Travelling with Autism: How I Plan Stress-Free Holidays for My Own Family
Our youngest son, Alfie, is adopted and has Autism. He’s 7 years old. Travelling with a child with Autism can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. I previously spoke on BBC Radio Derby about some of the hurdles families face when they try to plan a holiday, and why it can feel so daunting.
As a travel expert, and having our our child with SEND needs, I know Autism and additional needs isn’t talked about as often as it should be. Yet for many families, it shapes everyday life – and it can make the idea of booking a holiday feel overwhelming.
I want families in this position to know two things: you are not alone, and there are travel experts out there who understand your daily challenges and what your family may need when you travel. My aim is to help you feel seen, supported and confident about exploring the world together.
Below are some practical ideas to consider when you’re planning a trip.
Before You Travel: Prepare Early and Reduce Surprises
Travel can be an overwhelming sensory experience, so planning ahead is key.
In the weeks and months leading up to your trip, think about how you can gently prepare your child:
Mark the holiday dates clearly on a calendar. Create visual reminders and a simple “timeline” of travel – pictures of the airport or station, the plane or train, the hotel and the pool. Talk through each step in order so they know what will happen next. Sensory preparation can make a big difference. Think about:
Sounds: take-off, landing, announcements and engine noise. You might find sound clips online and play them in advance so they feel more familiar. Physical sensations: ear popping, seatbelts, turbulence, crowds and queues. The more elements you can make predictable – visually and verbally – the less unknown your child has to cope with on the day.
Travelling Day: Comfort, Snacks and Sensory Support
On travel day, small comforts can really help reduce stress:
Pack familiar items such as a favourite blanket, soft toy, or a comforting smell. Use ear defenders or noise-reducing headphones if your child is sensitive to sound. Prepare a good selection of their preferred snacks and drinks, especially if they are a picky eater or have dietary needs. Chewy textures like bagels or gummy sweets can be helpful for children who seek sensory input, as can chewy jewellery or other sensory toys. These are usually small and easy to fit into hand luggage.
A personalised “travel bag” can make the journey more manageable. You might include:
Books or comics Colouring or activity books An iPad or tablet with favourite programmes downloaded Child-friendly headphones Fidget toys, putty or play dough Think about timing and energy levels too. For some families, a later flight works well; for others, early mornings are easier. Before you leave home, high-energy activities like running and jumping can sometimes help burn off excess energy and make it easier for them to sit still later.
Airports, airlines and tour operators can be very accommodating if they know what you need in advance. I can help you look at options such as:
Pre-boarding or priority boarding Fast-track security Airport lounges as a calmer space before the flight These can all be pre-arranged to help make your journey as smooth and low-stress as possible.
On Holiday: Choosing the Right Place and Setting Up for Success
The right destination and hotel can make a huge difference to how relaxed your holiday feels.
When I’m planning trips for families with Autism or additional needs, we’ll talk through questions like:
Does your child struggle with loud sounds or busy environments? If so, we can request a quieter room and look at hotels in smaller towns or villages, or near quieter beaches. Do you need specific adaptations? Ramps, handrails, help accessing the pool, or a fridge for medication can often be arranged, but hotels usually need to know in advance. How important is proximity to medical support? We can look at how close you are to the nearest hospital and make sure your travel insurance is suitable for your needs. Sleeping and down-time are just as important:
Would a separate sleeping area help your child settle? Do they sleep better in darker rooms or with more light? Would bringing their own bedding, blankets or soft toys help them feel secure? Medication and equipment also need planning:
Do you need access to a fridge? Have you got the right letters or documentation from doctors or medical professionals? Are there any rules around carrying medication in hand luggage? Finally, think about how your child copes with heat, humidity and changes in routine. For some families, a UK break, a cooler climate, or shorter travel time might be a better fit – and that’s absolutely ok. A “successful” holiday is the one that works for your family.
You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone There are so many different factors to consider that it can feel like a lot. But I genuinely believe the world is open to everyone, and that there should be no barriers to what you can experience together as a family.
Travelling with Autism will look different for every child and every parent, but with the right planning, support and honest conversations, you can create trips that feel manageable, memorable and joyful.
This is an area I’m deeply passionate about, both as a mum to Alfie and as a Travel Counsellor. If you have questions, want to talk through ideas, or would like help planning a holiday that truly works for your family, I’m here to help. I’ll take the time to understand your needs and to put together a trip that feels right for you.
