Summer is here! While family travel is a wonderful way to reconnect after a busy school year, we know it can also be stressful – especially for kids with special needs. To make your next getaway smoother, our team has gathered their best summer travel tips. Have a tried-and-true strategy of your own? Email it to us at [email protected] so we can share it with our community on social media!
Summer Travel Tips
- Keep your bucket list realistic by prioritizing your wish list of activities or letting each child choose one activity they really want to do. Prep your kids about the realities of time, budget, and everyone’s energy levels to avoid arguments or meltdowns when the list has to be cut short. Set expectations early!
- Create travel “activity kits” packed with social stories, comfort items, snacks, and fidgets. Snackle Box kits are great for packing a variety of snacks for road trips. Turn the journey into a game by handing out a new item or snack when boredom strikes. Pack generously- you can never have too many tricks up your sleeve!
- If flying, reach out to TSA Cares at least two weeks prior to your travel; they can meet you curbside and escort you to your gate (no lines and streamlined TSA checkpoints!). They also provide cart service so that you can more easily reach accessible bathrooms and other areas farther from your gate. You can also call ahead (855-787-2227) to ask questions about screening policies or what to expect at the checkpoint. When at the gate, talk to the gate agent regarding preboarding in order to avoid crowds and standing in line.
- Try to stick to your child’s usual daily routine as much as possible. It may take a little prep work, but it’s totally worth it! If your schedule has to change, use a written plan or a social story to help set expectations early and ease any anxiety.
- Be strategic when choosing location, proximity to grocery and pharmacy, adjoining rooms, and amenities (like a pool) and call ahead to confirm availability. There’s nothing like construction or unanticipated pool closings to get your trip off track quickly!
- Plan medication refills, location of pharmacies, and bring emergency physician phone numbers.
- If elopement is a reality, and you anticipate large crowds, consider a tracker such as Angel Sense for additional safety and peace of mind.
There are several popular vacation destinations that provide support for individuals with disabilities. We have had experience with the following passes and highly recommend the following:
- Universal Studios IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card. Universal Orlando has an Attractions Assistance Pass for Guests who have difficulty with extended waits in lines. Guests requesting an accommodation must obtain the IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card by registering within 30 days of their visit to the park.
- Walt Disney World Disability Access Service. This service supports individuals who, due to a developmental disability, are unable to wait in a conventional line for an extended period of time.
- National Park Service. The Interagency Access Pass is part of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series and is available free for individuals with permanent disabilities.
- Dollywood. Dollywood offers a Ride Accessibility Pass to assist guests who are unable to stand in standard lines or require accessible entrances. When arriving at Dollywood, head to the Ride Accessibility Center, located on the left immediately past the main entrance turnstiles.
Happy Summer, everyone!