Traveling can be both an exciting adventure and a daunting task depending on a variety of factors. This is especially true for neurodivergent individuals, who may face travel-related challenges that are less visible to their neurotypical companions. To help make travels smoother and more enjoyable, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips and resources tailored for neurodivergent travelers. Whether you are a neurodivergent individual preparing for a trip or you’re planning to travel with your neurodivergent loved one, we hope these suggestions come in handy.
Planning Tips for Neurodivergent Travelers
Regardless of where you’re heading or how you’re going to get there, here are a few suggestions to make your upcoming journey more comfortable for neurodivergent travelers:
Explore virtual visit and practice options - View YouTube videos of the places you plan on staying and visiting to gain a better understanding of their layout and features. Consider walking through a local hotel to help acclimate to the idea of spending the night somewhere new. If you live close to your departure airport and think it may be helpful, visit several days before your trip and practice your route to the appropriate check-in counter.
Print out a schedule - A schedule with detailed information and/or pictures (depending on the age of the individual) related to your trip can go a long way towards preparing a neurodivergent traveler for the events and activities they will be experiencing.
Bring familiar toys, snacks, and comfort objects (including soothing items) - These little pieces of home can help provide neurodivergent children and adults with a sense of normalcy, structure, routine, and/or sensory stimulation while traveling.
Build downtime and breaks into your travel experiences - If driving, offer planned rest stops to give everyone the chance to move their bodies on a regular basis. When taking public transportation, allow extra time for the check-in process and look for a quiet space to decompress before the journey begins. Once you arrive at your destination, offer time to rest and get acclimated before jumping into your first activity, and between each major activity you do. These strategies can provide neurodivergent travelers with a helpful opportunity to reset and avoid burnout.
Accommodation Resources for Neurodivergent Travelers
As the tourism industry works to make travel more accessible and inclusive, new accommodations are popping up to better support neurodivergent individuals and their travel goals. Here are a few to keep in mind:
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an internationally recognized symbol that alerts travel, hospitality, and retail staff that the wearer may need additional time and/or assistance. The sunflower graces lanyards, pins, hats, and more, so individuals can select the accessory that makes them the most comfortable. Learn more and explore the options here.
Check your airline’s website for information about the services they provide for neurodivergent travelers, or call them directly for a more tailored approach. Some airlines offer priority boarding, while others host sensory-friendly airport quiet rooms. United Airlines has even created this Social Story to help neurodivergent travelers prepare for their upcoming trip.
If a neurodivergent traveler in your party would benefit from more significant assistance while flying, you can request that the code “DPNA” be added to your ticket. This alerts airlines that a passenger has a hidden disability and will prompt staff to ask you what kind of support you need.
Are you looking to visit an amusement park? Consider applying for an Accessibility Card ahead of time to receive helpful accommodations at one of these participating amusement parks. Non-participating amusement park companies such as Busch Gardens, Disney, Kings Dominion, and Hershey Park offer their own support systems that apply to neurodivergent travelers - click on the previous links or call the park’s accessibility services hotline directly to learn more.
Airbnb now has an “Adapted” category that filters properties with certain accessibility features. Although many of these amenities are designed for individuals with physical or mobility challenges, there are several homes that provide neurodivergent-friendly accommodations, such as these properties in Kissimmee, FL, and Yucca Valley, CA.
Explore the official tourism websites for the cities or towns you plan on visiting to see if they have any neurodivergent-friendly travel suggestions. For example, Myrtle Beach’s tourism website has an entire page full of links to sensory-friendly experiences, saving neurodivergent travelers a lot of research time.
Some hotels are starting to expand their neurodivergent traveler offerings. Virgin Hotels has begun outfitting various properties with neurodivergent-friendly amenities, while Hyatt recently published the findings of a survey completed by neurodivergent travelers to better meet the needs of its ND client base. If you’re looking for more of a resort experience, Travel + Leisure Magazine published this list of ND-inclusive destinations in 2023.
Did a recent trip leave your neurodivergent teen wanting to learn more about the travel industry? Southwest Airlines offers a summer internship program specifically for neurodivergent college students.
Although more work needs to be done, it is heartwarming to see an increase in attention to the needs of neurodivergent travelers in the tourism industry, and we are excited to watch new developments unfold. In the meantime, no matter where you are headed, our team at Family & Child Therapy hopes your next journey is a restorative, comfortable, and inclusive experience for you and your loved ones.