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These tips have been contributed by other parents, carers and professionals. We hope they will give you some ideas to try, but if you need further help why not post a question on our forums Also check out our Holidays info pack for specialist operators in the UK & abroad.
Timeshare
We bought a timeshare in the grounds of a hotel in Scotland. We chose a week outside school holidays so my son does not get anxious about having to socialise with other kids. He has a brilliant relaxing time, as its the same house the same week etc each year which suits him down to the ground being autistic.
Long flights
When I go to Orlando it is 10 long hours with my son who has cerebral palsy, severe learning difficulties, epilepsy and behaviour problems. I take 11 small wrapped presents. Every hour he gets to open one like pens, a book, a new game for his dsi, sweets, … etc. Time soon goes by.
TravelChair
Meru do an adjustable air TravelChair for disabled children from 3 - 11 years (depending on their size and weight). The chair fits into a standard airline seat & gives firm, postural support. It has an adjustable headrest, footrest and body harness.
Tryb4ufly
Tryb4ufly is a charitable service that offers children and adults with disabilities an opportunity to trial specially designed aircraft seating support to see which one works best for them. They stock a range of supportive devices and equipment, such as the AirChair, Burnett Body Support and Crelling Harness. Try before you fly!
Go for picnics
Eating out on holidays can be quite difficult for us. Instead we have lots of picnics - lovely countryside and weather helps! Picnics are easier to manage and therefore more relaxing. What a holiday should be about.
Camping success
Slippery sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses don't mix for my son who has cerebral palsy. We got a good quality DOUBLE mattress and sewed 12-14 big sturdy eyelets around the edges of a fitted sheet. Then we attached a SINGLE duvet cover onto the top of the sheet, sewing down either side leaving enough room for getting in and out/ comfort. Put duvet in first then fit sheet onto mattress using webbing through the eyelets tied underneath. Works like a dream!
Holiday childcare
If holidaying in the UK, it's worth ringing the local Council Children's Information Centre for a list of suitable childminders, holiday clubs etc for special needs children. I've found it possible to holiday in most parts of the UK and find childcare.
Passport photos
If struggling to get a passport photo of the person you are caring for, contact the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000. Generally the photo together with proof of diagnosis and GP letter outlining why the person cannot meet the standard passport photo requirements (eg unable to close mouth or look directly) should suffice.
V-shaped pillow
We use a V-shaped pillow – the kind mothers used to breastfeed – to help support Milly in airplane seats. We simply turn it upside down, sit her on the open v and the sides cradle her.
Holiday/travel insurance
We managed to find one - www.freedominsure.co.uk - who seemed to be very helpful for families with complex needs. Other friends have recommended All Clear and FISH insurance. Remember to tell them everything - even the more minor aspects you may not think are important.
Travelling with medication
Travelling by plane with medication: always pack half in your hand luggage in case your suitcase does walkabouts. That way, you will have enough with you till your case is relocated or you get some more locally.
Getting lost
If you are travelling to Disneyland or a big theme park, and are worried about loosing the person you are caring for, when you get there take them to the guest services and introduce them. Also write your contact details on a piece of paper and put in their pocket.
ipad travel essential
For me, an iPad is a travel essential. I can upload free apps – from piano, guitar, to sensory, books and interactive animation, colouring-in apps, jigsaws .... and lots of photos and visuals to build social stories on the go. Proloqu2go loaded with new words associated with the travel... and when my son gets overloaded there is music and headphones to calm him down.
Airport Awareness
Manchester Airport has produced a really useful illustrated guide to 'Airport Awareness' in association with various organisations, including the NAS. Although this guide is for Manchester, much of the info is useful for any major airport. Airportaware.pdf (729.4 KB)
Cot sides
We always ask hotels for kids' cot sides, to slide under one side of the bed to keep our son safe. Many hotels stock these for young children, but if not, we put a large chair along the side of the bed to stop him falling out.
Mobile mattress protector
Whenever we travel, car mats are a great help. Just put one under a sheet and even if your child wets the bed, it won't go through to the mattress.
No surprises
Every time we go to a new holiday destination my son is adamantly against it. We have to get him excited about a new place. Show him what they have there, why he is going to like it and prepare him for the adventure. We involve him in the research and planning, and most importantly, don't surprise him.
The fear of the unknown
When you are planning a trip, try and take away the fear of the unknown by using symbols, books, even photos of every stage of the journey. Prepare as much as possible in advance by showing the photos, symbols every day, take away the unpredictability which is a big part of the fear.
How many sleeps
When we go away, our son's biggest stress is being taken away from his home comforts, so we take a velcro strip displaying how many sleeps we will be away and when we are going home.
Phone ahead for assistance
If you are travelling with someone who has special needs, phone ahead & ask for assistance. We travelled by EuroStar and phoning ahead was a God-send. We had an allocated member of staff who took us into a quiet room before the train was announced and escorted us to the platform. At the other end we were greeted by staff who escorted us to the front & helped us through.
Airport guide
We have produced a guide to relieve some of the stress and worry of air travel for people with disabilities. Disabled and reduced mobility airport guide
Holiday prep
The National Autistic Society publishes a leaflet titled Holidays: Preparation and Practicalities, with tips on preparing your child for a holiday. It includes a guide on how to explain your child’s condition in all major European languages.Call the NAS on 0845 070 4004 or look up www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/out-and-about/holidays-and-days-out/holidays-preparation-and-practicalities.aspx
Holiday routine
Without the routine of school, my son acts up, so holidays can be hell. I now prepare a holiday routine for him. Even just a basic structure helps, like: 'wash, get dressed, breakfast, park or some other activity, lunch, play or video, dinner, bathtime, bed with story or DVD'.
Plan ahead
Find out as much as you can about your holiday destination in advance – where the loos are, what the food is like, is it free from flickering lighting and echoing (some restaurants can be really loud and scary). Know where a quiet zone is. Know where the big noise/light/smell hazards are e.g. fairgrounds etc.
Disability Holidays Guide
The Disability holidays guide lists specialist tour operators for wheelchair users. You can search the guide for accessible hotels, villas and cottages, and you can also find travel insurance, hire accessible transport and pre-order mobility aids and equipment. The Disability Holidays Guide
Leisure time planner
We have a leisure time planner for our eldest so that he can do things in 1hr rotations otherwise he would spend all day doing exactly the same thing during the holidays.
Tourism For All
www.tourismforall.org.uk provides useful information on accessible holidays and places to go in the UK and abroad for people with disabilities, their carers and family. Their website also has a directory of holiday venues, which is really useful.
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