Holidays
Planning is the key to a successful holiday for anyone, and especially for people on the autism spectrum.
Ideally you will be able to take part in planning a holiday yourself: deciding where to go and how to get there, where to stay and what activities to take part in.
Some people like active holidays involving touring around and seeing the sights. Maybe you’d prefer just to lie on the beach and relax!
The Victorian autism association Amaze has a terrific fact sheet on preparation for holidays.
So once you decide on a place to visit, whether that’s a country, a town or simply an attraction, you can start to do some internet research to get to know the place better.
Youtube is a great place to start, as you can really get a feel for a location when you’ve seen some video about it.
Lots of museums, galleries and hotels have videos on their websites as do tourism authorities too.
To read personal stories about holidays click here.
Things to think about
You will need to think carefully about your needs when you are on holiday. Do you like quiet or noisy places?
Have you travelled in a plane before or will this be your first time?
Would you like to join a group tour or would you prefer to stay in one hotel or even a camp site for a few days.
When you have a good idea of what you’d like to do and where you’d like to go, it’s probably a good idea to chat to a travel agent.
There are some travel agencies which specialise in holidays for people with disabilities (see below).
However, any good travel agent should be able to find a trip or help you put together an itinerary once you are clear what your needs are.
If booking a hotel yourself, it’s probably best to book direct with the hotel and to chat to the staff there.
If you need to be in a room adjoining with your family or friends' room, you might need to have this guaranteed, rather than simply request it.
Similarly when flying, you might need to contact the airline in advance to discuss any special facilities you might require.
When you travel independently, it might be a good idea to make sure you have a family or friend's contact details in your wallet - just in case you ever need to ask someone to call them if you need help.
Travel Insurance
Anyone who has autism needs to disclose it to their travel insurer as a pre-existing condition. Read more on the post below:
Autism and Travel Insurance: What you need to know
Cruises
Cruises often work well as a relaxing holiday, and some of the larger cruise booking agencies eg should be able to help you if you, or a carer, can clearly explain your needs.
Ideas from American websites
There are some autism-specific travel websites in the USA which might be a source of inspiration as well as practical ideas. Have a look at:
Autistic Globetrotting
One family shares their extensive experiences of travelling worldwide with autism. Their Youtube channel has hundreds of videos. Facebook page is here
Special Globe
This website aims to build a community of families who share their knowledge of special needs travel, find it here.
Travel Agents
The website d-ability.org has links to a wide variety of travel resources for people with special needs.
Search for 'travel agent' on the d-ability.org website to find a list.
Some of the bigger specialist travel agents are:
ClubMates Travel
ClubMates travel is an Australian accredited tourism operator which can organise all sorts of holidays both abroad and within Australia. Travel by air, coach or ship can be organised and all types of disability can be accommodated. The ClubMates website shows the wide range of holidays that are available, and you can chat to one of the company’s travel consultants to explain your interests and requirements.
Leisure Options
Leisure Options is an Australian accredited travel agency which organises group travel tours and can help with individual travel too. Tours are organised internationally, and within Australia. You can download a brochure from the website here.
Qantas Carer Concession
People with high support needs can travel on Qantas at reduced cost and their nominated carer can have a 50% discount on domestic Economy Class fares.
Click here for more information.
Holidays
On the Young people holidays page we have listed some ideas and tips for independent travel for young people.
We also have links to companies that run supported tours and holidays for people with a disability.
You will also find some ideas and inspiration there from companies and bloggers in the USA on travelling with autism spectrum.
Qantas Carer Concession
People with high support needs can travel on Qantas at reduced cost and their nominated carer can have a 50% discount on domestic Economy Class fares.
Preparing For Holidays
The Victorian autism association Amaze has a terrific fact sheet on preparation for holidays.
