Travel like a superhero, even with health conditions – inspired by Paralympian Sophia Warner

Living with a health condition doesn’t mean pressing pause on life’s adventures. Whether it’s exploring a new city, trying a new sport, or finally ticking something off your bucket list, there are always ways to make it work for you.

Paralympian Sophia Warner knows this better than most. In 2016, she founded the Superhero Series – the UK’s biggest mass-participation sports series created specifically for people with disabilities or long-term conditions. Participants are known as “superheroes”, and the events are all about celebrating what’s possible when you take part on your own terms.

Since then, Sophia has watched thousands of superheroes prove just how far you can go when barriers are removed. Her lessons on confidence, resilience and redefining success don’t just apply on the sports field – they can inspire your adventures anywhere in the world.

Here, she shares her advice on overcoming obstacles and building confidence – guidance that applies just as much to travel as it does to sport.

“You just have to think differently and work out how, not if” 

Sophia tells her superheroes that the key isn’t asking whether something can be done, but finding the way that works for you. 

Tips for travel: If you’re living with a medical condition, apply the same mindset. Maybe long-haul flights feel overwhelming – but you could start with shorter European trips. If mobility is a concern, look for destinations with reliable accessible transport and step-free accommodation. Travel isn’t about doing everything – it’s about doing what matters most your way.

TV presenter Clare Balding celebrates with Superhero Series participants. 

“I would say that the biggest barrier to disability sport is definitely confidence and people not realising what’s possible”  

Sophia believes it’s often self-belief – not physical limitations – that holds people back. Once participants see what they can achieve, their confidence grows.

Tips for travel: Confidence is often the biggest hurdle to booking a trip with a health condition. Start small, build up gradually, and lean on support systems like airport assistance, accessible tours, and specialist travel insurance. With each positive step, your confidence for future adventures will grow.

“We’re not about [being] fit. The problem with disability sport is that people always relate it to the Paralympics. There doesn’t seem to be a gap”  

Sophia believes the joy of sport shouldn’t only belong to elite athletes. You don’t need to be at peak performance to take part – just willing to try. 

Tips for travel: You don’t need to wait until you’re “fit enough” to see the world. With the right planning – such as choosing slower-paced itineraries, getting medical advice before you go, and arranging travel insurance for pre-existing conditions – you can start your adventures now, not “someday”. 

“We’ve seen people who started off just doing one short stage, who are coming back to do the full distance all by themselves. [Just starting small] boosts their confidence”  

Confidence, Sophia says, comes from small wins. Start with something manageable, then build on it over time. 

Tips for travel: The same applies to trips abroad. If you haven’t travelled for a while, start with a short break to somewhere familiar. Once you’re comfortable, build up to longer journeys. Each successful trip helps boost confidence for the next one. 

Superhero participants at the Superheroes Series. 

“I think people talk a lot about Inclusion and I think the thing that makes Superhero Series different is its exclusivity… It has to be bespoke”  

Sophia explains that one-size-fits-all doesn’t always work. Superhero Series thrives because it’s designed around people’s unique needs, creating a space where everyone can succeed. 

Tips for travel: In the same way that the Superhero Series is designed around unique needs, your adventures can be too. Mainstream tours or hotels might not always fit, but with a little tailoring – from contacting airlines ahead of time to booking accessible accommodation – you can create a trip that’s made just for you. Bespoke doesn’t mean complicated; it means personal. 

“Sometimes you just need to have sidekicks or gadgets and gizmos” 

Sophia encourages superheroes to use whatever support or adaptations they need – whether that’s equipment, technology, or friends by their side. 

Tips for travel: Just like Sophia’s superheroes, you don’t have to go it alone. Your wheelchair, walking stick, travel apps or supportive friends aren’t just extras – they’re your superhero “gadgets and sidekicks”, helping you unlock adventures that might otherwise feel out of reach.

On the move, the right support can make all the difference – whether that’s airport assistance, packing mobility aids or travelling with a trusted companion. And just as in Sophia’s events, having the right “sidekicks” – from family and friends to specialist travel cover – can transform your journey into something truly empowering.

“My advice is to come and have a go”  

Sophia reminds participants that showing up is already a win. Success isn’t always about finishing first – it’s about embracing the experience. 

Tips for travel: Redefine your travel goals. Maybe it’s enjoying a guided tour at your own pace, taking in one landmark a day or spending more time soaking up the culture from a café terrace. Travel isn’t about doing it all – it’s about finding joy in what’s possible for you.

Superhero participants at the Superheroes Series. 

“I did the Marvel quiz… Apparently I’m like Spider-Man because I put 110% into everything. I don’t give up without a fight”  

Sophia laughs at her comparison to Spider-Man, but it’s a powerful reminder that passion and persistence can get you further than you think. 
 

Tips for travel: If you’ve always dreamed of a trip, put your energy into making it happen. Persistence – whether that’s chasing accessible bookings, asking questions, or planning carefully – can turn an uncertain “maybe” into a confident “yes”. Like Sophia’s superhero persistence, it’s about not giving up until the dream becomes a plan.

Sophia’s mindset is powerful, but what does it look like when you’re planning your own trip? Here are some simple but effective accessible travel tips to keep things running smoothly: 

• Plan with your GP: check if your condition, medication or fitness needs any adjustments before you travel. 
• Keep medication safe: carry prescriptions, pack spares in your hand luggage, and store medicines in their original packaging. 
• Arrange travel assistance early: airlines and airports offer free support like wheelchair help or priority boarding, but you’ll need to book it in advance. 
• Choose accessible accommodation: contact hotels directly to confirm facilities such as ramps, lifts or adapted bathrooms. 
• Pace yourself: build in rest days or choose shorter transfers so your trip feels enjoyable, not exhausting. 
• Get specialist cover: always declare your medical conditions when arranging travel insurance. It ensures you’re protected for emergencies and means you can relax knowing you’re covered throughout your trip. 

These small steps help you avoid unnecessary stress and make every stage of your journey smoother.

“Being a superhero means unleashing your superpowers in the most unusual ways”  

Living with a health condition doesn’t mean closing the door on adventure – it simply means finding your own way to open it. With the right preparation, support, and travel insurance, you can explore the world on your terms and enjoy the confidence to live your own superhero story. 

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