15 April 2025

Travelling with children is always an adventure. But when your child is neurodivergent — whether they’re autistic, have ADHD, sensory sensitivities, or other additional needs — travel becomes more than just logistics. It’s about creating a space where your child can feel safe, supported, and genuinely enjoy the experience. As a travel agent and a parent of a neurodivergent child myself, I completely understand the unique challenges — and the incredible rewards — that come with travelling as a neurodivergent family. Here’s what I’ve learned, and how I help families just like mine plan trips that actually work for them. Understanding Neurodivergent Needs in a Travel Context For many neurodivergent children, travel can bring sensory overload, disruption to routines, and unpredictable environments — things that can cause distress, anxiety, or shutdowns. That’s why I focus on: • Minimising transitions - fewer hotel changes, easier transfers • Reducing overwhelm - calm, low-stimulus destinations or quiet periods • Creating predictable routines - structured itineraries, visual schedules • Providing sensory-friendly options - quiet rooms, shaded pool areas, smaller restaurants The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme If you haven’t heard of it, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global programme that helps people with non-visible conditions signal that they may need a little extra time, patience, or support when travelling. Airports, train stations, and many airlines now recognise the Sunflower symbol — usually worn as a discreet lanyard — and staff are trained to offer assistance without judgment or pressure. I always recommend this to families travelling with autistic children or those with sensory processing challenges. I can even help you request assistance or source a lanyard if you’re based in the Middle East. Good to know: I’ve always found the staff at airports in particular very much aware of the programme and offer assistance wherever they can. Airports like Heathrow, Dubai International, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are increasingly supportive of the Sunflower Programme — with quiet spaces, fast-track security, and understanding staff. How I Help as a Travel Agent Who Gets It Because I live this every day with my own child, I bring more than just professional know-how — I bring lived experience. When you work with me, I’ll ask things like: • “Does your child respond better to routine or flexibility?” • “Would priority boarding help or stress your child out?” • “Do they struggle with loud noises, queues, or unfamiliar food?” And based on those answers, I’ll tailor every detail — from flight times to hotel layout — to suit your family’s real needs. What Makes a Difference: Little Things That Matter Here are some small-but-mighty details that can completely change a trip for a neurodivergent child: • Choosing quieter rooms or villas away from crowds • Booking fast-track airport services to reduce queue stress • Knowing which resorts offer flexible mealtimes or sensory play zones • Creating a slow-paced itinerary with rest built in • Recommending destinations with familiar food options or supermarkets nearby Great Destinations for Neurodivergent Families There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are some places I’ve found particularly supportive: • Dubai staycations or Oman – Short travel time, flexible luxury • Family-friendly Maldives resorts – Private space, barefoot freedom • Austria in summer – Quiet alpine towns, gentle activities, and nature walks • Singapore – Clean, structured, child-focused and welcoming • Seychelles – Quiet island life, calm beaches, and space to unwind • Finland or Sweden – Calm, spacious, and nature-filled • Turkey (Kalkan or Bodrum) – Private villas, gentle pace, and warm hospitality • Sri Lanka (South Coast) – Laid-back wildlife and beach combo with tailored experiences • Italian Lakes (e.g., Garda) – Scenic, uncrowded, and ideal for slow travel • Japan (carefully tailored) – Clean, structured, respectful — ideal with planning Why It’s Okay to Ask for Help Travel can be magical — but only when it’s built with your child in mind. I know how emotional it can be to plan a trip when you’re worried about meltdowns, judgement, or things just not going to plan. I also know how beautiful it is when it does go right — when your child is beaming with joy in the sea, or quietly absorbing a new place in their own way. So, whether this is your first trip or your fiftieth, I’m here to make sure it works for you.

02 November 2023

Vietnam has to be one of my favourite destinations. I’ve been 3 times and would love to take my family back soon. It’s a nation with a rich history and stunning natural beauty, offering so many different experiences for travellers. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene waters of Halong Bay, the historic charm of Hoi An to the culture and heritage of Hue, Vietnam is a destination that captivates the hearts of visitors. Let me take you through some highlights of my trips to Vietnam… Let’s start at Ho Chi Minh, formally known as Saigon, which is most likely going to be your point of entry into Vietnam. It’s worth stopping here before going on to explore the rest of the country. Visitors can discover the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used during the Vietnam War, and also take in the French colonial architecture of the city at landmarks like the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral. I particularly enjoyed a day trip to the Mekong Delta, it was amazing to see authentic village life and take a peek at this vast river network that’s bustling with life. If you’re looking for beach resorts, Vietnam has them in abundance. Destinations such as Nha Trang, famous for its mud baths and hot springs, and Da Nang, with miles of stunning pristine beaches, offer resorts to suit all budgets. A personal favourite of mine has to be a stay at the Six Senses Con Dao, just a 45 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh. Con Dao is a relatively remote island destination about 230 kilometres off the south-eastern coast of Vietnam. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Con Dao is perfect for those who love the outdoors, with activities and excursions such snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, and wildlife watching. From May to October you can even watch baby turtles hatching at locations around the island, a truly magical experience. If you decide to stay at one of the stunning resorts along Da Nang’s beaches then the charming town of Hoi An is a must see. This well-preserved ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lantern-lit streets, wooden Japanese merchant houses, and historic temples. Hoi An is also famous for its tailor shops, where you can have custom-made clothing created to your specifications – I have done it myself and the quality is excellent. One of my favourite experiences in Vietnam was a guided tour I took in Hoi An. We cycled through the waterways and rice fields to a local organic farm where we learned about farming techniques and even farmed and planted our own crops! Then it was time to explore the river on a traditional ‘basket boat’ where we paddled to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. It was really a day to remember. Another town that is steeped in history is Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts ancient palaces, temples, and citadels – there is so much rich culture to experience. I thoroughly enjoyed a guided tour of Hue, we explored the Imperial Citadel and Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb before having lunch at a beautiful local garden restaurant. This was followed by a walk around the village and a boat ride home along the Perfume River, it was amazing. I stayed at the Vedana Lagoon Resort which offers fabulous water villas on a stunning and peaceful lagoon. It was the perfect haven after a long day of touring! Finally, in the north of Vietnam you’ll find Hanoi and Halong Bay. A highlight of my time in Hanoi had to be the evening vintage vespa tour, it was such a great way to explore the city at night. We enjoyed street food and local specialities along the way and even learned how to make our own spring rolls. We ended the evening at a famous Hanoi jazz bar. A vespa tour was a great way to see the city, I’ve also done this in Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap (Cambodia) – they’re so much fun. Then on to Halong Bay…in my opinion a must when visiting Vietnam. There are several cruising options, you can even choose a day trip from Hanoi if you are short on time, however I’d really recommend staying at least 1 night onboard. Another of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for its thousands of limestone islands, Halong Bay is simply stunning. During a cruise you can take smaller boats or kayaks to explore the many caves and floating villages, while onboard, depending on your itinerary, you can enjoy morning yoga, cooking classes, squid fishing and an array of other activities. And the sunsets are stunning! I could talk for hours about Vietnam, if you haven’t already noticed! It really is a destination that is suitable for all, and there’s something for everyone. I can’t praise it enough. If you are interested in finding out more please contact me, I’d love to help you plan the perfect Vietnamese adventure.