Shine's Travel Tips

Here is our list of handy travel tips!

Prepare Your Child in Advance: Use visuals, social stories, or videos to help them understand the travel experience. Role-playing can also help simulate the process.

Plan the Itinerary Around Their Needs: Choose destinations and activities that accommodate your child’s interests and comfort level. Avoid overstimulating environments if possible.

Create a Visual Schedule: Many neurodiverse children respond well to knowing what to expect. A visual itinerary can reduce anxiety.

Request Accommodations Early: Contact airlines, hotels, and theme parks ahead of time to inquire about special accommodations, like quiet spaces, sensory-friendly activities, or early boarding.

Familiar Items: Pack comfort items like favorite toys, blankets, or headphones to help ease transitions and reduce stress in unfamiliar environments.

Practice Traveling Locally: Take short trips or visit busy places like airports or train stations before the actual trip to get them accustomed to the travel environment.

Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can help block out overwhelming sounds in crowded areas.

Comfort Kit: Include sensory-friendly items like fidget toys, chewable jewelry, or weighted blankets.

Portable Snacks: Bring familiar, preferred snacks in case local food options are limited.

Medical and Therapy Supplies: Ensure you have medications, communication devices, or other tools they may need.

Identification and Medical Info: Carry a card or wristband with emergency contact information and any relevant medical details about your child’s condition.

Arrive Early to Stay Calm: Give yourself extra time at airports or train stations to accommodate any unexpected challenges. Keep calm to help your child stay calm.

Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that travel with neurodiverse children may have unexpected delays or changes, so build in extra time for breaks and flexibility.

Explain Security Processes: Some children may find airport security stressful. Explain the steps in advance, and ask TSA or airport staff about assistance programs for children with special needs.

Use Visual Timers: For transitions (boarding, security, waiting in line), use a visual timer app to help them understand how long things will take.

Have Distraction Tools: A tablet, coloring book, or other engaging activities can help keep them occupied during the journey.

Break the Trip Into Smaller Steps: For long journeys, break down the travel day into manageable chunks to reduce overwhelm.

Use a Sensory-Friendly Travel Strategy: Allow them to choose their seat (if possible), avoid peak times, and make sure you have spaces where they can retreat if overstimulated.

Earplugs or Sunglasses: These can help with sensory overload in noisy or bright environments.

Calm App or Music: Familiar music or calming apps can help soothe anxiety during waiting times or flights.

Stick to Routine When Possible: Keeping consistent mealtimes and sleep schedules can help provide a sense of stability.

Create a Quiet Space: Find or create a calm, quiet area at your destination where your child can decompress if things become overwhelming.

Plan for Breaks: Factor in downtime between activities to prevent overstimulation.

Give Control Where Possible: Let your child choose certain activities or meals so they feel empowered and less anxious about changes.

Flexibility Is Key: Be prepared to adjust your plans if things aren’t going smoothly. Prioritize your child’s needs over a strict itinerary.