A travel-focused blog this week! I was on vacation last week which means working ahead and putting my work aside to focus on the fun! Where was I? I went to Walt Disney World to avoid all the packing-for-college happenings at my home. It was a genius move as my husband got to deal with all the last minuteness that baby adults bring. Since becoming certified in ASD travel, I have been fascinated with what adaptations travel destinations offering those with neuro differences. As with many industries, the travel industry still has work to do to meet the needs of those with differences, physical or neurological, but the work is in progress. These are just a few that I wanted to share.
Planning a family vacation is both exciting and complicated. As visions of fabulous memories begin to form so do the specific needs of each traveler. For families that include individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the complications of vacation planning require even more forethought as changes in daily routines, crowds, and new noises or sights can quickly derail an amazing trip. Individuals with ASD or other cognitive challenges may need flexibility in daily activities, dietary tweaks, or quiet spaces to regroup when overstimulated. With an estimated 1 in 5 individuals now diagnosed with an invisible disability, travel vendors have recognized the need to acknowledge and embrace families with ASD individuals.
By nature, travel is a departure from a familiar routine which can lead to anxiety and discomfort for those on the spectrum. For decades, vacation destinations have offered accessibility for those with physical disabilities. Today, those same destinations are answering the call for adaptation for guests with cognitive differences. As recognition of sensory or social challenges has increased, so has training, support, and certifications for travel industry leaders.
How are favorite destinations changing the experience for ASD families?
Airports: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now allows screening for those with non-visible differences without requiring separation from caregivers. Many airports now offer “walk-throughs” via their public relations office so ASD travelers can experience the sights and sounds of the airport before their travel day.
Many airlines, such as Delta or United, offer social stories and familiarization tours, allowing future flyers to experience a walk-through security and gate check-in. They can even practice boarding an airplane! Larger airports have installed quiet rooms to alleviate stress while waiting. Airlines also offer early or late boarding (depending on preference) for those who may find traditional boarding too stressful.
Before you travel, check with your preferred airport’s public relations office for its specific adaptive options. Many large airports now partner with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization which gives travelers a green lanyard to discreetly signal staff of an invisible disability and the potential need for additional support. The Sunflower lanyards are recognized at over 200 airports worldwide and are available for over 900 non-visible disabilities, including ASD. It is also recognized beyond airports in restaurants, businesses, theme parks, and more.
Educational Destinations: Families that prefer an educational vacation, such as aquariums, museums, or zoos can ensure a pleasant visit with the help of staff dedicated to providing accessibility to ASD families. Before their trip, ASD families can pre-plan their itinerary and details of their visit from the comfort of their homes.
Some examples of how educational destinations are assisting visitors?
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s PMA for All application allows families to create a detailed schedule, access a sensory-friendly map, and gain inside tips. The app also includes interactive games for visitors!
- California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium offers sensory bags that include noise-reduction headphones and a variety of tactile objects.
- In Richmond, the Science Museum of Virginia has partnered with both Commonwealth Autism and the Autism Society of Central Virginia to provide disability-specific training to its staff. SMVA offers a Curiosity Guide for a pre-visit, detailed walkthrough of the facility including details on exhibits that may be overstimulating.
- Many museums and aquariums offer exhibit sensory cards, giving visitors an at-a-glance overview of what stimuli to expect at each stop. Sensory backpacks are also available to alleviate on-site stress and include noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, and more.
Cruise Lines: With early boarding and priority departure, cruise lines ensure that travel for ASD families is an enjoyable experience throughout their trip. Many offer social stories, virtual ship tours, and adaptive shore excursions. Onboard kid clubs have always been a favorite for parents. Today, cruise lines are training kid club staff specifically to assist with ASD participants.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line leads the fleet in ASD-friendly cruising with autism-friendly films in low-lit, low-volume theaters where guests are encouraged to talk and walk freely, cruising social stories, a toy-lending program, and more! Carnival Cruise Line has paired with KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to inclusivity, to create sensory bags for guests needing additional support. These sensory bags include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and a KultureCity lanyard to signal staff that assistance may be needed.
