Four Travel Tips to Create an Autism-Inclusive Family Adventure

With summer in full swing, families are getting ready for exciting summer. Whether you’re exploring new cities or reconnecting with loved ones, a successful family vacation often comes down to careful planning and preparation. To ensure your trip is as smooth and autism-inclusive, consider these four helpful travel tips: 

Tip 1: Plan Ahead 

Give yourself plenty of time to get to airports or hit the road, especially if you have little ones. Planning to arrive early allows for unexpected delays and a more relaxed start to your journey.  

For families traveling with members who may need extra accommodation, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program offers a discreet solution. By simply wearing a sunflower, you are signaling airports and airline staff that you or members in your party may require additional time, understanding, or support. TSA Cares supports families traveling with children with disabilities by providing access to a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) who assists during security screening. These specially trained TSA officers are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities. 

Tip 2: Find the Perfect Place to Stay 

Do you need extra space to spread out? If so, vacation home rentals offer the convenience of extra space, kitchens for preparing meals, and reduced noise. But if you prefer hotels or resorts, there are family-friendly locations that provide amenities catered specifically to children with autism. Legoland Resort in Florida and Great Wolf Lodge are two of the many hotels recognized as certified autism centers, indicating that their staff members have undergone thorough training to effectively accommodate the needs of autistic guests. 

What if you choose to stay with other family and friends during the vacation? This can be a great option if everyone is on the same page. Communication is key to ensure your hosts are ready to welcome your family with ease. Be sure to relay any specific requirements or preferences, such as quiet spaces, dietary restrictions, or allergy concerns. By addressing these details in advance, you can avoid unnecessary stress and guarantee a more enjoyable stay.  

Tip 3: Use a Packing List and Keep Your Routines 

Don’t let the chaos of last-minute packing damper your vacation plans. Give yourself time and write a packing list. Include essentials such as clothing, toiletries, medications, snacks, entertainment devices and chargers. Having a checklist will keep you on track and lessens the chance of leaving anything important behind. 

Maintaining familiar routines like mealtimes, bedtime procedures and other daily habits, can help children feel more comfortable while traveling. To help maintain the familiarity, try packing favorite snacks, toys and activities for the children of autism to remind them of home. By prioritizing routines, you can help promote a sense of stability during your family vacation. 

Tip 4: Let Everyone Pick and Activity and Focus on the Positives 

Make your family vacation a team effort by involving everyone. Whether it’s trying new foods, or an outdoor adventure, having joint input means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Parents and caregivers, amidst all the excitement, remember to schedule downtime moments. Taking breaks to relax and recharge is key to keeping that vacation momentum alive and reduces the chance of individuals with autism becoming overstimulated.  

While on vacation be open and embrace the adventure, focusing on the positive aspects of creating lasting memories and new experiences. Maintain a positive mindset and embrace the journey, there are valuable lessons that everyone can learn and even influence future travel decisions.