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Autism-Friendly Travel Tips and Destinations

child with headphones on train
Allianz - child with headphones on train

Travel should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. For people with autism, accommodations can and should be made to ensure an incredible travel experience.

“Traveling can be challenging for anyone, but especially for those with autism,” writes Autism Speaks.  “Changes in routine, unpredictability, crowds, unfamiliar noises, sights and possibly new dialects or accents can be overwhelming for those on the spectrum.”

For many people with autism, new and intense stimuli can be overwhelming. Here are our recommendations for sensory-friendly resorts and cruises, activities, plus travel tips and resources for people with autism.

Sensory-friendly resorts

Did you know that there are two organizations that provide autism certifications for the travel industry and other businesses? Check out this list of resorts certified by either the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards or Autism Double-Checked.

Both organizations have standards that require certified organizations to have staff who are public facing trained in how to recognize signs of autism, and how to respond appropriately.

Beaches Resorts

All Beaches resorts are autism certified and Beaches is the first ever resort company to earn the IBCCES training and Autism Certification. The company has locations with luxurious and family-friendly accommodations in Turks & Caicos, and Negril and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Beaches Resorts features low-sensory areas throughout their properties, and run autism-friendly camps for kids.

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, Florida

This comfortable and modern property is conveniently located near Walt Disney World Resort and other theme parks. JW Marriot Orlando is a good base to unwind after a day at the parks, writes Travel & Leisure. The property has a sensory calming corner, noise-canceling headphones for guests and other calming items. There are also pools and a climbing wall on-site for when you need a day to decompress away from the parks.

Legoland Resorts U.S.

“Lego is committed to supporting neurodiverse children through representation in their toys,” writes Travel & Leisure. “Many young Lego enthusiasts dream of a trip to a Legoland Resort, which includes themed amusement parks and on-site hotels.”

All Legoland resorts —  Legoland California in Carlsbad, California; Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, Florida; and Legoland New York in Goshen, New York — are autism certified. Park rides include sensory information guides, and there are low-sensory areas for stimulus breaks. 

Karisma Hotels and Resorts

Karisma has a wide range of properties for families with different interests and needs. If you’re looking for a calming, all-inclusive resort, Axul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun is a good choice. Families with kids may enjoy Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya. The resorts have an “autism concierge” that can help with your specific needs, and other staff trained in autism awareness.

Travel tips

Airports, train stations, and other travel hubs are chaotic under the best of conditions. There are loudspeaker announcements, people chatting on cell phones, crying children and speedy moving walkways. Here are some ways to manage it all.

Bring items that ground or calm you. It helps to provide yourself with pleasant or relaxing sensory experiences while exposed to jarring stimuli. Some items that can help are mints and gum, smells you enjoy in diffuser jewelry, a weighted lap top bag, and hats or other clothing that feel good on your skin. You can also reduce overwhelming noises with Loop Earplugs.

Do some prep the night before. You want to do your best to reduce stressors within your control, before going into a stressful environment. Print your ticket and pack your carry on so that your most important, often used items and travel documents are easy to access.

Give yourself peace of mind by double checking your transportation arrangements. You don’t want to be frustrated by waiting at your destination for your ride after a long day. You’ll want to have your friend or shuttle waiting for you. And you can avoid getting thrown off by temperature changes or hunger by bringing snacks, water and your favorite cozy hoodie or sweater.

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind

Allianz Travel Insurance can help protect the money you spend booking your trip by reimbursing certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or delayed for a covered reason.

We also offer plans with emergency medical benefits, which are particularly important when traveling abroad. Your domestic health insurance coverage may not fully cover you during international trips.

Travel companies that offer sensory-friendly services and accommodations

JetBlue has a solid reputation for serving individuals with special needs, according to an article by Chicago Occupational Therapy. The airline offers silent pre-boarding and other accommodations.

Autism on the Seas partners with cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney to help craft travel plans for people with autism. The program provides one staff member to every two family members with autism.

The IBCCES also credentials zoos and aquariums. Here’s a list of Autism Certified Zoos and Aquariums. Nature is often calming for children and adults with sensory processing disorders. Here’s a list of recommended national parks for families of children with autism.

Get a quote today to find out how an Allianz Travel Insurance plan can help you on your next trip.

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Sep 24, 2024