Holiday Travel with Neurodivergent Kids: Planning, Packing, and Managing the Journey

Holiday travel can be stressful for any family, but for those with neurodivergent children, it can present a unique set of challenges. Changes in routine, crowded spaces, and new environments can trigger anxiety and sensory overload. We understand these hurdles firsthand, and our mission is to support families in navigating them.

Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can create a journey that’s both manageable and enjoyable for everyone. From preparing travel kits to planning breaks, this guide shares practical strategies to help make your holiday travel as smooth as possible.

Suitcases loaded into the trunk of a small SUV. 

Planning Ahead for a Smooth Travel Experience

Preparation is the key to successful holiday travel. Taking the time to plan out the journey, including travel routes, rest stops, and activities, can make the experience more predictable and less anxiety-inducing for your child. Here are a few ways to prepare:

Create a Visual Travel Schedule

Just as we use visual calendars for preparing children for holiday gatherings, a visual travel schedule can provide a sense of predictability for the journey. Include images representing each stage of the trip, from packing bags to boarding a plane or driving in the car, and finally arriving at your destination.

How to Create One:

• Use visual symbols or pictures to illustrate each part of the travel process (e.g., a car for driving, an airplane for flying, a house for arrival).

• Review the schedule with your child frequently in the days leading up to the trip, explaining each step to help them know what to expect.

• Consider adding approximate timeframes for each activity to help your child anticipate the length of the journey.

Discuss New Scenarios

Traveling often involves new experiences—meeting unfamiliar relatives, staying in a hotel, or exploring new places. Preparing your child for these scenarios can make them feel less intimidating. Use social stories to explain what might happen during the trip, such as waiting in airport security lines, interacting with hotel staff, or taking breaks at rest stops. By providing context, you can ease their anxiety and help them feel more in control.

Packing Essentials for a Sensory-Friendly Travel Kit

A sensory-friendly travel kit is a game-changer when it comes to managing sensory overload during trips. By including items that cater to your child's sensory needs, you can create a portable toolkit that helps them stay calm and comfortable throughout the journey. Here’s what we recommend:

• Noise-Canceling Headphones

  • Airports, train stations, and rest stops can be noisy and chaotic. Noise-canceling headphones can help block out these overwhelming sounds, creating a bubble of calm for your child. Allow them to listen to their favorite soothing music or sounds, which can provide a comforting distraction from the hustle and bustle.

• Fidget Toys and Comfort Items

  • Fidget toys are great for keeping hands busy and providing tactile input, which can be calming for children with sensory needs. Consider packing small, portable options like stress balls, spinners, or textured bracelets. Additionally, bring along a comfort item, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, to provide a sense of security.

• Snacks and Water

  • Familiar snacks can be a source of comfort and an important tool for managing sensory sensitivities around food. Pack a variety of snacks your child enjoys, along with a refillable water bottle to keep them hydrated. This can also serve as a quick mood booster during stressful moments.

• Weighted Items

  • A small weighted lap pad or stuffed animal can provide deep pressure input, which is often calming for neurodivergent children. Use these items during car rides, flights, or when waiting in lines to help your child feel more grounded.

By including these tools in your sensory-friendly travel kit, you’re not only addressing your child’s immediate sensory needs but also providing them with a sense of control over their environment. This aligns with our vision at vips of creating supportive, accessible spaces for neurodivergent families both at home and on the go.

Managing Sensory Overload During Travel

Sensory overload can happen at any point during the journey, whether it’s due to bright lights, crowds, or unexpected changes in routine. Having strategies in place to address sensory overload when it occurs can make a significant difference in your child’s comfort.

• Plan for Regular Breaks

  • Planning regular breaks during your journey can provide your child with much-needed downtime. If you’re traveling by car, identify quiet rest areas or parks along your route where your child can stretch their legs and have a sensory break. For air travel, look for airports that offer sensory-friendly rooms or quiet areas where you can retreat if things become overwhelming.

• Identify Quiet Zones

  • If you’re visiting places like airports, museums, or holiday attractions, research in advance to find designated quiet zones or sensory-friendly spaces. Knowing where these areas are located can be helpful if your child needs a moment to regroup. Similarly, if you’re visiting family, discuss with your host in advance about setting up a quiet room in their home.

• Create a ‘Safe Space’ During Travel

  • Help your child create a "safe space" within the travel environment. For example, designate a corner of the car, plane seat, or hotel room as their personal area, filled with familiar items like blankets, toys, or a tablet with favorite movies. This "safe space" can provide a sense of security and routine amid unfamiliar surroundings.

Planning Flexibility into Your Itinerary

Travel plans rarely go perfectly, so it’s essential to build flexibility into your itinerary. Having a backup plan can alleviate stress if things don’t go as expected, ensuring that you and your child can adapt more easily to changes.

• Keep Your Schedule Loose

  • Leave extra time between activities to allow for rest breaks, unexpected delays, or last-minute changes. Rushing from one place to another can increase anxiety for neurodivergent children, so building in some breathing room can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

• Set Realistic Expectations

  • Discuss with your family what a "successful" travel day looks like. It might mean visiting one holiday market instead of three or skipping a crowded event if it becomes too overwhelming. Setting realistic expectations ensures that you’re prioritizing your child’s comfort and well-being over a packed schedule.

Incorporating Familiar Routines

One of the best ways to reduce travel-related stress is to incorporate elements of your child's regular routine into the trip. Bringing along favorite bedtime stories, following familiar morning rituals, or eating favorite meals can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy in a new environment.

• Morning and Evening Routines

  • If possible, keep morning and evening routines consistent with what your child is used to at home. This might include quiet playtime in the morning, listening to a favorite story before bed, or using specific sensory tools to wind down for sleep.

• Incorporate Familiar Activities

  • If your child has a favorite calming activity, like drawing, listening to music, or playing with sensory bins, make time for it during the trip. Incorporating these familiar activities can provide a much-needed break from the stimulation of travel and holiday events.

Ending the Journey with a Calm Return Home

Returning home can be an important part of the travel experience, especially for neurodivergent children. Create a calming routine for re-entering the home environment, whether it’s taking a warm bath, using a weighted blanket, or simply enjoying some quiet time with their favorite toys. This helps signal that the journey is over and it's time to return to their familiar, safe space.

Bringing Our Mission On the Road

Holiday travel can be challenging, but with thoughtful planning, sensory-friendly tools, and an adaptable mindset, it can also be a time of joy and family bonding.

At vips, we believe in creating inclusive environments that support the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals, whether that’s within our future play spaces or out in the world during your family’s adventures.

If you found this guide helpful, consider joining our mission to make play and community spaces accessible to everyone. Visit our resource center to learn more, donate, or become a volunteer.