exceptional local cuisine and beverages, rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, outdoor explorations and vibrant music and entertainment scenes.
This is a massive issue that covers the tourism industry from front to back. We look forward to educating and entertaining you, as we always do.
Jason Paha, Chief Editor
Leisure Group Travel Features & Columns
2025 Faces of Accessible Travel
In “Faces of Accessible Travel,” we spotlight the innovators reshaping tourism to be inclusive for all.
Explore Accessible Travel in Louisiana: Barrier-Free Destinations and Experiences
Louisiana is a bucket-list state for many U.S. travelers. Whether it’s cities with lively jazz and mouthwatering Cajun cuisine or the breathtaking greenery of state parks, there is something for groups of all interests. But did you know travel for people with disabilities in Louisiana is top-tier?
Breaking Barriers in Accessible Travel with Jake Steinman
Through organizing events like the eTourism Summit and the Active America China Summit, Steinman played a pivotal role in shaping how destinations attract travelers.
2025 Group Guide to Scenic Rail
These rail journeys offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the country’s diverse beauty from the comfort of one of its oldest and most cherished modes of transportation.
2025 Guide to Group Friendly Attractions
Are you organizing group travel and seeking a truly distinctive way to explore some of the nation’s most captivating destinations? The 2025 Attractions Guide is your go-to resource for planning memorable excursions crafted especially for groups.
Sample Itineraries
Three Days of Southern-Style Fun in Greater Birmingham
Greater Birmingham, Alabama is steeped in history, culture and Southern charm. With its fascinating mix of art, history, and modern attractions, it offers a memorable experience for every traveler. From renowned art museums to powerful historic sites, the city boasts landmarks that tell stories of its past while embracing its evolving future.
Attractions, Dining and Entertainment in Pigeon Forge
With its mix of outdoor adventures, family-friendly entertainment, and dining options, Pigeon Forge ensures that every member of the group can find something to enjoy.
Starkville Essentials
Bulldog Nation knows that Starkville is Mississippi’s College Town! But it is also a history town. An arts and music town. A shopping and dining town. An outdoor adventure town. Come to town for a great Southeastern Conference game. Stay for the Starkville experience.
Greensboro’s Best: Scenic Trails, Family Fun, and Local Eats in North Carolina
Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, enjoying family-friendly parks, or discovering vibrant public art, the city provides a variety of activities that cater to every interest.
Myrtle Beach Itinerary: 3 Days of Adventure, Relaxation, and More
Immerse yourself in live entertainment, adding a touch of vibrancy to your journey. Embark on an outback adventure, exploring the untamed beauty of the region.
Jam-Packed Jefferson Parish: A Rollicking Two-Day Itinerary
Jefferson Parish, a diverse community stretching from the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain to the Gulf of Mexico, offers visitors an exciting mix of outdoor adventures and more
Destination Showcases
New York
North Dakota
April Edition Special Sections
Dive into our Special Sections, where bespoke guides and tailored travel publications offer in-depth insights for group tour operators seeking the extraordinary.
Illinois Group Tour Planner
Illinois is like no other state, and when you visit, you’re sure to find that we are a destination filled with a wide range of offerings.
Virginia Group Tour Guide
Virginia offers unparalleled heritage, cultural and performing arts, outdoor adventures and scenic vistas, music and artesian trails, and an exciting culinary scene.
TAP into Dream Destinations
What is a Dream Destination? It is that ideal location, somewhere that checks all the boxes, highlights your interests and aspirations, but has one thing missing. You have not visited yet!
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Why Accessible Travel Experiences Matter for Group Travel
Inclusive, barrier-free travel isn’t just a noble aspiration—it’s the cornerstone of any unforgettable group adventure. By ensuring everyone—regardless of mobility, sensory, or cognitive differences—can explore historical landmarks and engage with local traditions, you pave the way for transformative experiences that transcend physical limitations. When your group tours centuries-old ruins, joins hands-on workshops, or participates in time-honored customs, they’re not simply ticking off a destination checklist; they’re building meaningful connections with the past and the people who shaped it.
In this special issue of Leisure Group Travel, we highlight how weaving accessible history and heritage experiences into your itineraries goes beyond entertainment. Think guided tours that feature ramps and tactile exhibits, audio guides for the visually impaired, or sign-language interpretations during historical reenactments. These inclusive touches don’t just create memorable moments—they foster empathy, break down barriers, and cultivate a sense of belonging for every traveler on your tour.
We’re seeing how group travelers value opportunities that both educate and accommodate. By designing itineraries that bring history and heritage to life in accessible ways, you’ll meet—and exceed—modern travel expectations. This issue provides practical tips, trip ideas, and proven strategies for creating inclusive journeys that resonate far beyond the final day of the tour. Let’s collaborate to enrich your group’s travel experience through adventures that welcome all—ensuring every traveler feels valued, engaged, and empowered.
