✈️ Travel Tips for Parents: EmPath’s Summer Survival Guide

Planning a trip this summer? Whether you're heading across the country or just taking a weekend getaway, travel can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for families of children with autism.

We know how much thought and love you put into every part of your child’s day. Travel introduces a lot of unpredictability, which can make even the most fun adventure feel stressful. But with a little preparation and the right tools, your journey can be smoother, safer, and yes, even joyful!

Here are our top travel tips tailored for autism families, packed with empathy, practical resources, and real-world experience:

1. Prep with Visuals and Social Stories

Change is hard. But it’s a lot less scary when you know what’s coming.

Create a visual schedule or social story that outlines your trip — from packing your suitcase and going through airport security, to checking into the hotel or attending a family barbecue. Using photos, drawings, or printed icons can help your child feel more secure by making the unknown feel a little more familiar.

🧩 Tip: Apps like “Choiceworks” or handmade flip books are perfect for visual supports. You can even print photos of your hotel or the plane you'll be flying on.

2. Pack a Sensory Travel Kit

Long car rides. Loud airports. Bright lights. New smells. Sensory overload is real—but it doesn’t have to ruin your day.

Create a portable sensory kit filled with your child’s favorite calming tools. Think of it as a mini comfort zone in a backpack:

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Fidget toys, stress balls, or chewy necklaces

• Weighted lap pad or neck pillow

• Sunglasses or a wide-brim hat

• A familiar comfort object (blanket, plushie, favorite book)

✨ Bonus: Slip in one or two new items for novelty and distraction (like a new stim toy or a book about your destination).

3. Build in Breaks and Buffer Time

When planning your itinerary, leave space for downtime. Over-scheduling can quickly lead to dysregulation, for both your child and you. Think of breaks as part of your plan, not a backup.

🧭 Pro tip: Use Google Maps to find rest stops, sensory-friendly playgrounds, or quiet green spaces where your child can move and decompress.

4. Call Ahead and Advocate

It’s okay to ask for what your child needs. In fact, it can make all the difference.

Many airlines, hotels, and attractions offer accommodations such as:

• Pre-boarding or early hotel check-ins

• Quiet waiting areas

• Sensory-friendly event hours

• Priority entrance passes

• Staff trained in accessibility and neurodiversity awareness

📞 Don’t be shy, call ahead, ask questions, and share your child’s needs. You might be surprised how supportive and responsive people can be when given the opportunity.

5. Label and Prepare for Wandering

Safety first, always. If your child tends to elope or wander, preparation is key:

• Have them wear an ID bracelet or temporary tattoo with your phone number

• Dress them in a bright, easily recognizable outfit

• Use a GPS tracker or personal safety tag (Our JagTag V2 will be available soon, and you can join the waitlist down below!

• Practice a “what to do if we get separated” routine with your child and other family members

👀 Try role-playing the scenario together: “If we can’t find each other, go to someone in a uniform,” or “Stay where you are, I’ll come to you.”

6. Practice Transitions in Advance

New environments can feel overwhelming, so try to simulate parts of your trip before you leave.

• Visit a nearby airport viewing area

• Take a short staycation at a local hotel

• Practice using public restrooms or checking in at a desk

• Create a packing game or countdown calendar to build excitement

🎒 You’re not just prepping for a trip, you’re building confidence, one experience at a time.

7. Don't Forget Your Needs

Caregiver burnout is real. You’re doing a lot, planning, advocating, packing, comforting, adjusting. Remember to give yourself grace.

• Accept help if it’s offered

• Take turns with your partner or travel companion

• Choose connection over perfection

• Laugh when things don’t go as planned

💙 Your calm presence is powerful. Take care of you, too.

Final Thought

Traveling with a child on the autism spectrum might look different, but different doesn’t mean less than. With preparation, tools, and a whole lot of love, your family’s travel story can be one of resilience, growth, and unexpected joy.

So whether you’re headed to the beach, a national park, Grandma’s house, or just exploring your own town, know this: you’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.

Happy travels,
The EmPath for Autism Team 💙✈️🌍