Travel planning includes essential safety considerations, and it’s important to plan and communicate ahead of time so everyone knows how to stay safe.

• Start by teaching essential safety skills like staying with the group, crossing streets, and identifying helpers. Include discussions about what to do if separated, which community members can help, and how to use their communication method to ask for help.
• Before the trip, research your travel essentials and call ahead to ask about accommodations. Many airports, hotels, and attractions offer sensory-friendly options or quiet spaces.
• For air travel, consider using TSA’s Notification Card to help communicate your child’s needs during security screenings.
• Another resource to consider is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which signals trained staff are available to support travelers with non-apparent disabilities.
• Practical safety supports like medical alert bracelets, seat belt covers, and personal ID cards can also offer peace of mind.

Including everyone in planning is a great way to ensure unique needs are accounted for and interests and strengths are celebrated.

• Get students involved in the planning! Offer interest-aligned choices and let them help build the itinerary. A visual schedule—on a phone or printed—can help them anticipate what’s coming next. Use the “Planning a Trip” Sequence Strip Template (English | Español) to support this process.
• Use social stories like “Avery’s Travel Adventure” (English | Español) to introduce travel concepts and personalize the experience. And United Airlines’ social story about flying is a great resource for walking through the steps of air travel.
• Talk about emotions ahead of time using the SOLER Emotion Tools Chart (English | Español) to normalize the ups and downs of travel and build emotional resilience. Share communication expectations and help students share their strengths and preferences.
• Explain the types of transportation you might use (e.g., planes, trains, buses, or cars), and discuss how to respond to schedule changes. Practice reading signs and schedules at local stations, or set up a mock airplane at home or school using chairs.
• For primary students, use this “Bingo” lesson from Themes First! (English | Español) to learn travel vocabulary. And for secondary students, try our latest Links “Tic-Tac-Toe” lesson (English | Español) highlighting functional community sign vocabulary!

Travel is full of sensory input—crowded spaces, smells, noise, new foods—and it can be overwhelming. Supports individualized to each person’s needs can help!

• Sensory supports like headphones, sunglasses, tactile fidgets, and comfortable clothing often make a big difference. Practice using these tools in daily routines so they’re familiar before the trip.
• Discuss relevant social skills like greeting others, asking for help, and using manners. Waiting is a key skill to practice—point out when waiting is required and explore ways to pass the time in familiar settings. Our Routine Essentials Behavior Supports unit includes tools to help with waiting, like this “Waiting in Line” Social Script and Portable Chart (English | Español).
• Calming kits with preferred items and snacks can help students manage transitions and sensory input. And always have a backup plan! Bring familiar foods, extra clothes, or a favorite toy just in case.