Summer travel can present added challenges for parents of children with autism, from disrupted routines to sensory sensitivities and unfamiliar settings. Globe Aware volunteers and families can benefit from these tips to help make travel more enjoyable for everyone involved.

10 summer travel tips for families of autistic children

Journal Record
July 8, 2025

Summer has arrived, and families are taking to the roads and the air for vacations. Most parents know well the typical trials of family travel — children seem to become needier and more easily bored when they are removed from their natural habitats.

For parents with children who have autism, summer travel can take on another level of challenge. From changes in routine to sensory sensitivities and unfamiliar environments, parents and their children may find themselves experiencing heightened stress and anxiety around vacation.

Above and Beyond Therapy CEO Matt Rokowsky offers tips for making summer travel a rewarding and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Above and Beyond Therapy is dedicated to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder thrive and reach their fullest potential, providing personalized ABA therapy in Oklahoma. In his role, Rokowsky educates others on how to support autistic individuals, challenge stigmas and understand the unique strengths and challenges they may face.

“I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that proactive planning can have,” he said.

Here are 10 practical tips from Rokowsky to help create a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience, all while prioritizing your child’s comfort, well-being and unique needs.

Plan ahead and choose destinations wisely

Thoughtful planning with your child’s personality in mind can make a significant difference when traveling with an autistic child. Research destinations that offer sensory-friendly programs, quiet areas, and flexible scheduling options.

Many theme parks, museums and attractions now provide designated sensory rooms and quiet zones to accommodate neurodiverse visitors. Reach out in advance to ask about available accommodations and accessibility features to help reduce surprises and increase predictability for your child.

Use visual schedules and social stories

Creating a visual schedule that outlines the itinerary (including transportation, accommodations and activities) can provide clarity and predictability, which will help reduce anxiety and increase a sense of control. Social stories and illustrated books are also effective tools for introducing new experiences, such as flying on an airplane, riding a train or meeting unfamiliar people.

These stories can model what to expect in a relatable and reassuring way. You can find ready-made social stories online or create your own using simple drawings or stick figures tailored to your child’s needs and experiences.

Pack a personalized comfort kit

A personalized comfort kit can help provide a sense of safety and consistency for children on the autism spectrum during summer travels. Familiar items, such as a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or comfort object can offer reassurance in new or overwhelming environments. Bringing along engaging items like fidget toys, coloring books or activity kits can also help keep your child relaxed and occupied during long trips.

For loud and crowded settings, noise-canceling headphones or calming music can reduce your child’s sensory overload. Don’t forget their favorite snacks and drinks to minimize mealtime stress.

Practice traveling in small steps

Gradual exposure to new experiences can help an autistic child feel more prepared and confident when traveling. If possible, introduce unfamiliar situations in small, manageable steps. For example, start with short local outings, such as a day trip, a visit to a nearby attraction, or a brief car ride. This will help your child get used to being away from home and navigating new environments.

You can also do a practice run for more complex parts of the trip. For example, you can visit the airport ahead of time or take a short train ride to familiarize your child with the sights, sounds and routines they’ll encounter on the actual journey.

Prepare for sensory overload

Travel can be filled with unpredictable environments that may lead to sensory overload in any child. Common triggers may include loud noises at airports or train stations, unfamiliar smells, crowded areas or changes in lighting and texture in new accommodations.

Take proactive steps by identifying quiet spaces for breaks, scheduling downtime into your itinerary, and having a plan for early exits if needed.

Stick to a predictable routine when possible

Whenever possible, plan your travel schedule with your child’s usual routines and sensory preferences in mind. For example, familiar patterns like regular bedtimes, mealtimes and daily rituals can offer comfort in unfamiliar settings.

Using visual schedules or daily calendars can also help your child understand what to expect each day, which will make the transitions between activities smoother and more predictable. These tools support a structured environment that many neurodiverse children find reassuring.

Choose accommodations carefully

Look for places that offer a calm, quiet environment, ideally away from high-traffic or noisy areas. When booking, consider requesting specific room features that support sensory needs, such as soundproofing, blackout curtains or rooms located away from elevators and communal areas.

Some hotels and resorts also offer sensory-friendly rooms or are trained in autism awareness, so don’t hesitate to call ahead and ask about available supports to help ensure a more restful and positive stay.

Plan for downtime

Avoid over-scheduling your trip. Be sure to include time for rest, relaxation, and quiet moments, as well as some familiar activities that help your child feel comfortable and refreshed. Balance stimulating experiences with calming or independent activities. You and your child can visit a nearby park or a quiet, peaceful garden for some downtime. Offering regular breaks will allow your child to reset and recharge, supporting their overall well-being throughout the trip.

Prepare for delays and changes

Travel often involves unexpected changes and delays, which can be especially challenging for autistic children. When traveling by car, build in extra time for potential delays and additional stops. Bring along sensory-friendly items and engaging activities to support your child during wait times. Encouraging flexibility and discussing potential changes in advance (using social stories or conversations) can help ease transitions. It’s also helpful to have a backup list of activities and nearby quiet or safe spaces to turn to if needed.

Celebrate small wins

Recognize and appreciate every step of progress, whether it’s trying a new activity or navigating an airport successfully. Celebrate your child’s efforts and growth, even if things don’t go exactly as planned. Acknowledging these small achievements helps build confidence and fosters positive experiences. Capturing these moments can also support your child’s confidence and enthusiasm for future travels.

“Summer is a time for fun and making memories! And with thoughtful planning, autistic children and their families can enjoy it fully too,” Rokowski said. “Traveling with an autistic kid may take extra preparation, but it can be joyful and meaningful. By planning ahead, packing thoughtfully, and staying flexible, caregivers can create positive travel experiences.”

Remember, every child is unique and has their own sensory needs and preferences – the same is true of children with autism and tailoring your approach to your children’s individual needs is key, Rokowski said.

“The goal isn’t perfection, but rather supporting your child’s comfort and creating lasting, joyful memories.”