Ready to cruise but leary about the trip to the departure port? Check driveable ports as many cruise lines now dock smaller ships up and down the coast. On the East Coast, Carnival Cruise Lines uses Norfolk as a homeport. Just north, the Port of Baltimore hosts both Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships while New Jersey’s Cape Liberty Cruise Port is home to ships under the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Line umbrellas. These are just a few driveable examples.
Hotels/Resorts: For those looking for an adventure that leaves responsibilities behind, all-inclusive vacations are an amazing option. As the needs of ASD families have increased, so has the ability to customize stays at many hotels and resorts. From alternative dietary options, calming decor, or assistance with activity planning, hotel and resort staff now receive regular training to handle all needs.
Sandals’ family-friendly Beaches resorts were the first all-inclusive to require company-wide training for staff to ensure every guest has access to its award-winning Beaches Luxury Included experience. Onsite childcare staff receive ongoing education in sensory awareness, autism program development, emotional awareness, and more. At Beaches Negril, Ocho Rios, and Turks & Caicos properties, Sesame Street’s autistic character, Julia, welcomes children with an art experience and other engaging activities.
Theme Parks: Many theme parks are now training employees who interact with the public to recognize the needs of ASD visitors including moments when it may be appropriate to offer a sensory break. Today’s theme parks have sensory rooms strategically placed throughout the property. Parks also reduce long, crowded lines that may cause overstimulation for those with ASD. Some even offer sensory hours when occupancy is limited to those with cognitive differences.
Traveling to Disney property? Ask about the Disability Access Service feature within the Disney Experience Application. When activated, DAS allows guests to schedule boarding times at various attractions without joining the traditional queue.
Other examples of adaptability in theme parks include:
- Boarding Passes that allow ride times to be reserved in advance, reducing wait times while providing a clear schedule for the day.
- KidTrack wristbands allow parties to be reunited quickly should they become inadvertently separated.
- Ride Swaps allow one guest to experience an attraction while the other waits with a non-rider before swapping places. Ride Swap also allows the non-rider a quiet, cool place to rest!
- Touchdown areas throughout parks allow convenient breaks for those who may experience sensory overstimulation.
Did you know there are three Autism Certified Cities in the United States?
- Mesa, Arizona was the first-ever Autism Certified City in the world and is nationally recognized as one of the most family-friendly cities in the country. With over 50 businesses carrying the Certified Autism Center badge, visitors are welcomed by staff trained to recognize and cater to the needs of ASD travelers. From virtual tours to autism-friendly itineraries to downloadable sensory guides, Mesa continues to be a gold-star destination for the ASD community.
- Visalia, California continues to host autism training for local businesses as part of its long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Currently, over a dozen of Visalia’s hotels and attractions have completed training. Many of those businesses are also partnering with other popular California destinations to provide additional vacation opportunities such as an Autism Friendly Road Trip or adaptable National Park tours.
- High Point, North Carolina is the first East Coast Certified Autism Destination. Local leaders have aimed to create a travel experience that goes beyond basic ADA compliance by training community members and businesses to understand the needs of those with cognitive differences. High Point is just three hours away from the Richmond area–perfect for a few days away!
As travel destinations continue to gain a better understanding of the specific needs of individuals with ASD, the world will continue to open up for this community. Travel can be incredibly challenging for those hypersensitive to stimuli, often causing them to steer away from travel and bucket-list-worthy vacations. With greater access to educational materials and hands-on training, the travel industry is becoming better equipped to partner with families and create itineraries that meet the individual needs of ASD guests.
When planning family vacations, communicate the specific needs of your traveling companions at the time of booking! Engaging a Certified Autism Travel Planner can also be incredibly beneficial as these travel agents have a wealth of information on ASD-friendly travel options.
And don’t forget, travel agents are free to the consumer as we partner with our destination vendors to offer guests personalized planning.