15 Traveling With Special Needs Kids Tips

Traveling with kids with special needs will require more planning and adjustment. It’s just a different category of family vacationing. 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. Choose seats closer to lavatories for easier on and off access.

Ask for wheelchair assistance upon arrival. Seek out wheelchair-accessible security lines. Both of these will help you better maneuver the airport. If security screening is a concern, hand searches and private screenings can be requested for disabled passengers. If you have questions about traveling with special needs children, contact the carrier with whom you intend to travel first. It’s better than contacting the airport from which you’ll be departing.

Transportation

Rental car agencies are catering to families of all types. This includes those needing modified cars and vans. These vehicles have room for wheelchairs, lifts, and specialized seats. In large cities, most taxi companies offer a select number of wheelchair-friendly cabs. Ask for a list of taxi companies through your hotel. Contact them to schedule wheelchair-accessible taxis for both airport and attraction transportation.

Another popular choice for families traveling with special needs children are traveling by shuttle bus. Shuttle buses are larger and usually better equipped for handicapped passengers than the average taxi. Nonetheless, they offer less privacy. They also offer 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 Canadian and U.S. hotels are obliged 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 ask for these special rooms well in advance of your stay. Some also supply shower chairs, upon request.

Nonetheless, 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 remove 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 of 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 can be helpful. Also, consider bringing an extra prescription in case you need to fill one.

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 assists with unexpected costs. Make a copy of your insurance information, physician’s contact information and emergency contact list. 

It is worth considering purchasing travel insurance for a big-splurge trip. This is especially true if an illness or trouble arises before the trip. Such events require your family 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 disruptive. It can disturb what feels familiar and safe. To help avoid fits, bring familiar and beloved items from home, like pillows, blankets and toys. Focus on distractions that relax your child. Avoid activities that overexcite them.

Noise-canceling Headphones

If loud noises are troublesome to your child, noise-cancelling 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 Canada and the U.S. work hard to appeal to families. Some may even offer special mobility equipment and wheelchairs to help families. Calling ahead will help decide if there are any special restrictions or programs specifically for special needs families. Finding a vacation that accommodates every family member’s interest can be easier than you think.

City Traveling

The cities most often visited by travelers are often the best for special needs, as well. Many offer travel guides through their Visitors & Convention Bureaus. These can include guides for people with disabilities. They can help you pre-plan your vacation. You can also look into last-minute information when you stumble across an attraction during the trip. 

Theme Parks

A theme park’s business is catering to kids. 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 ensures guests are given equal access to every ride and attraction. They offer their Special Access Pass to those with severe Autism. It’s intended for those who can’t easily wait in line because of their disabilities. 

Cruises

The newer and larger cruise ships work hard to accommodate guests with special needs. Examples include Princess, Carnival, and Norwegian’s Breakaway. 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 has some Beautiful National Parks available to everyone. This includes visitors with special needs. Many parks offer visitors things like special wheelchair-accessible trails, auto tours and observation areas.

Visit the websites of the National Parks you want to visit. Check for more details on their disabled accessibility. Make sure it meets your needs. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Access Pass is free. Lifetime passes to the National Parks, given to disabled travelers. The passes offer free admission, as well as discounts on amenity fees like swimming and camping.

There are other ways to avoid inconveniences while traveling with special needs children. One is to prepare your child for the trip. Try discussing where you are going and what the child will face each day.

Try to stick to routines once traveling. A toddler needs nap times to ward off tantrums. Similarly, maintaining 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 make sure they enjoy the trip. Most importantly, the entire family enjoys their time together.