Travel Tips: How to travel with neurodivergent children; support for parents

In this blog entry, I’m going to discuss tips on traveling with neurodivergent children. As a SEN mum myself, I know the anxiety parents can experience about thinking and planning holidays/traveling when you have children with additional needs, so I hope that these tips will help.

Travelling with children can be an adventure in itself; however, when you add in additional needs or Special Educational Needs (SEN), that adventure can require extra planning, flexibility, and creativity. But with the right approach, family travel can be joyful, memorable, and empowering for everyone.

Here are some tips to help you prepare, support your child, and make the journey smoother…

1. Plan Ahead — and then plan for the unexpected

• Research your destination: Check accessibility, quiet spaces, and medical facilities nearby. Many attractions now list their sensory-friendly or accessible features online. Utilise Facebook groups and reading reviews to gain insight into places.

• Book with flexibility: Look for accommodation and transport that allow for changes without penalties.

• Have a “Plan B”: If things feel overwhelming, know what alternative activity or rest spot is available.

• Packing: Pack an extra set of items, safe foods if you can, and don’t forget your survival kit.

2. Create a Visual storyboard

Many children with SEN benefit from knowing what to expect, so you can use photos, symbols, or short sentences to show where you’re going, the times, what you’ll be doing, and who will be there. You can make a small booklet or use an app for this, including watching videos on YouTube and TikTok of the places you’re intending to visit.

3. Creating and packing a Sensory Survival Kit

Every child’s sensory needs are different, but you might include:

• Noise-cancelling headphones, or LOOPS.

• Sunglasses, or a hat for bright spaces.

• Fidget toys or chewable jewellery.

• A favourite blanket, toy, or comfort item.

• Snacks they love and can rely on.

• Emergency/medical bracelets or tags.

• Sensory-friendly clothing.

4. Timing is Everything

• Travel during quieter times to avoid crowds and long waits, and in off-season times.

• Factor in plenty of breaks — rest isn’t wasted time; it’s what keeps the fun going.

• If your child thrives on routine, try to keep mealtimes and sleep schedules as close to normal as possible.

• Take your sensory survival kit for when moments get heated.

5. Communicate with Staff

• Let transport staff, hotel teams, or attraction guides know about your child’s needs. Many are happy to offer extra help or adjustments if they’re aware in advance, which could help ease transitions and prevent or minimise meltdowns.

• Use sunflower lanyards or similar schemes (typical in airports and attractions) to discreetly signal that your child may need extra time or support.

• Check if the place you are visiting has wheelchairs available, if your child may feel tired easily, needs that extra downtime, or may get overwhelmed and overstimulated. For example, you can rent out wheelchairs at Disneyland.

• Have a tag, or bracelet, on your child with their diagnosis, medical needs, or any helpful information, should an incident occur.

6. Celebrate the Wins, Let Go of the Rest

Not every part of the trip will go to plan — and that’s okay. Please focus on the moments that work: the smile when they see something new, the snack enjoyed in a quiet park, the hug after a busy morning. These are the memories that matter most.

7. Don’t Forget Yourself

Caring for a child with additional needs can be exhausting, even during a holiday. Make space for your rest where you can — whether that’s a quiet coffee while someone else watches the kids, or a slow evening once they’re asleep. Your well-being matters too; you can’t pour from an empty cup, they say!

Travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be worthwhile. With preparation, empathy, and flexibility, you can create safe, joyful, and enriching experiences for your child — and yourself. The magic isn’t in doing everything “right.” Still, in finding the moments of connection along the way, even if your getaway is just one night and day away, your trips don’t have to look like everyone else’s, and its ok to return to a place, time, and time again if it works out too. You have to do what’s right for your family.

Love and light, Victoria Louise.