Summer Travel Tips
written by Samantha Tobey
For most families, summer conjures a sense of pure delight—those long, languid days bathed in golden sunlight, the joyful chaos of backyard barbecues, loud music blaring from speakers, burgers sizzling on the grill, children leaping into pools with carefree abandon. Or perhaps it’s the quiet pleasure of swaying in a hammock, book in hand, as worries drift away like a gentle breeze.
For families with children who have special needs, summer can be a bit more nuanced. The season’s freedom may bring not just sunshine, but heightened sensory experiences, more people everywhere, more frequent meltdowns, and extended hours of hands-on caregiving. Everything is amplified—the beauty, yes, but also the overwhelm. And when you add travel into the mix, it can quickly feel like too much.
Still, why should we miss out on the magic of summer adventures? Every family deserves a little sunshine—even if it comes with a few extra clouds.
Our children may have vastly different needs, but I’ve gathered some tried-and-true tips that have made travel not only possible for us, but meaningful. Our family, very neurospicy and wonderfully unique, has managed to pull off countless journeys—by land and by air. My lens is colored by my own children’s journey, but hopefully something will help make travel a bit easier for you too.
Road trips in our van have proven to be the best method for us. There, we’re insulated from the outside world: no curious stares, no unsolicited advice, no pressure to mask. Safety locks provide peace of mind, tablets and screens offer a sense of calm. For us the nature is grounding, calming and a wonderful nervous system reset.
We’ve taken to the skies as well, both domestically and abroad. Cruises, however, remain off our radar—for now. Each family has its own rhythm and its own boundaries. Different strokes for different folks.
Here's to reclaiming the joy of summer. Not in spite of our challenges, but in beautiful, brave defiance of them.
✈ Tips & Tricks for Traveling with Special Needs Kids
Preparation Tips
1. Do a Deep Dive Online
The internet is your best travel buddy! Wherever you’re headed—even the airport—there’s a website and reviews with useful info. Show your kids the visuals: seating charts, restroom layouts, maps, rules, and even quiet spaces for sensory breaks. The more familiar it feels ahead of time, the less intimidating it is when you arrive.
2. Plan Ahead for Food Needs
Food is always a fun challenge, right? We scout out every place in the city that serves chicken tenders—no shame! Check restaurant websites, reviews, and photos. Decide whether dining in, takeout, or delivery works best. You’ll thank yourself later. They even have little flow charts online that show when the least crowded times are. If we do dine in, we always go at off times.
3. Watch Travel Vlogs Together
In the weeks leading up to your trip, we love watching YouTube travel vlogs as a family. It gives the kids a visual and auditory preview of what to expect. Sometimes something will spark excitement—other times, they become vehemently opposed to something. Either way, it's a win to have the information.
4. Choose Vacation Rentals Over Hotels
We almost always go with vacation rentals. Hotels are too crowded and lack privacy, laundry, or kitchens. Rentals let us show the kids photos in advance, prep meals at home, and communicate special needs directly with hosts (who are usually super helpful—hello, 5-star reviews!).
5. Create a Safety Plan
Especially important if your child elopes or is non-verbal. Consider Air Tags, ID bracelets (like these), or the old-school route—writing your contact info on your child’s arm. The key is: be prepared before you go.
6. Lists, Lists, Lists
My neurodivergent brain lives by packing lists. I still always forget something half the time, but having a visual checklist saves my sanity. Add things as they pop into your head. No doubt at 3am something is going to be super important to add to the list.
7. Check the Weather Forecast
Even if your kid insists on wearing shorts in the snow, knowing what to expect helps you plan outfits, layers, and backup clothes wisely.
💬 Communication & Comfort on the Go
8. Make Awareness Goodie Bags
For plane rides, we prepare little goodie bags with a note explaining our child’s diagnosis. It helps educate nearby passengers and staff in a kind, preemptive way—and most people respond with empathy. While this is a time-consuming task, it doesn’t need to break the bank or the schedule. Recruit someone to help, use places like Dollar Tree that often sells packs of things for next to nothing.
9. Call Ahead for Special Accommodations
Reach out to the airline beforehand to request early boarding or wheelchair assistance. Arrive early to speak with staff about your needs. I always thank them profusely—and honestly, they’re usually incredibly kind and helpful. Getting on first and acclimating before the mad rush, has been life changing and we always get the overhead space needed.
10. Loop in Your Child’s Team
Touch base with your child’s doctors, therapists (OTs, speech, etc.), or educators before you go. Ask if they have suggestions or notes that might be useful to have on hand while traveling.
11. The “Bag of Fun”
In our house each child gets a rolling backpack (or a weighted one, if needed). Pack it with:
Meds in an insulated pouch (this goes with a parent)
Medical/emergency info (also goes with a parent)
Extra clothes, wipes, tissues
Oral care items, gum/lollipops (great for takeoff)
Crunchy snacks for sensory input
A tablet and noise cancelling headphones
Puffy jacket (doubles as a pillow)
Fidgets, sketchpads, coloring books, reading books (based on your child’s needs and interests)
Basically, anything that distracts, excites, soothes, or brings joy goes in the bag. In addition, if your child needs medication for the flight or ride make sure to administer at the best time. Practice runs are good.
Samantha Tobey is a singer-songwriter and the creative force behind The SqueeGees and Byrds of Blu, with songs featured in television, film, and commercial projects. She holds a B.A. from USC and a Master’s from Pepperdine, and is currently pursuing training in Somatic Therapy.
Prior to her academic studies, Samantha became a certified massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. Today, she runs a thriving healing arts practice in the South Bay, where she integrates her background in bodywork with movement through Pilates, dance, and Gyrotonic. Rooted in both creativity and care, she loves spending time with her husband, two boys, and two rescue pups.
