Travelling with Kids with Autism & Anxiety

Hi there – I’m Shari a travel agent and, more importantly, a mum to 3 beautiful children, a son and two daughters, one of which has autism and anxiety.

I know first-hand how overwhelming the idea of travel can be when your child thrives on routine, familiarity, and calm. Airports, hotel check-ins, unexpected delays, sensory overload … it can feel like a lot. I’ve been there. But I’m here to tell you that travel is possible – and even enjoyable – with the right planning, support, and mindset. Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? YES. 

As both a mum and a travel professional, I’ve made it my mission to help other families like mine see the world in a way that works for them.

Understanding Their World Before Exploring the World

Every child on the autism spectrum is unique, and anxiety shows up differently for each of them. For my daughter, transitions are tough. Loud noises? Even tougher. She needs time to prepare, space to decompress, and a sense of control.

That’s why planning travel through a sensory-aware and child-centred lens is so important.

Some of the things I do for my own family, and now for my clients, include:

• Creating visual schedules so each day feels predictable
• Building in rest days with no pressure to explore
• Choosing accommodations with separate sleeping spaces
• Arranging airport assistance, early boarding and making sure she receives her children’s meal onboard the flight. 

These aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities when you’re travelling with a child who experiences the world differently.

Our Travel Journey

We’ve been travelling with our daughter since she was just four months old, well before she showed any traits of autism. In many ways, that early exposure helped her feel somewhat familiar with the idea of travelling.

However, as she’s grown older, her anxiety and sensory sensitivities have become more apparent. Airport noise, take-offs, and landings are now major triggers. So, we prepare carefully:

• Noise-cancelling headphones go on before we even walk into the terminal
• She has lollies to chew during take-off and landing
• The iPad is loaded and ready to go before we’re off the ground

These little adjustments make a big difference, and that’s exactly what I help other families do, too.

Finding the Right Destinations (That Truly Understand)

Over the years, I’ve discovered that some travel providers genuinely understand the needs of neurodivergent families because they’ve made a conscious effort to be inclusive.

Here are a few I often recommend (and book) for families like ours:

• Beaches Resorts – Their staff are IBCCES-certified and trained to support children on the spectrum
• Disney Parks – Offers the Disability Access Service (DAS), allowing you to skip long queues
• Royal Caribbean Cruises – Provides sensory-friendly programming and autism-friendly dining options

The key is working with someone who knows what questions to ask, what red flags to look for, and how to build a trip that truly fits your child’s needs. That’s where I come in – not just as an agent – but as a mum who genuinely gets it.

What I Offer as Your Travel Agent (and Fellow Parent)

When I work with families of children with autism and anxiety, I approach it differently because I know how much is riding on it.

Here’s how I help:

✔️ Customised itineraries tailored to your child’s emotional and sensory needs
✔️ Airport and airline support (including pre-boarding and quiet spaces)
✔️ Accommodation matching for comfort, quiet, and routine
✔️ Backup plans – because flexibility is key
✔️ Parental support – because your wellbeing matters, too

I take care of the details, so you don’t have to carry the full mental load.

It’s Not About the Perfect Trip, It’s About the Right One

If you’ve been avoiding travel out of fear, uncertainty, or exhaustion, I want you to know this: 

✨ It’s okay to go slow

✨ It’s okay to do things differently

✨ It’s okay to need help. Travel can still be magical, even when it looks different for our families. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a big overseas adventure or just a gentle weekend away, I’m here to help you make it happen! Calmly, confidently, and with heart.

Let’s chat – no pressure, just support. I’m here when you’re ready.