Summer Travel Tips for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum
Written by Behavior Frontiers as Part of Their Bright Futures Series
Summer is a season full of potential — for play, for exploration, and for creating lifelong memories. For families with children on the autism spectrum, travel is entirely possible with a little extra planning and thoughtful accommodations tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Whether you're preparing for a beach vacation, a road trip to visit family, or a flight across the country, these summer travel tips are designed to help you enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable journey — one that supports your child’s comfort and sets everyone up for success.
1. Plan Ahead with Predictability in Mind
Most children with autism thrive on routine and knowing what to expect. Travel naturally brings changes to daily structure, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. With a few planning tools, you can introduce the trip ahead of time and reduce surprises.
Start by talking about the destination in simple, familiar terms. Look up pictures of where you’re going — the hotel, the airplane, the pool — and go over them together to help your child build familiarity. In the days leading up to your departure, you can create a travel countdown calendar to build excitement and provide a sense of time (“3 more sleeps until we go!”). Once the trip begins, use a visual schedule to show the structure of each day — from meals and travel segments to rest and play — so your child knows what to expect throughout the day.
Here are some helpful visuals and tools to try:
Printed photos or flashcards of travel steps (airport check-in, hotel room, car ride, beach, etc.)
Simple visual schedules using apps like Choiceworks or First Then Visual Schedule
A custom “My Trip Book” where your child can help paste in pictures of what they’ll see and do
Timers or visual clocks (like the Time Timer or a sand timer) to represent transitions — for example, “5 more minutes until we leave for the pool” or “When the sand runs out, it’s time to pack up.”
Giving your child opportunities to participate in planning — like choosing what to pack, what song to listen to in the car, or what sunglasses to wear — can also help increase their sense of control and ease with upcoming changes.
2. Choose Destinations with Autism-Friendly Activities When Possible
Thanks to increased awareness and inclusivity, more travel destinations are catering to the needs of families with children on the autism spectrum. Whether it’s sensory-friendly hours, quiet rooms, or trained staff, these features can make a big difference in how your child experiences a new environment.
Popular options include:
Theme parks that offer sensory times and guides, quiet zones, and staff trained in autism awareness (like Legoland)
Movie theaters like AMC and Regal that host sensory-friendly screenings with adjusted lighting and sound
Nature-based activities like walking trails, calm beaches, and open green spaces that offer lower-stimulation environments
Always check ahead with any venue to confirm if they offer sensory accommodations or modified experiences that may benefit your child. Many national parks and attractions now list sensory considerations directly on their websites.
3. Pack with Comfort and Sensory Needs in Mind
Packing thoughtfully can help your child feel secure, comfortable, and regulated while traveling. Familiar objects and sensory tools can go a long way in helping your child adjust to new environments.
Consider including:
Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for loud settings like airports or restaurants
A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow for comfort and familiarity
Fidget toys, chewable necklaces, sensory putty, or pop-its
Preferred snacks and drinks, especially if your child has food preferences
A tablet loaded with favorite shows, music, or games — plus chargers or power banks
Extra clothes in case of spills, sensitivities, or changes in weather
Compression vests or weighted lap pads for calming input
Sunglasses or hats for light sensitivity
Scented stickers or calming essential oil rollers, if your child enjoys scents
Pack these essentials in a clearly labeled sensory kit or go-bag so everything’s easily accessible when your child needs it most.
4. Choose Accommodations That Support Your Routine
Where you stay can impact how smoothly your trip goes. Think about the routines that matter most to your child — like mealtimes, sleep, or quiet play — and choose lodging that supports those patterns.
Helpful features to look for:
Suites or rentals with a kitchen to maintain familiar mealtime routine
Ground-floor rooms or rooms away from elevators and pools to minimize noise
Blackout curtains or white noise machines to help with sleep
Flexible check-in/check-out options to ease transitions
Calling ahead to ask about accommodations is a great idea — many hotels are happy to help with early check-in, fridge access for medication or food, or selecting a quiet room when available.
