Summer is the season for travel, which can lead to excitement and overwhelm, especially when children are involved. When planning to take a trip with your child, it can be helpful to begin by discussing the logistics of the trip. Where are you going? How will you get there? Who is going? A social story can be a great way to help them prepare for the trip! Include pictures of where you will stay, what you will do, daily events, and transportation- how are you getting around.
If traveling by car, planning stops at parks and fun places along the way can help kids stretch their legs and get energy out for the next leg of the car ride. Having novel games and toys for the car ride can help keep your child engaged.
If going on an airplane, help prepare your child by practicing important travel steps. This can involve rehearsing what to do at security, like taking off items for the conveyor belt and waiting in line for the metal detector. You can even practice a mock pat-down. Showing them videos of people getting on a plane, whether by walking through a tunnel or across the tarmac, can also make the boarding process feel more familiar. Play out the scenarios with your children to alleviate anxiety. It is also helpful to think about medications and special equipment in advance. Will your child have a wheel chair or walker that will need to be stored during the flight? Will you need extra documentation for any medications? This might be necessary if you will need medications refilled ahead of schedule so you have adequate supply while you travel and/or for going through airport security or customs.
Practice using headphones with technology before the trip. If kids have screens, they will likely need to use headphones with their devices on a plane. If this is a novel concept, practice this before the trip. Start small and work up to wearing the headphones for longer durations each day. Consider bringing noise canceling headphones if your child is sensitive to auditory input. Bring favorite or special snacks for travel days. Chewy foods (bagels, beef jerky, fruit leather, etc.) are excellent oral motor heavy work options that assist with regulation. Consider using these for travel days!
Once at your destination, it can be helpful to have favorite food staples or have plans to get them when you arrive. Eating in new places can be challenging and anxiety-provoking. Sometimes children can only tolerate “safe”, familiar foods in new environments, so having a plan to bring or acquire these is important.
Help your child know what to expect each day. Creating a visual schedule for the day can alleviate anxiety about day-to-day functions. For example: Get dressed, swim, lunch, rest, park, dinner, mini golf, bed. This can be simple and still provide an idea of how the day will look. It is helpful to build downtime into each day to help your child physically and socially recover from being somewhere new. If your child benefits from a sensory diet or any other regulating activities, participate in these while you are away to support regulation throughout the trip. If your child uses AAC, program some phrases into the device that will be helpful for them to have for the place you are visiting. If your child uses adaptive equipment, will the place you are staying be able to provide or have access to what you need? It may be a good idea to call ahead and check on the availability of things like ramps or shower chairs.
Travel can bring lots of change, which can be challenging, but it can also mean opportunities to build confidence and flexibility (in both your child and yourself!). Be patient with your child and extra kind to yourself! Acknowledge successes and do your best to roll with the trickier moments! You’ve got this!
Activity Ideas for Any Mode of Travel:
- Crayons
- Paper
- Coloring books
- Tablet
- Favorite stuffie/Lovie/Blanket MagnaDoodle
- ColorWonder
- MagnaDoodle
- Aquadoodle
- Water wow books
- Re-usable sticker books
- Window Stickies
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice nor does it establish a therapist-patient relationship. The content provided should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or care.