SINGAPORE — You may be disgruntled with Singapore’s public transport, but Lonely Planet’s Travel Accessibility Manager, Martin Heng, gives it the thumbs-up. Particularly when it comes to accessibility for the disabled.

Melbourne-based Heng was hit by a car while cycling four years ago and he now requires a walking frame or a wheelchair to get around.

“I took the public transport to the Singapore zoo and I was glad that there are elevators I could use. Plus, I could go into any train carriage. In Melbourne, you’d have to be waiting at the front carriage before the train pulls up,” he explained. “I’m really impressed too, that all the buses for service 138 are wheelchair accessible. And the curb cuts on the streets are pretty great.”

Singapore is Heng’s first stop in a round-the-world trip for the first global accessible travel summit in Montreal, called Destination For All, which aims to raise awareness on this issue.

“I’ll be tweeting (@martin_heng), using Storify (sfy.co/qgF1) and starting an Instagram account to share my journey and discoveries. Accessible travel isn’t just about helping those with disabilities. There are also the seniors to think about with more baby boomers travelling in their old age. It’s something the travel industry should pay attention to.”

Q: Why did you decide to start your round the world trip in Singapore?

A: My father was born here and I’ve got family here. From here, it’s India. I’ve never been there so I’d be there for two weeks to visit the Golden Triangle — the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Next would be the United Kingdom, where I was born and grew up in. I’ll then head to Barcelona, which is considered the accessible travel destination of the moment, before reaching Montreal.

Q: Why is Barcelona the accessible travel destination of the moment?

A: It’s something their tourism organisation is supporting and pushing for. In fact, Germany, London, Scotland are good destinations, too. I’d recommend these places for travellers with accessibility issues.

Q: How about Melbourne?

A: Melbourne’s not bad. Lonely Planet is in the process of publishing an accessible Melbourne e-book and we’re gathering feedback from the community and disabled organisations about places and activities to do in Melbourne. Our taxis are good — we have lots which are wheelchair-friendly with hydraulic lifts. Most of the attractions are very accessible. For example, the wheelchair seats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Rod Laver Arena (where the Australian Open is held) are often the best. As for parks, I’d pick the Wilsons Promontory. It’s one of my favourites because it’s a coastal park and pretty different in characters from the other parks. It now has fully accessible cabins for accommodation with ramps, railings and ceiling hoists.

Q: Speaking of accommodation, what do you wish that hotels should do?

A: I think they could make more of a song and dance about their facilities. I’m sure many hotels have wheelchair-friendly features but they don’t realise that people need to know what exactly what they are. When it comes to accessible travel, people’s level of ability differ so if we can see the features on the website, it makes it much easier for us to decide (whether or not) to stay at your hotel. Pictures of bathrooms are especially important as it’ll help us know if we need to transfer from a wheelchair or use a shower chair.

Q: What’s your advice to travellers with physical difficulties who might be afraid to go abroad?

A: Be bold. Even if you find that facilities are not quite there or the infrastructure is lacking, you’ll see that people are very willing to help and go the extra mile for you. I’ve heard lots of stories about strangers helping to lift you and I’ve also experienced it myself.

Q: You have been in Lonely Planet for 14 years and served as editorial manager for seven. What do you think about the way people travel now?

A: The main thing which has changed in travel is that air fares are so cheap now. You can go anywhere. Although I don’t think it’s a very good thing that people simply jet in and out — it’s like being airlifted into a place. I feel you can’t get the full cultural or local experience like that. I’m still a bit of the purist. I think that an overland journey is the best way to see a place. In the past, air fares were very expensive. The cheapest way for me to get to Asia from Europe was to take the trans-Siberia railway from Budapest to Beijing. This was during the Cold War and it cost me only 50 pounds.