Holiday travel tips are planning strategies that help families reduce stress when traveling with children who have ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities by managing schedules and environments.
Holiday traveling with school-aged children can be stressful for any family. Add extra needs like sensory sensitivities often associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and holiday traveling gets even more challenging. Attempting to coordinate your child’s sensory and energy needs while traveling can make holiday traveling feel like a daunting job. At New Horizons Wellness Services, we want all children, particularly those with sensory issues, to enjoy stress-free holiday travel. Consider the following travel tips to help make your holiday traveling less stressful:
Choose Travel Times Wisely
It is important to take your child’s specific struggles into account and schedule your travels accordingly. For children with ADHD, it is important to schedule travel around energy times. For instance, plan travel for later in the morning after your child has had a healthy dose of exercise or plan your travel during your child’s typical downtime.
For children with ASD and sensory processing disorder, it is important to schedule travel time when freeways or airports are not congested. Since these children are often overstimulated by too many people or too much noise, avoiding these situations can reduce the possibility of meltdowns.
If your child craves structure and routine, break down the trip into increments your child can understand. Using a visual schedule can be an effective way of providing your child with a step-by-step outline of your holiday travel.
Dress for Success
It is important to stay ahead of potential sensory meltdowns and discomfort by dressing your child in comfortable clothes when you travel. Be sure to bring along earplugs if your child has hypersensitivities to his or her surroundings.
Having your child wear an ID bracelet or other identification that includes your cellphone number can be very helpful if he or she tends to wander or has limited communication skills.
Bring Activities and Snacks
Planning ahead will help to prevent the meltdowns that come with boredom and hunger. Bring a backpack containing small travel games, books, and art supplies.
It may be tempting to bring electronic devices; however, they can also lead to meltdowns if they fail to work properly or if the battery runs low. It is important to avoid high-sugar foods and drinks that can result in a sugar high and inevitable crash. Instead, bring healthy protein-packed snacks and water to ensure that your child stays full and satisfied.
Call Ahead
Whether you’re staying at a hotel or with family, it is important to call ahead to discuss sleeping arrangements and any other concerns you may have. It is important to take your child’s specific needs and sensitivities into consideration when selecting a place to stay.
For parents with children with noise sensitivities, when selecting a hotel, you may want to inquire about any renovations at the facility that could bother your child. If your child uses a weighted blanket at home, consider calling the hotel to find out if they have a heavy blanket your child can use.
Final Thoughts
Holiday travel can feel overwhelming, especially for families of children with ADHD, ASD, or sensory processing challenges. With thoughtful planning, however, it is possible to create a travel experience that is both enjoyable and stress-free. By choosing travel times that fit your child’s needs, dressing them comfortably, bringing along calming activities and healthy snacks, and preparing accommodations in advance, you can help reduce anxiety and meltdowns while promoting smoother routines.
At New Horizons Wellness Services, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy holiday traditions and family time with comfort and confidence. To support families during both travel and everyday life, our team offers:
● Counseling Services – Helping families navigate stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that can arise during busy seasons like holiday travel.
● Occupational Therapy Services – Providing strategies for managing sensory sensitivities that often surface in crowded airports, long car rides, or new environments.
● Pediatric Occupational Therapy – Tailored for children who may struggle with transitions and sensory overload, offering tools to build resilience and independence during travel.
● Occupational Therapy for Adults – Supporting parents and caregivers with practical strategies to manage stress and maintain balance when caring for children with special needs.
● Social Skills Groups – Helping children practice communication and self-regulation skills, which can be especially valuable when meeting extended family or traveling with peers.
With the right strategies, patience, and support, traveling with children who have sensory needs can become less daunting—and even create cherished family memories along the way. Contact us today to learn how we can support your family.
We hope these tips help make your family’s holiday travel a success! If you have found this blog to be helpful, please “like” our Facebook page and follow our blog. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare my child with sensory sensitivities for a long car or plane ride?
You can ease the experience by practicing shorter trips ahead of time, packing comfort items like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or favorite toys, and creating a visual schedule to help them understand what to expect.
What are some signs my child might be feeling overwhelmed during travel?
Look out for restlessness, covering their ears or eyes, emotional outbursts, or withdrawal. Recognizing these early signs can help you intervene with calming strategies before a full meltdown occurs.
How can I make holiday gatherings more comfortable for my child?
Choose quiet spaces for breaks, communicate your child’s needs with relatives ahead of time, and bring familiar foods or activities. Setting expectations with family members can help reduce pressure and misunderstandings.
Are there therapeutic supports that can help my child travel more smoothly?
Yes, services like occupational therapy, counseling, and social skills groups can provide children and families with tools to manage sensory triggers, practice coping strategies, and build confidence in new environments.
Yours in Health,
New Horizons Wellness Services8880 SW Nimbus Ave Suite C.,
Beaverton, OR 97008
- https://g.page/newhws
New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.