What Travel Looks Like with a Neurodivergent Child (And How I Help Families Navigate It)

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.