Frequently Asked Questions: How to Plan and Prepare for Travel with Neurodivergent Children

Traveling can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially for families with neurodivergent children. From navigating sensory sensitivities to ensuring you pick the right destination, travel comes with unique challenges—but with the right strategies, it can be a joyful and enriching experience for the whole family. That’s why Hana Seyoum, Certified Autism Travel Professional and owner of World of Possibilities Travel, and I have teamed up to share expert insights on making travel more accessible and enjoyable for families with neurodivergent kids. Proper planning and preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Below are some frequently asked questions and helpful answers to guide you in preparing for your next journey.

1. How can I help my child prepare for an upcoming trip? Preparation is key! Start by talking about the trip well in advance. Use visual schedules, social stories, and videos to show what to expect. A PRE BOX Airplane Sensory Box or Roadtrip Sensory Box can provide sensory-friendly tools and visual supports including a social story, visual schedule and ways to play guide to help familiarize your child with different aspects of travel.

2. What should I pack to make travel easier? Consider packing sensory-friendly items such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, weighted lap pads, or chewable necklaces. Bring comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Also, include snacks, water, and activities to keep your child engaged during the journey. Bring a PRE BOX sensory box with you. Each box will have tons of engaging and fun activities that can also help your child self-regulate. Let PRE BOX take the guesswork out of what activities to pack. 

3. How can I prepare my child for airport security and flying? Many airports offer programs like TSA Cares, which provide assistance for individuals with disabilities. Show your child videos or pictures of airport procedures, role-play going through security, and explain each step. Arriving early can reduce stress and allow extra time for adjustments. Also, playing with the Airplane PRE BOX before you take your trip can help your child prepare for going in an airport and on an airplane. It will let them know what they may see and need to do while traveling. Read the Airplane pre story and review the Airplane visual schedule that is in the Airplane PRE BOX. You can also bring these visual supports with you.

4. What accommodations should I request at hotels or theme parks? Call ahead to ask about sensory-friendly accommodations, quiet areas, and accessibility services. Many hotels offer quiet rooms or rooms away from high-traffic areas. Theme parks often have disability access passes to help reduce wait times and provide sensory-friendly spaces.

5. How do I handle unexpected changes in plans? Flexibility is important, but it can be challenging for some children. Use visual supports, like a social story and visual schedule to explain changes in a clear and reassuring way. Carry a small travel kit with calming items to help your child regulate emotions if unexpected situations arise.

6. What are some strategies to make long car rides or flights easier? Break up the journey with planned stops or movement breaks. Pack familiar foods and have a variety of activities available. Consider using a countdown timer or visual schedule to help your child understand how much longer the trip will take. If you are not sure what activities to pack, you could bring any PRE BOX with you, which is full of fun and engaging activities, as well as visual supports including a social story, visual schedule and a ways to play guide for the parents and children.

7. Where can I find resources to help with travel planning? Organizations like World of Possibilities Travel specialize in planning sensory-friendly trips for families. Many airlines, hotels, and attractions offer guides for travelers with disabilities. PRE BOX can also provide customized sensory tools to support a smooth travel experience.

8. What destinations are best?  The best destinations for families with neurodivergent kids offer sensory-friendly environments, quiet spaces, and flexible accommodations, with many now recognized as Autism Certified. From resorts and theme parks to cruises and nature getaways, these destinations provide sensory guides, priority access, and trained staff to support neurodivergent travelers. World of Possibilities Travel can help you find the perfect Autism Certified or sensory-friendly destination, making travel stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family.

9. What if my child has a meltdown in a public place?  Stay calm and remove them from the situation if possible. Bring comfort items and find a quiet space to regulate emotions. If needed, inform staff about your child’s needs—many destinations have trained employees to assist families in these moments.

10. Can a travel agent help plan a neurodivergent-friendly trip?  Absolutely! A Certified Autism Travel Professional like World of Possibilities Travel can help find sensory-friendly destinations, arrange accommodations, and ensure a smooth, stress-free travel experience for your family.

Traveling with a neurodivergent child requires extra planning, but with the right tools, mindset, and knowledge it can be an enjoyable and enriching experience for the whole family. 

If you are thinking about taking a trip, make sure to check out PRE BOX sensory boxes and resources at www.getmyprebox.com and World of Possibilities Travel at http://woptravel.com for all your travel plan possibilities.