Thriving Through the Summer (Part 5): Travel Tips for SEN Families

Travelling with children always comes with a few challenges, but when your child has Special Educational Needs (SEN), a holiday or even a day trip can feel like a mission to Mars. The sensory overload, unpredictability, and unfamiliar environments can be overwhelming for both your child and you.

But with the right planning and mindset, travel can become not only manageable, but enjoyable.

Here are some tried-and-true travel tips for SEN families, designed with you in mind:

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Children with SEN often find comfort in knowing what’s coming next. Whether you’re going to a local park or boarding a plane, preparation is key.

Try this:

• Use social stories or a short illustrated guide to explain what the day will look like.
• Show photos or videos of the destination.
• Walk through what will happen step-by-step, using simple and consistent language.
• Use visual schedules and “Now and Next” strategies – these can be simple line drawings on paper and / or on mini white boards.

2. Pack a “Comfort Kit”

A travel toolkit can make all the difference. Fill a small bag or backpack with items that help your child feel safe and regulated. Consider your child’s sensory needs and what tools have helped in the past. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Auditory (Noise): Noise-canceling headphones / ear defenders, soft earbuds with calming music or white noise, small speaker with nature sounds, sound machine app with familiar audio clips.
• Tactile (Touch): Fidget toys (pop-its, squishy balls), soft or weighted blanket/lap pad, a small container of putty, kinetic sand, or slime (if tolerated), preferred fabric item (e.g., soft scarf, microfiber cloth).
• Proprioceptive (Body Awareness): Resistance bands (for safe movement breaks), chewy necklace or bracelet (oral sensory input can help regulate), stress ball or hand gripper, weighted wristbands or vest.
• Vestibular (Movement): Rocking toy or wobble cushion (for longer stops or car seats), photo/visual card to request movement break, skipping rope (for regulated movement during transitions).
• Olfactory (Smell): Scented lotion or essential oil roller (lavender, peppermint, citrus – depending on child’s preference), familiar-smelling item from home (blanket, soft toy, shirt), scent-neutralizing wipes (for children sensitive to unfamiliar smells).
• Oral (Chewing or Sucking Needs): Chewable necklace or chew tube, sugar-free lollipops or gum, flavored water bottle with straw (sucking is calming for many), crunchy snacks (e.g., pretzels, carrots) or chewy snacks (fruit winders, granola bars).
• Visual schedule or “first/then” cards.
• A photo book with calming or happy images.
• A communication card set or AAC device with critical communication, to act as a back up system if your child becomes too overwhelmed to use their preferred mode of communication.
• Timer or watch with alarms for predictability for when an activity will happen or for how long it will take.
• Laminated calm-down strategy chart.
• Emergency contact and medical information card

Pro Tip: Involve your child in deciding what items help them to feel calm.

3. Practice Makes Progress

If your child isn’t used to certain forms of travel (e.g., trains, buses, planes), try building up to the experience in small steps.

Ideas:

• Watch videos of the transportation method
• Visit an airport, train station, or bus stop in advance
• Take shorter “test” trips to build confidence where possible
• Role-play scenarios at home using toys or dress-up – make it fun!

4. Research Your Destination

Choose holiday resorts / venues that understand or cater to neurodivergent visitors. Many places now offer autism-friendly hours, quiet zones, or special accommodations if you ask in advance.

Before you go, check:

• Is there accessible parking or drop-off?
• Are there quiet rooms or calm spaces available?
• Can you pre-book to avoid queues?
• Are staff trained in SEN awareness?
  

Don’t be afraid to call ahead and ask questions—they may even thank you for helping them prepare.

5. Plan for Flexibility (and Exit Strategies)

Even the best-laid plans can unravel. Build in time for breaks and don’t overschedule.

Prepare a Plan B:
If your child becomes overwhelmed, have an agreed signal, phrase or printed symbol they can use to let you know they need a break—or to go home.

Accept that it’s okay to leave early.
This isn’t failure—it’s responsive parenting!

6. Let Others Know What Helps

Whether you’re staying with extended family or interacting with staff, a quick, respectful conversation can go a long way.

Example:

“Just so you know, my son is sensitive to loud noise and might need a break partway through. We’ll step outside if needed.”

You can also share your child’s Summer Profile ahead of time to avoid repeating information in a rushed or stressful moment.

7. Focus on the Wins—Not Perfection

Even a five-minute visit to a café, a quiet walk through a park, or a successful ride on the bus can be a huge achievement.

Celebrate the small victories and try not to compare your experience to what you see on social media. Your family’s version of adventure is just as valuable and meaningful. Give yourself credit for every step taken.

We hope this helps. We’re excited to return with Part 6 soon, “summer safety”.