Tips For Holiday Travel With Special Needs Children

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year when you get to relax and celebrate with your loved ones. However, when you have to travel for the holidays, it can add complications and stress to your trip. Things can be even more difficult if you have a child with special needs, due to increased planning and, sometimes, traveling with lots of specialized equipment.

However, traveling with children with special needs is possible, and these children deserve to travel and enjoy the holidays just as much as everyone else. That’s why we’ve written this article to help you prepare for your holiday travel by detailing some tips for families of children with special needs.

General Special Needs Travel Tips for the Holidays

A lot of your travel planning will depend on what type of transportation you’ll be taking—whether it’s a car, a plane, or another option. Each mode of transportation will have its own specific requirements and obstacles, but first, let’s focus on general travel tips that will apply no matter where you’re going or how you get there.

1. Talk to Your Child’s Doctor - One of the first things to do when planning a holiday trip with a special needs child is to talk to their doctor. Make sure that it is safe for your child to travel and that they have any medication they may need. 

 

1. Plan Ahead - The next thing you should do is to come up with a detailed plan as early as possible. This plan should include all of the different parts of your trip—including where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, etc.—what your child will need during each of these steps, how accessible everything will be for your child, and backup plans in case something goes wrong.

 

1. Make Sure Your Accommodations Are Prepared - After you’ve finished planning and it’s almost time to embark on your holiday trip, make sure that your accommodations are ready for your child with special needs. Whether you are staying with family, at a hotel, or somewhere else, it’s essential to reach out to make sure the space will be prepared for your child and their needs when you arrive.

 

1. Pack the Essentials - Packing for a holiday trip can sometimes be a pain, but it’s even more crucial for families with a special needs child. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to pack and make a checklist so you don’t forget any of your child’s essential items—like medication, clothing, toys and games, and any special equipment they need.

 

1. Avoid Sensory Overload - Traveling can present many different situations, sights, and sounds that your child might not be familiar with. These can lead to sensory overload and cause your child to become distressed or lash out. Make sure you have the necessary tools to keep your child comfortable during the trip, such as headphones or earplugs to block out sounds, sunglasses to protect them from bright lights, their favorite blanket or pillow to soothe them, and any other items that you think would be helpful in your specific situation.

 

1. Keep Your Child Entertained - Perhaps one of the most important tips for traveling with your child is to keep them entertained. This will be instrumental in making sure they are comfortable, don’t suffer from sensory overload, and your trip goes as smoothly as possible. As mentioned earlier, make sure to bring their favorite toys or games, as well as other forms of entertainment like books, tablets, and music.

Tips for Traveling By Car

While traveling by car often takes longer, it can be the best option when traveling with a child with special needs. One of the main benefits of driving is that you are in control of your situation and you don’t have to worry about other people like you would on a plane. Here are some tips for holiday road trips with a special needs child:

1. Make Sure Your Car Is Safe and Ready for Your Child - When you are traveling for the holidays by car, one of the most important things to do is make sure that your car is safe and ready for your child. This includes making sure that any necessary car seats, harnesses, vests, or restraints are properly installed. You should also be sure the child locks are employed on the doors and windows, and that any special equipment is safely packed away where it won’t get loose. 

 

1. Plan for Plenty of Stops - Driving to your holiday destination provides you with the opportunity to stop whenever you want to. This can be fun to see different attractions along the way, and it also lets you give your child a break from traveling. You should plan to make plenty of stops on your trip so your child doesn’t feel stuck in the car, they can use the restroom, get some fresh air, and see some new sights.

Tips for Traveling By Plane

Depending on where you are traveling to, taking a flight may be the only way to get there or perhaps it is the most feasible option. While flying is normally the fastest way to travel, it presents its own unique obstacles when traveling with a child with special needs. Here are some tips to make your trip go smoothly:

1. Book Your Tickets Accordingly - When flying for the holidays, you should book your plane tickets according to your child’s needs. If you can, book extra seats so you can have the whole row to yourself. That may not be feasible, so try to choose your flights and seats based on what will work best for your child.

 

1. Prepare Your Child for What to Expect - If your child is old enough, have a discussion with them about what to expect at the airport, even if they have flown before. This will help prepare them for all of the experiences they will come across at the airport and limit the chance of surprises that startle them.

 

1. Get a Note from Your Child’s Doctor - Another useful tip is to get a note from your child’s doctor explaining your child’s condition. This will be incredibly helpful when dealing with TSA and your airline since you’ll have immediate proof to show that your child has special needs and may require extra assistance.

 

1. Reach Out to TSA Cares Ahead of Time - TSA Cares is a helpline that provides additional assistance to those with disabilities and special needs at the airport. You should reach out to them 72 hours before your flight departs to let them know about your situation and ask any questions you may have about what to expect at the airport. You can call them at (855) 787-2227 or fill out this online form to request assistance.

 

1. Call Your Airline 24 Hours Before Your Flight - Another call you should make before you head to the airport is to your airline 24 hours before your flight takes off. This is normally the time you can check in for your flight and it’s also when you can request bulkhead seating, which is the first row of seats in Coach. This varies between airlines, but will give you some extra room for your flight and keep you close to the exit.

 

1. Ask for Help at the Airport - Finally, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help at the airport or on your flight. Whether it’s at the check-in counter, the information desk, with TSA, or with the flight attendants, everyone is generally very accommodating and helpful if your child has special needs. Having the note from your child’s doctor will also ensure that you get help quickly and everyone understands your child’s specific condition.

Traveling for the holidays can be a giant undertaking on its own, but doing so with a child with special needs may seem nearly impossible. However, if you keep the tips in this article in mind, you’ll be able to travel to meet your family and friends, while also making sure your child remains as comfortable as possible the entire time.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. The Center supports young adults with varying degrees of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, including those who may need assistance with ambulation and personal hygiene. 

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of children with special needs, consider applying to join our team as a Care Coach or even as the Executive Director. You can learn more about our Care Coach positions by visiting this link or applying directly online. For those interested in our Executive Director position, you can find more information about the position and application process here.

You can also find out how you can help us fulfill our mission and maintain a low enrollee-to-caretaker ratio by donating to our cause, exploring our events and campaigns, or contacting us to join as a community partner today!