Exploring the World: Beginners Guide to Family Travel with Autistic Children
- sunshinelayla
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Updated: May 4
Travelling with autistic children can present unique challenges for families, but with the right support and preparation, it can also be a rewarding and enriching experience.
PLANNING AND RESEARCH
I believe one of the most important aspects of traveling with autistic children is careful planning, as it can help reduce anxiety and ensure a smoother travel experience for everyone involved.
Think carefully about modes of travel, times of travel and what I call the cumulative load effect - the result of stacking a series of demands / challenges / new experience one on top of each other in quick succession. e.g. while your child could cope ok with each of the attractions or transitions in isolation can they cope with 3 or 4 in a row?
Sometimes it is worth building in break points to spread the load and make it easier to cope with - see my article on Staying in an Airport Hotel for more information.
It is also essential to research and choose destinations and activities that are sensory-friendly and meet the needs of your autistic child. Look for attractions or experiences that can also offer quiet spaces, are likely to have clear signage, well managed crowds and provide opportunities for the type of sensory regulation that will benefit your child.
When booking your accommodation it can be helpful to think outside the box. Make sure you have a clear checklist of requirements and don't give up if your first searches don't produce any viable options. Providers are increasingly aware of hidden disabilities and there are even places you can stay in the UK that are specially designed to be Autism / Neurodivergent friendly.
REALISTIC ITINERARIES
Creating a realistic itinerary that works for your family has the power to transform your holiday. It is very easy to read other blogs written by parents with neurotypical children and attempt to copy / do everything that they have done.
However from experience I know that these neurotypical itineraries with their multiple tourist attractions on consecutive days are simply too much for both us and our boys.
Every family will be different but a good rule of thumb is one main activity per day and then space for free movement - preferably outside like a playground or park, even if the weather is bad! We also try and keep indoor activities like a soft play or museum to a minimum and balance them out with outdoor experiences.
Arriving early or late to sites can be helpful, while the lunchtime slot can be less busy if you bring a picnic with you and can eat away from the crowds.
It is particularly important to factor in time for you and your children to take breaks. Travelling and all its new experiences can be overwhelming, especially for children who are more sensitive than others to sensory stimuli. Scheduling regular breaks and downtime throughout your trip will allow you all to recharge and decompress.
Read more about our adventure city break itineraries on the pages below:
5 nights in Paris, France
5 nights in Bergen, Norway
5 nights in Lake Mjosa, Norway
4 nights in Noto, Sicily
3 nights in Syracuse, Sicily
24 hours in London, England
USE VISUAL RESOURCES
Another helpful tip is to create a visual schedule or itinerary for the trip. Visual aids can help autistic children better understand and prepare for what to expect during their travels, reducing uncertainty and stress. You can use photos, symbols, or a written schedule to outline the daily activities and routines of the trip.
Most big tourist attractions in the UK now provide some sort of visual story on their websites which can be downloaded / viewed in advance. There are also some great visual resources on travel that have been put together by airports - we use the excellent Gatwick Airport visual story with the boys before every flight - even if we are flying from a different airport.
Use Social Stories: Social stories are a way of helping autistic children to understand and prepare for new experiences. Create a social story specific to your travel plans, including details about transportation, accommodations, activities, and more.
SHARING INFORMATION
Communicating your family's needs is also crucial when travelling with autistic children. Make sure to inform airline staff, hotel personnel, and other relevant parties about your child's unique needs and any accommodations that may be necessary in advance. This can help ensure a more comfortable and inclusive experience during your travels. Dont be afraid to ask for help!
It is also important to share relevant information about health and medical conditions. For more information on travelling as a family with additional medical conditions visit our Autism, Health Conditions and Family Travel page.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR AUTISM
Special assistance is available to support families with autistic children and other hidden disabilities - particularly when flying or travelling by train e.g. Eurostar. The level and type of support offered differs between airports, airlines and train companies. Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek out resources at your destination, try to do this as much in advance as possible.
You can find more information about Special Assistance on the following pages of our website:
PACKING
In addition to careful planning and communication, packing the right supplies can also make a big difference. Consider bringing comfort items, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or any other sensory tools that help regulate and comfort your child with autism while on the go.
I know this might sound odd but I also plan my travelling outfits with care. The boys find certain colours and fabrics soothing, and being able to reach up and stroke my sleeve if things are getting stressful has proved helpful on more than one occasion.
We also pack a lot of our children's 'safe foods' and a few special items of cutlery and tableware to help make meal times less stressful and reduce the risk of food refusal
For more information about holiday packing with autistic children visit our section on PACKING ESSENTIALS.
EMBRACE CHANGE
Lastly, try to be as flexible and patient as you can during your travels. While it's important to stick to a routine as much as possible, it's also essential to be able to cope with change and not freak out when unexpected challenges arise.
Embracing the spontaneity of travel and being able to adapt to changes as needed sets a great example for our autistic children. If you can find a way of approaching the 'surprise' moments with a positive attitude and a willingness to problem solve then the situation can turn into valuable learning experiences for the whole family.
It generally helps to carry copious snacks and fidget toys at all times....!
At Travelling with Sunflowers we believe that with the right support and guidance, travelling as a family with autistic children can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. We are here to provide inspiration, tips, and resources to help neurodiverse families embark on new adventures and create lasting memories together.
