Inclusive travel: Travelling with a person with disability

The anticipation crackled in the air, a mix of excitement and a nervous flutter, as we stood at the airport gate. This was Sarah's first flight, a milestone we'd dreamt of, but also one fraught with the unknowns of her sensory sensitivities. Sarah suffers from ASD (Autism Sensory Disorder). Would the crowded terminal overwhelm her? Would the aeroplane's hum trigger a meltdown? We'd packed every comfort, every familiar item, but the real journey was about to begin. A testament to the fact that travel, with a little extra planning and a lot of heart, could be an adventure for everyone, regardless of their unique needs.

As Sarah’s primary caregiver, I couldn’t be more grateful we have come this far. However, what has been challenging is balancing enjoyable family experiences for the rest of our children while being accommodative to Sarah. Sarah strives to fit and can even be adamant at times. As you would expect, this has not always played out very well. So I took extra steps to ensure that this travel experience will reward the entire family but more so, Sarah’s resilience.

Experience

As a caregiver, prior experience with the person receiving care will give you insight into how, where and the kind of experience to craft for your holidays. For instance, if you are dealing with a Down Syndrome person, you want to consider destinations having a lot of social interactions like a petting zoo or a family-friendly garden. If it's ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) the person often has high energy levels and benefits from environments that allow for active exploration. Ideal destinations would be adventure parks, trampoline facilities, or outdoor recreational areas with plenty of physical activities. 

Communication with the person receiving care can also narrow down to a wholesome experience. The person could have a preference that you may not have factored in.

Communication with the person with special needs can also narrow down to a wholesome experience. The person could have a preference that you may not have factored in.

Early Planning

Even if you are armed with experience and preferences from the person with special needs, planning early is an important prerequisite for a successful experience. Time allows you to research, communicate with possible destinations, save enough for the trip, prepare an itinerary etc. Where the travel experience would involve a new activity for the person, you will have time to orient them. Let’s say the Christmas holiday will involve air travel for the first time for the person under care, some airports offer rehearsal programs for children with autism to help them become familiar with the process.

Destination Choice for a person with disability

The destination choice is perhaps the definitive factor. All other decisions would be influenced by this. The chosen destination, while being ideal for the entire family or group, would need to suit the person with special needs. The choice of your destination will depend on the condition that the person is living with. Let’s list a few conditions and their possible destinations and activities

Condition	Brief Description	Destination & Activities
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)	Individuals with Autism often have sensory sensitivities and thrive on routines and predictability	Choose quiet, low-crowd environments like sensory-friendly resorts, small-scale nature retreats, or autism-friendly amusement parks such as LEGOLAND or Disney (with their Disability Access Services). Focus on structured yet flexible activities such as guided nature walks, hands-on sensory exhibits in museums, or interactive animal encounters
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)	Individuals with ADHD often have high energy levels and benefit from environments that allow for active exploration.	An adventure park, trampoline facility, or outdoor recreational area with plenty of physical activities. Encourage movement and engagement through challenges like zip-lining, climbing, or scavenger hunts. These activities promote focus and channel energy positively.
Down Syndrome	Individuals with Down Syndrome often enjoy social experiences and benefit from inclusive and interactive activities.	Focus on destinations that have hands-on, inclusive activities where the person can interact with peers or family members. Focus on hands-on, inclusive activities where the child can interact with peers or family members.
Anxiety Disorders	Persons with anxiety disorders often need safe, low-pressure environments to feel comfortable	An ideal destination would be a serene cabin or lakeside retreat offering minimal noise and low social interaction, with access to nature.Gentle, calming activities like yoga, fishing, or nature walks. Arts and crafts with mindfulness elements, such as creating gratitude journals or painting.
Learning Disabilities	Learning disorders are those that affect the ability to use or understand the written language, do mathematical calculations or coordinate movements	An art studio, theatre program, or interactive museum with hands-on exhibits. Focus on activities that promote hands-on engagement, like pottery, painting, or drama. Encourage storytelling through creative outlets like drawing or puppet-making.

Travel Arrangements

The mode of travel will be important to ensure the safety and the comfort of the person with special needs. This is especially important for long voyages. Depending on the condition of the individual, select the best method with the least amount of stress.

If you are flying, notify the airline in advance about the individual’s needs. Many airlines offer pre-boarding and other accommodations. Pack comfort items like noise-cancelling headphones, snacks, and favourite toys. Consider booking direct flights to reduce layovers and travel time.

If driving, plan frequent stops for breaks and ensure your child has access to familiar items like blankets, toys, or music. Use a GPS app to map out safe, accessibility-friendly stops along the way.

Only use public transport if you cannot avoid it. Avoid peak travel times to reduce sensory overload. Bring distractions like books, tablets, or colouring supplies to keep your child engaged. Travelling doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan wisely. Look for discounted rates or free entry to attractions offering accessibility accommodations or family packages. Consider staying at budget-friendly accommodations that offer kitchenettes to save on dining out, and pack familiar snacks to avoid extra costs. Use free or low-cost resources, such as public parks, sensory-friendly libraries, or community-supported recreational areas, which can provide engaging activities without added expenses. Additionally, travelling during off-peak seasons can help you find cheap flights, Airbnb or similar self-service accommodations, and quieter environments, making the trip both cost-effective and less stressful

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When travelling for holiday-or any other purpose with a person with disability, safety should always be the top priority to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Caregivers must anticipate potential challenges by taking precautions such as carrying medical records, medications, and emergency contacts at all times. It’s essential to choose safe and accessible accommodations, transportation, and destinations that cater to the individual's unique needs, ensuring minimal risks. For those prone to wandering, tools like GPS trackers, ID bracelets, or labelled clothing can provide extra peace of mind. Additionally, preparing for emergencies by identifying nearby hospitals, clinics, or support services at the destination is crucial. By prioritizing safety, caregivers can create a secure environment that allows the individual to travel comfortably and confidently, making the journey a positive experience for everyone involved.

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