Traveling with kids that have special needs may require a little more planning and adjustment. It’s just a different category of family vacationing that, just like traveling with infants, toddlers and teens, can be both difficult and enjoyable. Here are ways to make the trip easier and fun for the entire family.
Planning
When traveling with a child with special needs, make sure the basics are covered.
Air Travel
When booking flights, select seating at the front of the plane, as well as closer proximity to lavatories for easier on and off and in and out.
Request wheelchair assistance upon arrival, and seek out wheelchair-accessible security lines, both of which will help you better maneuver the airport. If security screening is a concern, hand searches, as well as private screenings, can be requested for disabled passengers. If you have questions about traveling with special needs children, I recommend that you first contact the carrier with whom you intend to travel, rather than the airport from which you’ll be departing.
Transportation
Rental car agencies are catering to families of all types, including those in need of modified cars and vans with room for wheelchairs, lifts and specialized seats. In large cities, most taxi companies offer a select number of wheelchair-friendly cabs. Request a list of taxi companies through your hotel and contact them to schedule wheelchair accessible taxis for airport and attraction transportation.
Another popular option for families traveling with special needs children is traveling by shuttle bus. Shuttle buses are larger and usually better-equipped for handicapped passengers than the average taxi, but, as expected, offer less privacy, as well as less control over where you’ll stop and when you’ll get to your destination. Contact your hotel to see what options are available.
Hotels
All U.S. hotels are required to offer wheelchair accessible rooms. Where doors are wider to the room and bathroom, and grips are provided for tubs and toilets. Be sure to request these special rooms well in advance of your stay. Some may also provide shower chairs, upon request.
However, not all international hotels may be so friendly. Be sure to thoroughly review hotel websites and reviews, and contact them directly to be certain. Be sure to inquire about elevators, as some resorts may not offer elevators, in which case ground-floor accommodations are recommended.
Packing
Anticipating problems before they occur can eliminate stress in the event a problem does occur. When packing, don’t forget:
Medications
Make sure you pack medications in carry on luggage in case checked bags are delayed or lost. Most liquids must meet the traditional 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage. Which requires that passengers place liquids in a container with a capacity no more than 3.4 ounces, in one zip-top sealable bag, and each passenger may only have one bag for liquids.
However, liquid medication is one of very few items (including baby formula, baby food and breast milk). It may be allowed in higher quantities, if declared beforehand and approved during the screening process. Bringing a note from your doctor on the medications may come in handy, as would an extra prescription in case one must be filled.
Insurance
Check with your insurance company to make sure your child is covered when traveling to different states and abroad. As well as a list of facilities that are covered in the destinations you are visiting. Including cruise ships, in the event you must visit a doctor. If insurance is not covered, consider buying travel insurance that may assist with unexpected costs. Make a copy of your insurance information, physician’s contact information and emergency contact list.
Purchasing travel insurance for a big-splurge trip may be something to consider, as well, in the event illness or trouble arises pre-trip that makes your family have to cancel or reschedule.
Carry-on
If your child has frequent accidents, bring a full change of clothes in a carry-on.
Familiar Items
For children who may become stressed, anxious or confused in new situations and places, traveling can be quite the disruption to the familiar and safe. To help avoid fits, bring familiar and beloved items from home, such as pillows, blankets and toys. Try to focus on things that will distract and even relax your child, as opposed to things that may overexcite him or her.
Noise-canceling Headphones
If loud noises are troublesome to your child, noise-canceling headphones can help drown out noises on planes and crowded subways. MP3 players with your child’s favorite music can take their minds off of unsettling crowds and places.
Where to Go
Major attractions across the U.S. work hard to appeal to families and meet ADA requirements. Some may even offer special mobility equipment and wheelchairs to assist families. Calling ahead will help determine if there are any special restrictions or programs specifically for special needs families. Finding a vacation that accommodates every family member’s interest may be easier than you think.
City Traveling
The cities most often visited by travelers are often the best for special needs travelers, as well. Many offer travel guides through their Visitors & Convention Bureaus, and these may include guides for people with disabilities, which can help you pre-plan your vacation, or look into last-minute information when you stumble across an attraction during the trip.
Theme Parks
Catering to kids is a theme park’s business, and thankfully, many theme parks have made parks friendly to those with special needs. Disney, of course, reigns supreme in accommodating special needs families, making it easy for kids to enjoy every attraction. The Disabilities Access Service Card also helps families avoid long lines. Many parks have followed in Disney’s footsteps with similar offerings. Sea-world San Diego is another excellent choice for special needs children. Their Ride Accessibility Program to ensure guests are given equal access to every ride and attraction. They also offer their Special Access Pass to people who can’t easily wait in line due to their disabilities.
Cruises
The newer and larger cruise ships, such as Princess, Carnival and Norwegian’s Breakaway work hard to accommodate guests with special needs. From offering wheelchair-friendly staterooms, public areas and swimming pools, to providing shore excursions geared toward those with special needs. Royal Caribbean received the very first “Autism Friendly” certification by Autism on the Seas in February, 2014. For a list of the best ships for cruisers with disabilities, visit our sister site, Cruise Critic.
National Parks
America the Beautiful and its breathtaking National Parks are available to everyone, especially those visitors with special needs. Many parks provide visitors with things like special wheelchair-accessible trails, auto tours and observation areas.
Visit the websites of the National Park you’d like to visit for more details on their disabled accessibility, to ensure it meets your needs. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Access Pass is a free. Lifetime pass to the National Parks, given to disabled travelers. The passes provide free admission, as well as discounts on amenity fees such as swimming and camping.
Other ways to avoid inconveniences, while traveling with special needs children is to prepare your child for traveling before the trip. Try discussing where you are traveling and what the child will encounter each day.
Try to stick to routines once traveling. Just as a toddler needs nap times to ward off tantrums, sticking to your at-home routine as much as possible can ease tension for a child with special needs. Remember to move at your child’s pace to ensure they enjoys the trip. Most importantly, that the entire family enjoys their time together.
Lynda Cook says
These are all great tips and it’s better to be well prepared and than not be, and having so much confusion. It’s great that other parks and places are following Disney and providing more options, families with special needs love to travel as well and it helps when everything goes smoothly!!
kathy downey says
All perfect tips,i love being prepared for everything.
Laura says
This is great information! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Kim Tanti says
There is sure alot to remember and plan. I thank God I never had to go threw that.
LUZVIMINDA GUNTER-SMITH says
Great information and tips, thanks for sharing
bonnie lam says
Loved the info. Have a blast on all your Trips. Hugs.
Darren Scrubb says
Important information for families with kids having these special needs.