Holidays, travel and day trips

Travel, day trips and holidays

With summer fast approaching, you may be looking at family holidays, visiting relatives, planning days out, or travelling. This can be both exciting and daunting for families with autistic and ADHD children. With preparation and a flexible mindset, these experiences can become positive, memorable adventures for the whole family. Check out our tips to help you plan enjoyable and successful trips, whether you’re heading out for the day, staying overnight, or visiting relatives.

Planning and preparation

Involve your child in planning
Let your child help choose activities or destinations. Giving them options to choose from can be a great way to include a child in the planning process. A child-led itinerary that factors in their interests and preferences can make outings more enjoyable and reduce anxiety. Use visual schedules, calendars, or social stories to preview what will happen each day, especially if you’re visiting new places or staying overnight.

Research destinations
Look for autism or ADHD friendly venues. Many attractions, hotels, and holiday parks now offer sensory rooms, quiet spaces, flexible booking options and carers tickets. Read reviews from other neurodivergent families and contact venues ahead of time to check on accessibility, available adjustments, and staff experience with neurodivergent guests. They will also be able to tell if you need to bring anything, like letters from the GP, to gain access to some accommodations.

Maintain familiar routines
Try to keep key routines-such as mealtimes, bedtime, and downtime-as consistent as possible, even when away from home. This predictability can help your child feel secure and settled.

Pack a sensory toolkit
Bring familiar comfort items, sensory aids (like noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys), snacks, and any favourite bedding or pyjamas. These can help manage sensory overload and provide comfort in unfamiliar environments. Use sensory diets to meet sensory needs to avoid meltdowns or shutdowns.the

Travel tips

Allow extra time
Time blindness can make time management tricky, and transitions can be challenging for children. Build in extra time for getting ready, travelling, and moving between activities. Allow more time for taking breaks from the car or taking rest in the airport.

Use travel apps and reminders
Set alarms or reminders for important times (like departure or medication) and use apps to help with navigation and schedules. You can use family apps, so your child can see the reminder too or what is coming up. This encourages autonomy and independence.
Prepare for sensory needs
Busy places like airports or attractions can be overwhelming. Plan for regular breaks, seek out quiet areas, and don’t be afraid to leave early if needed. Consider scent free suncream and try different formats (oil, cream, sprays). Find sensory friendly ways to keep cool. Some studies suggest neurodivergent people may get travel sickness more than neurotypical people.

Request accommodations
Many airlines, hotels, and attractions will make reasonable adjustments if you ask in advance. This could include priority boarding, quiet rooms, or flexible check-in/check-out times. Looking into carers tickets, everywhere has different policies and requirements.

Staying overnight or visiting family

Talk about the trip in advance
Discuss where you’ll be staying, who you’ll see, and what the sleeping arrangements will be. Use photos or social stories if your child is unfamiliar with the setting or people. Videocall the people you are staying with and ask for a tour.
Start small
If your child is anxious about sleeping away from home, start with sleepovers at a relative’s house or host a friend at your own home first. Gradually build up to longer or less familiar stays. You may need to share a room initially.
Communicate needs to hosts
Help your child tell family members/hosts about their routines, sensory needs, and any triggers or calming strategies. Your child may want to do this themselves, have support from you or prefer you to advocate for them. Follow their lead. Share what helps your child feel comfortable and safe.
Set up a “safe space”
Bring familiar bedding or a favourite blanket and designate a quiet area where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Ask that others in the space respect the area.

Managing challenges and parent wellbeing

Be flexible and realistic
Plans may need to change at short notice. It’s fine to skip activities or take breaks as needed. Focus on what works for your family, not what you “should” do.
Take care of yourself
Travelling is fun, but can also be exhausting. Build in downtime for everyone, share responsibilities, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family.
Celebrate successes
Acknowledge and praise your child’s efforts, even if things don’t go perfectly. Every positive step is a win. And you’re spending time together is the most important thing.

Choosing the right destination and mode of travel

Look for quieter, less crowded places.
Check menus in advance and choose some safe options with your child. Pack safe snacks that don’t need to be refrigerated. If you’re travelling abroad, even the same brand may look or taste different.
Match locations to sensory needs, a child who is easily overstimulated may prefer a quiet rural location. A sensory seeker may love the hustle and bustle of cities and seaside’s.
Research airlines and airports accessibility support. Look for supportive and accessible accommodation options.
Consider closer destinations, and if driving or trains might better suit your family.

By planning ahead, having clear communication and expectations, and taking a flexible approach, traveling and holidays can be enjoyable for the whole family. Focus on your child’s and family’s needs, build in supports, and remember that it’s okay to do things differently. The most important part is making positive memories together, at your own pace and in your own way.