5. Make Air Travel Easier
Flying with a child on the autism spectrum can be smooth and successful with the right strategies. For first-time flyers especially, the airport and airplane may be filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and routines — but thoughtful preparation makes all the difference.
Here are some helpful tips:
Use visual guides to walk through the steps: check-in, security, boarding, takeoff, etc.
Watch walkthrough videos of airports and airplane cabins beforehand.
Create a first then visual showing steps: “First we go to the airport… Then we check our bags…”
Enroll in TSA Cares for a designated assistant to help you through security.
Schedule early morning or mid-week flights to avoid large crowds.
Request early boarding so your child has time to settle into the space.
Pack a calming sensory kit with items like noise-canceling headphones, a weighted lap pad or small travel pillow, fidget toys or sensory chews, snacks, familiar utensils, water, and a tablet with your child’s favorite shows/games downloaded ahead of time. You can also include a visual flight schedule (e.g., "first snack, then video, then landing")
Visit your local airport during off-peak hours to practice if allowed. Some airports offer special programs where families can walk through the travel experience — from checking bags to going through security, boarding, and even sitting on a parked plane. This type of hands-on practice can make the real travel day feel more familiar and less overwhelming.
Lastly, give your child choices when possible — what to watch, which toy to hold — to help them feel more in control. And if your child benefits from movement, consider practicing sitting still for short periods at home before the trip to help them build comfort.
6. Stick to Core Routines — Even on the Go
While every day of your trip won’t look exactly like home, keeping core routines intact can provide a sense of stability. Consider keeping wake-up, mealtime, and bedtime routines consistent — even if the timing shifts slightly.
Build in quiet time after outings so your child can reset. Bring a small visual schedule or routine chart to use in your hotel room to remind them what’s next and what’s familiar.
Other helpful strategies:
Bring your child’s usual bedtime blanket, pajamas, or white noise machine
Use timers or visuals to prepare for transitions during the day
Set realistic expectations — keep outings short if needed and build in breaks
7. Support Success at Restaurants and Attractions
Trying new foods or visiting unfamiliar places can be fun, but sometimes unpredictable. With a little planning, eating out and visiting attractions can be an opportunity for fun, learning, and growth.
Tips to try:
Look up menus in advance and let your child choose what they want beforehand
Bring comfort items like familiar utensils, straws, or plates (especially for kids sensitive to textures or temperature)
Request quieter seating when making a reservation
Have a small sensory toy or visual timer on the table to help your child wait
Call attractions in advance to see if they have accommodations like sensory maps, quiet rooms, fast passes, or early entry options
Let your child know ahead of time how long you plan to stay and what to expect (e.g., “We’ll ride two rides, then head back for lunch.”) —this helps set expectations and reduce anxiety.
8. Embrace Flexibility and Celebrate the Wins
No two travel days are alike — and that’s okay. Embracing flexibility can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. If plans change or your child needs a break, be ready to pivot.
Keep a few calm activity options in your back pocket:
A quiet park, a low-key museum, or simple fun games to play at the hotel or lodging
Screen-free options like coloring, kinetic sand, or calming music
Headphones and tablet time to reset before your next activity
Celebrate the small wins — whether it’s a successful restaurant visit, a new food tried, or a moment of pure joy by the water. These are the moments that shape their memories.
Your Summer, Your Way
Traveling with a child on the autism spectrum can be joyful, meaningful, and incredibly rewarding. With a proactive approach, supportive tools, and plenty of flexibility, summer trips can become treasured traditions filled with growth, connection, and fun.
By choosing destinations that embrace inclusion, maintaining a sense of routine, and preparing your child for new experiences, you’re creating space for wonderful memories — one mile at a time.
If your family is looking for support beyond the season, Behavior Frontiers’ individualized ABA therapy can help your child build skills that carry over into everyday life — at home, in the community, and even while traveling.
If you or someone you know is interested in quality autism care for their child, contact us by calling 1-888-922-2843 or by filling out the form below.