Travelling can be a stressful experience for all involved, not least when traveling with autism. It’s not just the airport experience that can cause distress. Autism-friendly destinations are also a huge factor to consider when booking a family travel autism holiday not least from a major UK airport such as Stansted airport, Heathrow airport or Gatwick airport. With that in mind, we’ll explain tips for traveling with autism for a smooth and relaxing start to your getaway.
Pre-Travel Preparation for autism
When it comes to pre-travel preparation for autism, there are a few aspects to consider to support individuals with autism understand the upcoming events and feel comfortable in a new and often busy environment such as Manchester airport or Birmingham airport. These may include but aren’t limited to:
- Developing a visual schedule: Use visual aids to outline the day of travel to help individuals with autism understand the expected of events to reduce anxiety.
- Showing pictures of the destination: Show pictures or videos of the destination and autism travel accommodations to create sense of familiarity and comfort.
- Packing comfort items: Pack favourite toys, blankets or sensory items to provide comfort and a sense of security during travel.
- Planning ahead for sensory needs: Identify potential sensory triggers and prepare accordingly such as packing noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses or fidget toys.
- Preparing for transitions: Use stories or visual aids to explain transitions such as travelling from home to the airport or from the airport to the hotel.
- Keeping a consistent routine: Try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to provide a sense of stability.
- Planning for breaks in advance: Schedule regular breaks during travel for relaxation or engaging in activities.
- Packing snacks and meals: Pack familiar snacks and meals to provide comfort and ensure dietary needs are met.
Choosing Autism-Friendly Destinations and Accommodations
When choosing autism-friendly travel destinations and accommodations, it’s important to identify places that have autism-friendly certifications or have been positively reviewed by other families with autistics individuals. These places are more likely to offer supportive environments with sensory-friendly features and personalised services for a comfortable and stress-free stay. Compare airport parking is also an excellent way to determine the best parking option for you such as meet and greet outside the airport terminal to reduce the added stress of parking your car and special assistance.
Packing Essentials for a Comfortable Trip
Autism friendly holidays UK are an excellent alternative to going abroad, offering autism friendly travel arrangements to minimise stress and change. Regardless of the autism-friendly destinations you choose, autism travel planning is essential. One of the best tips for travelling with autism is to pack comfort items such as blankets, teddy bears or pillows to provide a sense of security. Sensory toys such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses or fidget toys can also be a great addition to your carry-on bag. Additionally, it’s beneficial to pack familiar snacks and meals with you to ensure dietary needs are met and to help avoid potential food-related stress, particularly in a new environment.
Navigating Airports and Security with Ease
Now you’ve packed your bags, the next aspect of your holiday to consider is how to best navigate airports and security with ease. One of the most effective ways to ensure a smooth process is to inform the airport and airline staff about any specific needs to minimise waiting times.
Managing Sensory Overload During Travel
When travelling with autism, it’s important to adopt techniques to manage sensory overload. Taking onboard the above tips for traveling with autism, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable journey from door to door, ensuring both you and who you’re travelling with are as relaxed as possible ready to enjoy your getaway.
FAQs
What are the best autism friendly destinations?
When it comes to the best autism friendly travel destinations, it’s entirely dependent on the individual and their preferences, as well as the type of holiday you want to embark on. For example, do you want to travel to autism friendly holidays UK or travel abroad to one of many award-winning autism travel accommodations?
Can I book autism friendly holidays UK?
Absolutely! When traveling with autism, you don’t necessarily need to go abroad to enjoy downtime. There are several autism friendly holidays UK to choose from. Simply find one that suits your autism travel planning needs.
What should I consider for autism travel accommodations?
When considering autism travel accommodations, it’s important to scope out the hotel or accommodation itself. Reading reviews from other families with autistic members is a great way to identify trusted destinations for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
What is the best autism friendly travel?
When travelling with autism, it’s important to ensure the individual is prepared for the journey ahead. Creating visual schedules can help to ease the apprehension of the day, as well as trying to maintain a normal routine. Having aids at hand, such as portable devices that can provide distraction, such as an Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab.