For getting to or from your transport, or getting around your holiday destination, you may consider taking a taxi.

When booking a taxi, make sure you stress that you need an accessible vehicle. It is a good idea to book as much in advance as possible.

If hailing a taxi on the street, look for the disabled access sign on the roof of the vehicle.

If you are visually impaired, the Royal National Institute for the Blind has produced a sign to help you hail a taxi. In London, cab drivers are now required to carry guide dogs.

In London, the majority of taxis are wheelchair accessible (portable ramps are carried), and most fleets in larger towns have at least a few accessible vehicles. The newer taxis have a fold-out seat on a hinge, which can be unfolded to swing outside the cab and swing back in while you are sitting on the seat. However, these seats are quite small and do not have arm supports.

You may find the inside of taxis difficult to manage. The main seats are not near the door and the space inside is quite restricted.

An alternative to the taxi is the minicab. Minicabs are not wheelchair accessible but, depending on your needs, you may find the conventional cars used by minicabs more accessible than taxis. Minicabs are unlicensed and the standards of service vary. If you want to take a minicab, it is a good idea to ask the place you are visting to recommend a local company.

Computer Cabs: tel: 0207 286 0286, website:www.computercab.co.uk

Dial-a-Cab: tel: 0207 253 5000.

Radio Taxis: tel: 0207 272 0272, website: www.radiotaxis.co.uk

Central Cabs: tel: 00353 1 365555

City Cabs: tel: 00353 1 8727272

Dignity Cabs: tel: 00353 1 749022/363487

Dublin Black Cab Company: tel: 00353 1 8445844

Taxi Cab Ireland: website: http://taxicabireland.com

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