Thanks to the progression of the technology these days, more and more travelers with Autism enjoy the marvelous experiences gained from exploration, creating valuable memories that will continually inspire them for the rest of their lives.
But let’s be honest. Some people with an Autistic family member veer away from traveling, especially to travel destinations overseas. How come? Well, given their individual reasons, one of them may be caused by the fear of the unknown- the anxieties related to the problems that may arise during their trip, the stress coming from all the hassles, and the nerve-wracking events that could happen during the most anticipated holiday. This apprehension is understandable, especially if your knowledge and confidence in handling a vacation with a companion with special needs are limited. The said fear may paralyze you, causing you to procrastinate in planning a vacation that your family ultimately deserves. But times have indeed changed, and more tour operators and travel companies have put the needs of these special travelers in mind, as well as giving their families a chance to have a whole lot of good time.
Below are some tips which you can refer to in planning for a fantastic holiday, for your loved one with Autism.
1. Plan ahead.
With each and every holiday, planning ahead is a must. Whether you’re spending an exciting holiday locally or overseas in the company of a family member with Autism, your scheme must have a course of action. This enables you to foresee the possibilities during your journey. Consider his interests. Does he love the ocean or he’s much more drawn towards a nature-trip, like that of trekking? Does he get excited when topics about his favourite cartoon characters are discussed? Does he love artworks or he prefers sports? Also, his special requirements should be taken into account. Not all children with Autism are the same, so an individualized list may come in handy.
2. Booking the trip.
Most of our anxieties are only psychological, and though some of them happen in reality- oftentimes they’re manageable. If you’re prepared for your loved one’s “Holiday of the Year” but cannot decide on which itinerary to book, a tour operator that specializes in travelers with disabilities may be of great help. They have the skills and knowledge, as well as the aids that will make your arranged trip a successful one. Having a pleasurable and adventurous trip is gratifying, and all you have to do is gain optimism towards a vacation that will rouse your loved one to reach his fullest potential.
3. Capture those unforgettable moments!
Memories continually inspire us, and so does our loved ones with Autism! Snapshots taken while touching a friendly dolphin. The spectacular underwater photos. Wacky selfies with Sleeping Beauty’s castle as the backdrop. The laughs. Those joyful eyes. All of which are priceless. They won’t get tired telling their holiday stories over and over again, and it’s guaranteed that you won’t get enough of their sparkling gazes while narrating their experiences either! The memories strengthen the bond within your family, intensifying his passion and conviction towards achieving more in life.
4. Create a journal.
A picture is worth a thousand words, yet if you can put them in writing, why not? The unique experiences which you and your family have shared can be written in a detailed manner and come the time that you tend to forget the details of your tour, the bits and pieces of your most cherished escapade were all safe. This journal will also help you in planning for your next trip- avoiding the unpleasant things and giving the activities that has greatly entertained you and your family a repeat.
You may feel like your next holiday is just one of those trips where you just discover and indulge. A typical bonding moment. A time where you relax and recharge. But to your loved one who has Autism, it may mean the world to him. It could be an experience that will drive him in realizing his strengths to fulfill his dreams; a part of his life which he’ll treasure forever. Remember that most kids with Autism are creative and gifted, and that this travel experience will surely give him the confidence brought about by the love and support from the people around him.
It’s true, having an arranged trip is not your regular planning. It’s creating a personalized itinerary while carefully incorporating the special requirements of your family member. That’s why it’s special! Yet having a trusted tour operator create an arranged trip for you and your loved ones will surely eliminate all the travel troubles and holiday difficulties that have disturbed you before. But ClubMates Travel got your back. Book now for an Australian Tour or an International Holiday!
