Travelling with children who have special needs requires extra planning and preparation. But with some thoughtful steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free trip that’s enjoyable for everyone. This guide covers key tips for parents and foster carers to navigate trips away successfully with children who have physical, developmental, sensory or behavioural disabilities.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is key when travelling with children who have special needs. Do some research on your destination to find out what accessibility features and services they offer. Contact your airline, hotel, transportation companies etc. to request accommodations like wheelchair assistance, allergy-friendly meals, sensory friendly rooms and more.
For foster carers working with agencies like Fostering People, be sure to get permission from the child’s social worker well in advance to take them on holiday. Provide details of where you’ll go, how you’ll travel, where you’ll stay and your full itinerary.
Pack copies of any medical documents and medication prescriptions in case they’re needed. If your child has dietary restrictions, pack safe snacks and food.
Book Your Accommodation
Look for accommodation that suits your child’s needs. Hotels with sensory friendly rooms have features like dimmer lights, sound proofing, allergy bedding and more. Some provide adaptive equipment like grab bars, shower chairs and hoists. Call ahead to ensure they can meet your requirements.
An Airbnb, holiday cottage or villa gives you more space and privacy. Self-catering lets you control the food. Holiday parks offer adapted caravans and activities. Consider the location – pick somewhere peaceful and familiar if your child struggles with change.
Prepare Your Child
Go through the trip details with visual aids like picture books, videos and maps. Social stories can explain what to expect in child-friendly terms. Repeat key information as the trip gets closer. Stick to regular routines like bedtime before departing to ease anxiety.
If you will be flying, take an airport tour beforehand to introduce your child to security, sounds, crowds and waiting. Role play going through checkpoints. For road trips, take practice drives to get them used to car journeys.
Pack familiar items like favourite toys, blankets and snacks. Download movies, apps and games they enjoy for entertainment enroute.
Prepare Activities & Sensory Tools
Come armed with engaging activities for transit and downtime. Portable crafts, sticker books, snap circuits, and wiki sticks keep hands busy. Load tablets with apps, movies, music and audiobooks. Pack sensory tools like chewelry, fidget spinners and noise-cancelling headphones.
Create a trip notebook with your itinerary, maps and destination facts. Add mad libs, puzzles, drawing prompts and scavenger hunt checklists. Use it as an interactive guide. Make a photo book of where you’ll go and what you’ll do. Read it often before and during the trip.
Build in Rest Time
Travel can be tiring and overstimulating. Have relaxing downtime built into your itinerary. Choose accommodations where you can nap or chill out mid-day. Pack cosy blankets, lava lamps, diffusers – anything that says “calm”. Scope out quiet spots at destinations for breaks when needed.
Keep a predictable bedtime routine. If you will be crossing time zones, adjust bedtime gradually in the weeks before departure. Melatonin or blackout shades can aid sleep adjustments.
Stay Flexible
Despite thorough plans, travelling with children with special needs can throw curveballs. Stay flexible and keep your cool if the unexpected happens. Have back up activities and comforting items handy. Refocus tantrums by giving choices between two options. Add something fun like a dance party if spirits sink.
Focus on the positive moments rather than perfection. Laugh together about any mishaps later. And remember the trip doesn’t have to go perfectly to create wonderful lifelong memories together!
