Travel Tips & Tricks
Whether it is your 1st or 100th family adventure, here are some tips and tricks to help make travel easier. Picking a destination, packing or navigating the airport, we hope these tips and tricks get you going!
Avoid the Worst Travel Experiences by Curbing Your Overprotective Tendencies We tend to think that the worst travel experiences occur because of things beyond our control. Maybe your flight gets delayed. Or no arrangements have been made for that wheelchair that the flight staff were supposed to bring for your special needs child. Maybe you’re going on a tour with a number of other people and the noise levels are just deafening for your autistic child. These things can happen when you’re traveling. However, sometimes, the worst travel experiences occur when parents are overprotective. What do you do in these situations? Separating. Sometimes, getting along on a family vacation can be as simple as giving people the privacy that they need. When you travel with a special needs child, you might assume that you need to keep them in your sights at all times. However, this can only be frustrating for your child who might prefer to have a separate room and bathroom. If your living situation at home works for you, then try to recreate it when you’re on vacation.
Giving Space. Sometimes, children with special needs might get irritated if their parents are hovering over them at all times. You probably only mean to be protective but protection is not what your child needs at present. If you’re going with a group, then give your child the chance to interact with other people. You can keep an eye on him/her from afar but try not to be intrusive. Being Adventurous. The whole idea behind going on vacation is having an adventure. So if you’re constantly concerned about whether your child will be adversely affected by the places you go to see, then this defeats the purpose and can be frustrating for your child. Of course, you need to be practical. If your child is in a wheelchair, you need to make sure you go to wheelchair accessible places. But if your child has ADHD, you don’t need to be constantly concerned about whether s/he is going to get overstimulated. As long as your child is taking medication and seems to be having a good time, it’s ok to be a little adventurous. Avoiding Micromanagement. Some parents are always checking up on their kids, something which has become much easier with the advent of cell phones. You don’t even have to call your child; you can just text. However, texting your child every half an hour will prevent them from getting engrossed in what they’re doing. So try not to do it unless it’s really necessary. Contact us for more great tips to help your special needs child have a good time on vacation.
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Special needs travel for any reason takes organization. Vacations, which usually last several days, can be daunting. Children with special needs may not experience a destination or an activity the way other family members do, but that does not mean they do not enjoy it. One child, who is delayed, does not speak and is not mobile, smiles broadly when he is taken fishing. Why? He loves the feeling of dragging his hand through the cool water. His parents plan at least one water-based activity for the family when they travel. Planning is the key, and it starts with the trip itself. If you are traveling by plane, you should inform the airline of any needs you have, including spatial requirements. Travel by auto should be along routes with frequent rest stops. Destination is important too. Kids who have autism probably need more active and structured vacations. Destinations with kids' programs are good; those that accommodate special needs with directed activities are great. Parents of special needs children can't be reluctant to call ahead and make their needs, including dietary restrictions, understood. Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, most public places have ramps and wheelchair accessible restrooms, elevators and guestrooms. Talking to other parents of special needs children may help you find a destination that goes beyond that minimal accommodation and really provides a great experience for "special families." Traveling with a special-needs child for the first time can be daunting. Be assured, though, that for thousands of families like yours it is a time they would not trade for the world. For tips on how to open up that world for your child and your family, contact us. We can help from the planning to helping you make the arrangements, and our online support will give you the confidence to make this vacation your best yet. Special Needs Travel Can Open Up New Worlds to the Family
Traveling and vacationing for families of special needs children takes a lot of time, organization and just plain work to achieve a getaway that the whole family can enjoy. Still, these families do it all the time. Vacations cannot be planned only for the child with special needs, but if he is not accommodated, there is no vacation. Saving Valuable Money on your Family Travels
Family Travel can be expensive. Between the accommodations, the food and the transportation, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars before you know what hit you. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. With these 4 ways to save money on your next family vacation, you'll return from your trip not stressed about a lack of money, but relaxed and calm. 3 Craft Ideas for Kids on Beach Vacations
When you come back from your beach vacations, you’re probably going to bring a ton of mementoes. One thing that you may not have thought of bringing, however, is the sand. After all, what are you going to do with sand? It’s not like you’re going to turn your home into a beach. And there are cleanliness issues to think about too. If you have sand in your home, aren’t your kids going to start playing with it and make a mess? All these objections notwithstanding, you can make some wonderful arts and crafts with sand and bring them home with you. These are projects you and your kids will both enjoy. Making Family Travel to Visit Relatives Enjoyable for Everyone!
It is easy to make sure all family members are happy when you are taking a trip to a fun destination like Disney World or going on a cruise. However, people often find it more difficult to keep all family members happy when the vacation is to visit distant relatives. Often relatives don't live near fun family attractions. Here are three tips for making family travel to visit relatives enjoyable for everyone. Family Travel: 5 Things to Remember to Do
If you are planning your first family vacation you have probably remembered that you need to book your trip and pack your bags. However, here is a list of five things you should remember to do before you leave for your family travel fun. Creating Family Memories through Weekend Travel
Now that the school year has begun your family may be missing out on some of the bonding over adventures you shared over the summer. All kids but particularly ones with any type of special needs require structure. While you don’t want to disrupt the routine of your child’s education, family vacations need not be a thing of the past. Many communities hold festivals, bazaars, farmers markets that your family can visit and enjoy, not to mention museums and state parks. Courage in Traveling: Packing
Traveling with your family can feel overwhelming. It requires planning and preparation which may be difficult to fit into your already busy life. However, traveling as a family is an important way to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. Consider the following packing tips that will help give you courage in traveling as a family. You can do it! |
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February 2015
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