Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Travelling is something that everyone should be able to enjoy throughout their life, but travelling with autism or sensory sensitivities can feel a little more daunting. However, with a little more planning and preparation, embarking on a journey with autism can be an enjoyable experience full of life-long memories.
Whether you’re looking for advice for yourself or a loved one, there are simple ways to help make the process easier. In this guide, we share simple tips for travelling with autism or sensory sensitivities.
How Sensory Issues Can Impact Travel
Before we discuss the tips to help travel with autism or sensory sensitivities, it’s important to look into how these sensitivities can impact travel and what sort of factors may trigger sensory-related challenges.
- Loud noises – Loud noises can be a common trigger for those who have autism, and locations like train stations and airports can be loud and overstimulating.
- Large crowds – Similarly to the point above, airports and transport hubs can often be accompanied by large crowds, which can also be a cause of heightened sensitivity.
- Strong smells – With food outlets and cosmetic stores in abundance, strong smells can be commonplace when travelling, so trying to avoid these where possible can be wise.
- Unfamiliar textures or feelings – Textures can be uncomfortable for those who have sensory sensitivities, these can include new bedding, towels, and even flooring when travelling and at hotels.
Planning Ahead: Preparing for Autism-Friendly Travelling
Preparation and planning are the keys to a stress- and hassle-free holiday, so starting to plan as far in advance as possible is always advised, especially if you have extra considerations to factor into the process.
Be sure to research the accommodation you plan to use and see if they have any considerations for those with sensory sensitivities. Contact them directly, read reviews online or look in Facebook groups for answers to questions you may have. You can even use Google Street View to get an idea of the general location of the hotel, the surrounding landscape, and the amenities that may be nearby, therefore determining whether it is suitable for your needs.
Another thing to consider whilst planning is timing. Make sure to allow extra time while travelling for any delays or transitions that may occur; the last thing you want when trying to enjoy a holiday is extra stress. It’s always best to share exact plans with other members of the travelling party, allowing them to understand the timeline that needs to be kept to, as well.
Navigating Airports, Ports and Train Stations with Autism
You will want to carefully consider your travel choices to ensure the travel process is as smooth as possible. Airports, ports and train stations can be loud and overwhelming environments, even for those without sensory sensitivities.
For those with hidden disabilities, wearing a sunflower lanyard can be beneficial when travelling in the UK, as these offer a discreet sign that someone may need more help. It’s also always worth ensuring you know where the quiet areas are upon arrival, giving you a space to go when needed.
If you choose to travel by air, you can contact your chosen departure airport prior to departure, and they will be able to offer you assistance should you need it. The same applies to train stations and ports.
For younger children with sensory sensitivities, providing distractions, such as toys, can be a great way to keep their minds occupied and focused during times of delay or waiting.
READ MORE: Tips for Travelling with Someone with a Full-time Carer
Sensory-friendly Tips for Public Transport and Flights
Overstimulation on public transport can be commonplace for those with autism or sensory sensitivities, so it is worth discussing this with those you are travelling with, so they can help you should a problem arise.
There are several ways to feel more comfortable while travelling, and you can find a few of these below:
- Noise-cancelling headphones – these can block out loud and unnecessary noises.
- Snacks – Snacks and food can also offer a pleasant distraction when waiting at airports or in train stations.
- Travel/gaming apps – Travel apps and games on phones, iPads, and tablets can keep the mind away from other distractions when travelling.
- Home comforts – Taking home comforts can put you or a loved one at ease, whether this is a blanket, teddy or even an item of clothing.
Choosing your seats wisely can make longer journeys feel more comfortable and can reduce the possibility of stress. Choosing the front seats on a plane will allow for extra legroom and early debarkation when you arrive at your destination. If you’re travelling by train, choosing the quiet carriage might be a good option to avoid the possibility of overstimulation due to unnecessary noise.
Drawing on Lived Experiences and Support Networks
No one knows your loved one or your children like you do, so drawing on your lived experiences and the support network around you is invaluable. Do some research beforehand and read blogs, articles and forums from other like-minded travellers, you never know what you might learn.
Travelling with a loved one can also be a great way to put your mind at ease and share the responsibility. You can share any concerns or worries you may have and pre-prepare for these ahead of your trip. Carrying documentation, including medication prescriptions and doctors’ notes, can also be a good idea; it isn’t always needed, but it is better to bring it in case of emergencies.
Techniques for Sensory Regulation
Knowing a few effective techniques that can help with sensory regulation is a good idea if you’re planning to travel. You can find a few sensory regulation techniques below.
- Deep breathing – Teaching yourself or a loved one deep breathing techniques can help them manage challenging and stressful situations, providing a calming effect.
- Sensory tools – Sensory tools, including fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones and even sunglasses, can assist in stressful situations.
- Visual support – Pre-planning or discussing plans can help ease some of the stress of travelling and, therefore, hopefully offer smooth travel.
- Deep pressure techniques – Deep pressure techniques, including the likes of weighted blankets and compression clothing, can provide a calming and comforting effect.
If you’re travelling with a loved one who has a medical condition, then ensuring you have travel medical insurance in place in case of any unforeseen circumstances is a wise idea. Medical insurance will cover you in case of any medical emergency or medical treatment whilst you’re away. Here at Medical Travel Compared, we can help you choose the right medical insurance policy to suit you or your loved ones' needs.
If you’re planning a holiday with a loved one who may have autism or sensory sensitivity, this guide should provide some helpful ideas and autism travel tips on how to make the trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. For more guides and articles like this, make sure you take a look at our blog.