Holidays — A Guide For Autistic Adults
8 min readJul 27, 2022
Planning a holiday as an adult can be exciting, but it can be a stressful experience, particularly if you are autistic.
In this, the third and final, article about preparing and managing the summer holidays, I will be detailing some extra things to consider if you are to have a less stressful holiday experience.
I will be presenting some of my personal tips that have helped me to prepare for my holidays as an autistic adult and offer suggestions as to where to get the support you may need on the journey and at your destination.
Choosing where to go
To assist you in deciding your holiday destination, it may be useful to speak with family and friends and ask for their recommendations, especially those that know you well, and have some understanding of how your autism affects you in respect of your individual strengths, interests and sensory needs. Alternatively, you may find what seems to be an ideal destination through an internet search or through social media.
Whatever methods you apply to help you to find your holiday destination and venue, it is important that you check this out thoroughly to be sure it is going to be right for you.
It is always advisable to find out about the facilities provided and whether the holiday venue provides any special facilities or would be amenable to making reasonable adjustments to accommodate autistic holiday makers or tourists, such as offering accommodation or rooms in quieter areas of the hotel or complex or options to reserve more secluded or calm tables or less busy mealtimes in the restaurants.
Making reasonable requests in advance
Always make requests for assistance with your holiday in advance, letting your holiday provider/s aware of any special requirements to assist you in enjoying your holiday experience and reduce your stress, anxiety and sensory overload.
More than one in one hundred adults are autistic, with the majority also having co-morbid conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, epilepsy , joint hypermobility amongst others. As well as being best practise to accommodate for the specific needs of autistic individuals, it is in the best economic interests for holiday companies and resorts to accommodate these needs. Collectively, we autistics have a huge amount of consumer influence!
Considerations may include:
• a need to stay in a quieter part of the hotel complex or sit in a certain seat or area of your transport
• any specific dietary requirements
• the need to wear ear defenders to block out noise
• any item of comfort you may need to take with you to reduce anxiety.
You may be able to complete a form or send an email detailing these needs. Either way, any concerns and adjustments need to be agreed in writing either at booking or in the weeks and months prior to departure and arrival. Any verbal communication must likewise be confirmed in writing , with a copy of this taken on holiday with you.
Practical considerations
Many tourist attractions will offer autistic customers a reduced entry fee, allow a carer free entrance, and/or arrange special access to facilities. You will need to show them some evidence of your autism diagnosis, for example a letter showing that you receive Personal Independence Payment or a letter from your GP.
It may also be useful to have a copy of any letter which states your diagnosis. So it would be beneficial to take some documents with you.
Passports
Check that your passport is in date. If you need to renew it, apply at least six months before your holiday is booked. More information on applying for a UK passport can be found at www.gov.uk/passports .
Whatever holiday you book, it is always advisable to buy travel insurance. This can offer protection for trip cancellations even if not holidaying abroad. When travelling abroad, travel insurance is essential, especially to cover missed transport or delayed departure, medical or other emergencies, lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money and protect you against any accidental damage to property or persons by you. Always make sure that your travel insurance meets your specific individual needs.
Whilst autism is not a medical illness, it falls under the banner of pre-existing medical conditions, and must be declared on your travel insurance forms. However, some travel insurance policies may exclude pre-existing conditions from cover. As autism is covered under disability discrimination legislation, it is illegal in the UK for insurers to refuse you cover. However, they may impose certain conditions on your policy and/or charge you more. If you are resident in the UK, I recommend AllClear Travel Insurance, as they specialise in insurance for pre-existing conditions and long-term disabilities. They can be found at www.allcleartravel.co.uk .
Language differences
If travelling abroad, always consider language differences.
You may want to think of some useful phrases that explain your situation and translate them before your holiday, writing them onto small cards so that you can take them with you. You could use: ‘Please show some understanding’, ‘I am autistic’, ‘Autism is a disability. Please be patient’. If travelling to a non-English speaking country, bringing a phrase book along may also be useful, as could apps like google translate.
While on holiday, you may also find it useful to carry an ‘I am autistic card’ that gives a brief explanation of autism (see below). The “Hidden Disabilities” card and lanyard may also enable you to travel or visit places without having to wear a mask or face covering in these COVID times, should you find this difficult due to sensory issues.
Getting help at the airport
Always discuss your check-in arrangements with the airline. They might be able to arrange an easier check-in time or have a quieter area of the airport where you can wait. You could also ask about boarding as they may let you board first or last.
Take anything that is going make your journey more comfortable such as headphones to listen to music, ear defenders, a tablet computer or other device, books and comforters such as pillows.
Many airports and airlines now have far more autism awareness and have produced procedures and guides:
• Manchester Airport can provide special assistance and give you a lanyard to wear as a discreet way of showing airport staff that you may need help.
• London Gatwick Airport offers an autism friendly visual guide. This airport is also an autism friendly award holder. It also pioneered the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Lanyard
• Edinburgh `Airport offers guidance on travelling with additional needs or hidden disabilities.
Tips for travelling by train or boat
Travelling by train or boat can be a less stressful experience for some autistic people. Again, there may be long journeys or delays and these can also be crowded places, especially stations and ports. Therefore, it is advisable to take items along for the journey to provide a distraction , relieve tension and boredom and reduce anxiety and sensory overload. These could be your favourite music, books, your tablet computer or other device or a comforter.
Many train stations and ferry ports offer additional assistance for autistic travellers. I would suggest that you email or phone the stations or port you are travelling from and to before your trip to explain that you are an autistic passenger and ask what support they offer.
National Rail also has information for disabled passengers.
At your destination
Visiting attractions
Plan ahead by contacting where you are visiting to ask what support is available for autistic people. Most tourist attractions are very happy to accommodate visitors with additional needs, some will publish special guides or even go out of their way to offer help and support.
Eating out
If eating out can be difficult, then think ahead and book a restaurant in advance. Many restaurants now have their menus online.
When booking, ask about seating, is there a quieter area of the restaurant that you can sit in? What is the lighting and décor like? Are there any other considerations for you, for example, sensory or diet?
Conclusion
Planning and going on holiday, whilst exciting, can be stressful occasions, especially if you are an autistic adult; more so if you are travelling alone. New faces, new places and a significant change of routine (and possibly climate or language differences) can all cause heightened anxiety. Even with meticulous planning, there are likely to be some unexpected stresses and hurdles along the way.
However, being autistic need not prevent you from having a wonderful holiday. The key is to choose, plan and prepare well. And always have a plan B.
Even with the best laid plans, unexpected last minute changes often occur on holiday, or whilst travelling. If you travel with the mindset that this might occur and have prepared for this possibility, even these changes , though stressful, can be overcome.
For many autistic adults, holidays offer the opportunity to pursue their special interests, and this desire may override much of the tension and stress.
I hope that these tips help you to turn your holiday dreams into reality and reduce some of the related stress and anxiety.
If you need further tips, advice or guidance, please leave a comment or contact me via my website https://wired4autism.co.uk.
Happy Holiday !
