--- title: "Sensory-Friendly Travel: Planning a Family Vacation Around Your Loved One's Needs" description: Sensory-friendly travel takes a little more preparation and patience, but a fun vacation is eminently achievable. Find out how with NeuroNav. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/162.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sensory-friendly-travel#main-content) [![nn\_logo\_wide\_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Relationships](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/relationships), - [Wellness](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/wellness), - [Independent Living & Life Skills](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living-life-skills) # Sensory-Friendly Travel: Planning a Family Vacation Around Your Loved One's Needs ![Two children, one of whom has a developmental disability, pose in front of their parents before a family vacation](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/162.jpg) Vacations, in theory, revolve around rest, relaxation, and recreation. The worries of everyday life should be the furthest thing from your mind. In practice, though, we bring our full selves on vacation—we don’t become different people just because we’re taking a break from work or school. Similarly, people with autism or sensory-processing issues must navigate such challenges in a new, unfamiliar environment. If the thought of taking a family vacation fills you with worries, don’t fret just yet. NeuroNav is proud to present this guide to [sensory-friendly travel](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/traveling-with-a-disability) to help you minimize stress and disruptions. ## Traveling with Autism Often Requires Sensory-Friendly Adaptations Around [90 percent of people](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6997554/) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism, have special sensory needs. These needs, commonly referred to as *sensory processing disorder*, mean individuals must consider many factors when deviating from their normal routines and environments. Two important factors are the potential for sensory overload and deviations in routines. Unknowable elements are much more plentiful away from home, and preparation is paramount for traveling on the spectrum. ## Before the Trip: Research & Prepare Information is power. Going into your vacation week (or weekend) blind makes everything less predictable, which reduces your ability to anticipate challenges and disruptions for your child. You won’t be able to prevent every meltdown, sure, but the name of the game is *minimization*. ### Choosing a Sensory-Friendly Destination Many kids love going to theme parks. Fortunately, some in the U.S. are CAC-approved (Certified Autism Center). CAC-approved facilities have quiet rooms and specially trained staff who can tailor experiences for children with special sensory needs. Sesame Place near Philadelphia is a popular CAC attraction. Another strategy is to vacation at or near a National Park, where space is abundant. Matching the vacation destination with your child’s interests is also helpful. ### Planning Activities with Sensory Needs in Mind When planning an itinerary, choose activities with nearby quiet rooms and places for when your child needs a break. It’s good to have a detailed map of the theme park or attraction so you know where to go. Many families with autistic children use the Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney theme parks. Instead of standing in noisy, crowded areas while waiting for a ride, guests use DAS to virtually save their spot in line. The DAS app notifies guests when their turn is up, and they can skip the in-person lines. ## Sensory-Friendly Travel: Accommodating Sensory Needs on the Go Your child probably has a sensory toolkit of sorts that helps them manage over- or under-stimulation on the go. If they can create a mobile version of that toolkit, you’ve got a major advantage while traveling. ### Airport & Other Travel Accommodations Even neurotypical individuals see their stress levels rise when they enter an airport. The throngs of people, constant loudspeaker announcements, and roar of the planes taking off can overwhelm anyone. Therefore, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones (fully charged) are a must. A great asset to have at the airport is a [passenger support specialist](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support) (PSS) from TSA Cares. These employees are trained to communicate with autistic individuals and help them complete pre-flight screening. **Reserve a PSS at least 72 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.** Don’t forget to also sign up for TSA PreCheck, which allows for expedited screening (usually 10 minutes or less). Additionally, PreCheckers don’t have to remove their shoes! ## At the Destination: Making the Most of Your Trip Now that you’ve arrived at your destination, you can focus on wringing as much fun out of your vacation as possible. Everyone will be eager to head to the main attraction, but you know your child better than anyone. If you sense that they need a little bit of time to unwind before going to an activity, trust your gut and don’t rush things. ### Create a Plan for Managing Challenges As much as you should try to keep to your regular routines while on vacation, it won’t always be quite the same. If you have opportunities before the trip, show your child pictures and videos of the destination. Create social stories to get them acquainted with the entire vacation process. As always, though, make sure comfort items and quiet, secluded places are never too far away. ## Discover More Resources for Supporting Loved Ones On The Spectrum with NeuroNav Putting the support pieces together for your autistic child is often harder than it should be. Even the California Self-Determination Program (SDP), which can allow for plenty of flexibility for participants, can have a steep learning curve. NeuroNav is one of the state’s leading [independent facilitation firms](https://neuronav.org/services). We have deep experience enrolling participants, securing the funding and services they need, and communicating with regional centers to prevent disruptions before they happen. Our clients’ dreams are always front and center. We’d love for you to [schedule a consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) soon so we can start advocating for your loved one as soon as we can. ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. [![Two adults facing a wall with post-it notes stuck to it.](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/63.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/pros-cons-sdp-independent-facilitator) [Person-Centered Planning](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/person-centered-planning), [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [The Pros and Cons of Working with an SDP Independent Facilitator (vs. Becoming One Yourself)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/pros-cons-sdp-independent-facilitator) August 13, 2025 Navigating California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) can be incredibly rewarding, but also overwhelming. That’s why... 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[Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-success-families-talk-about-working-with-independent-facilitators) [![An adult with Down syndrome sitting on a couch and using a tablet.](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/65.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/webinar-recap-families-getting-started-sdp) [Person-Centered Planning](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/person-centered-planning), [independent facilitator](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-facilitator) ### [Unlocking Choice: A Webinar Recap for Families Getting Started with SDP](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/webinar-recap-families-getting-started-sdp) July 29, 2025 If you’ve ever felt like traditional services don’t quite fit your or your loved one’s needs, you’re not alone. That’s... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/webinar-recap-families-getting-started-sdp) Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? 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