Travel tips for a smoother holiday from parents who know

By Rebekah Devlin

Holidays can be a double-edged sword. You want the break from routine and a chance to have quality family time together, but being out of routine, and having uninterrupted family time with no support or breaks, can sometimes make things even more stressful. Thankfully, us parents are a resourceful lot. Here are some of your best tips for making holidays a semi-relaxing time for everyone!

TIP
“A change of clothes for everyone when travelling.  You never know what spills, or bodily fluids may necessitate a change. And no one wants to be stuck in a stinky, wet shirt for hours. We also take our own food on the plane.”

TIP
“My daughter has CF and I always take a medical letter from her clinic that lists all her medications, doses and devices in case we get questioned while flying. I take extra medication and take the most important ones in my hand luggage. When travelling by plane, I wipe down tray tables, arm rests, screens – everything! I download Netflix shows so the kids can watch without wi-fi. Oh, and I also have a few vomit bags handy.”

TIP
“I take my daughter’s fitted sheet off her bed the morning we leave home. Then pop it on her bed in our holiday accommodation so it feels/smells/looks the same as home. Might be an overkill but sleep is a big challenge for her, so I’ll do anything to help the situation.”

TIP
“I always buy my child a new toy for when we go on a long car trip or flight. It keeps them entertained and is worth the money for the peace and quiet!”

TIP
“Remember that on an aeroplane, everyone there has headphones. If they don’t like the noise your child is making, they can turn their headphones up. This made such a huge difference to me in feeling the need to apologise to other passengers for bringing any child on a plane, let alone one who could be making all kinds of noises involuntarily.”

TIP
“Planning, planning, planning!Autistic (PDA profile) needs plenty of preparation – needs to know where and how. In addition to this, when flying, a lounge pass is invaluable. We get to the airport early so there’s no rush. We get to the lounge ASAP, move to the gate, and then stand apart from the crowds. One of us speaks to the attendant on the gate, and we usually ask to board early. We get him on the plane ahead of everyone else, sit him by a window with iPad and headphones and once he’s settled, the crowds don’t agitate his anxiety.”

TIP
“Take your own comfortable headphones – plane ones may not suit sensory sensitive travellers. I ask for a cup of ice cubes on the plane – if nerves set in, agitation etc then chewing and sucking on them helps my ASD, ADHD kids. Also helps ears during take-off and landing.”

TIP
“I always pack a sensory tray with sides, or even a kitty litter tray from a cheap shop for car rides and plane trips. The sides of the tray ensure pencils, food and toys don’t easily roll off and get lost under seats, forcing you to fold yourself in half trying to pick them up! And as impossible as it sounds, you can even do things like kinetic sand, slime and lego in there because it’s all contained and is super easy to pack up. It keeps the kids busy for HOURS, plus sensory input is always good for calming.”

TIP
“Pack rechargeable batteries and a screwdriver. Every parent should be issued with a pack of rechargeable AAA, AA, C and D batteries when their child is born. It should come as a pack in the hospital!! The best thing we ever did was buy rechargeable batteries and a variety charging pack, not only is it better for the environment, but it saves so much money. We take our charger everywhere we go  and don’t forget to pack a mini screwdriver as well for those annoying battery covers (just don’t put the screwdriver in your  hand luggage!).

TIP
“Talk to your accommodation operator when booking. If you’re in a caravan park, perhaps there is a spot that is a bit quieter, or closer to the toilet facilities. Many hotels will have accessible rooms, or can put you in a room away from the noise of the lift or restaurant, and where any potential noise you make won’t upset other guests. Communication is always key and most places are only too happy to help when you explain your needs. Just have these conversations early, so they can reserve appropriate rooms, rather than waiting until check-in, as there may not be any alternatives they can offer you in busy periods.”

TIP
“We do social stories for when we go anywhere. Usually, it’s a road trip to Sydney so I get a picture of the cabin we stay in overnight on the way down, where we stay in Sydney, who will be there, what we are doing there, the cabin for the way home. It helps with all our kids actually…”

TIP
“Pack a tackle box of snacks for long car trips, with different foods in all the sections. The kids are in control of what they eat and when.”

TIP
“Packing cells. Worth every cent. Organise your child’s clothes, medications and equipment in packing cell bags (ziplock bags also work wonders) and label them. You can be ultra-organised and do it by day of the week, so an entire outfit for each day goes into one bag, or put all t-shirts in one bag, undies in another…Then keep a large bag for washing. It will help your child or young adult feel calmer and more organised, and offers them independence to dress themselves, without exploding their suitcase every time.”