Travel Hacks and Accommodations
So many people with disabilities forgo travel and vacations due to lack of accessibility and accommodations, or simply now knowing whats available. We are here to give you the tips and tricks to have a successful vacation!
Flying/Airport Travel
Resources available from practice runs to the real deal.
Airports are stressful for anyone, with or without traveling with a disability or someone with a disability. We’ve also all been there when there is a crying child on the plane and no parent ever wants to be the culprit.
Most airports participate in the Sunflower Program for Hidden Disabilities. The Sunflower program is a valuable tool for making air travel more inclusive and accessible for individuals with hidden disabilities by providing a simple, recognizable way for them to communicate their needs. When arriving at the airport, you can pick up a sunflower lanyard from an information or assistance desk. The lanyard signals to airport workers that you are a part of the program and may need extra assistance. This could include skipping security lines, priority boarding on the plane, having wheelchairs available, etc. (if you are traveling with a child and are unsure of how navigating the airport will go- request a wheel chair and give them a chair ride through the airport!).
Once you are at your gate, be sure to talk to the attendants at the gate desk about priority boarding. Most airlines will board infants, those with disabilities, and families first. This way you won’t be waiting in line or stuck in the jet bridge with little room to move before boarding. You can be seated early, pull out the snacks and the entertainment and get settled.
Many Airlines use the Sunflower Program or a program with the same purpose under a different name. Similar programs to be aware of are:
United Airlines- “Accessible Travel” Program
Airport practice events
Pre-boarding & seating accommodations
Email specialneeds@united.com
JetBlue- “Blue Horizons for Autism”
Practice flight program at select airports that includes an airport walk through, security, and boarding a real (non-flying) plane
Pre-boarding & seating accommodations
American Airlines- “It’s Cool to Fly” Program
Pre-flight practice program at select airports that includes an airport walk through and meet TSA & Cabin Crew (register in advance)
Pre-boarding & seating accommodations
Southwest- “Wings for All”
Practice flight program at select airports that includes an airport walk through, security, and boarding a real (non-flying) plane
Pre-boarding & seating accommodations
Traveling by Cruise Ship
Accommodations on Cruise Ships
Many cruise lines offer different accommodations for traveling with special needs. These often inlcude priority boarding, accessible cabins, sensory-friendly entertainment while on board, and specialized dining options.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Offers expedited check-in, boarding and departure
Autism Friendly Films on the ships; low light and low volume environment where guests are able to freely talk and walk around during the film.
Autism Friendly Toy-Lending Program; upon request, a tote bag of sensory friendly and non-toxic toys are available for use in the youth areas or in personal staterooms.
Cruising Social Story; Royal Caribbean offers a free downloadable social story which is a written or visual guide describing various social interactions, situations, behaviors, skills or concepts to prepare for their vacation.
Autism on the Seas
International organization in collaboration with Royal Caribbean has developed a vacation line that accommodates children and adults traveling with special needs.
Offer a Staff Assisted Cruise providing specialized Respite and Staff Assisted Activities/Sessions that allow the guests the use of the ships entertainment venues in an accommodated and assisted manner.
Cruise lines include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Carnival Cruise Lines. A variety of the planned cruises throughout the year are chosen to be the Autism on the Seas cruise experiences, so be sure to check the website for booking options and dates!
Top Travel Destinations
This list is based on accommodations available, accessibility, and overall experiences!
1. Walt Disney World & Disneyland (Florida & California, USA)
Why it’s awesome: They walk the walk—with the Disability Access Service (DAS), sensory break areas, trained staff, and detailed planning tools.
Highlights: Custom ride scheduling, companion restrooms, quiet zones.
Pro tip: Pre-register for DAS Advance to avoid long waits.
2. Beaches Resorts (Jamaica & Turks & Caicos)
Why it’s amazing: The first resort chain in the world to be IBCCES-certified as autism-friendly.
Highlights: Staff trained in autism awareness, sensory-friendly kids' camps, dietary accommodations.
Bonus: Sesame Street character meet-and-greets with Julia, the first autistic Muppet.
3. San Diego, California
Why it’s ideal: The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Legoland, and many hotels are autism-certified or offer sensory accommodations.
Highlights: Quiet room options, skip-the-line passes, and autism kits at venues.
Local supports: Autism Society San Diego is active and helpful.
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Why it’s awesome: Designated as a Certified Autism-Friendly Destination by Champion Autism Network (CAN).
Highlights: Sensory-friendly movies, special menus, and hotel staff trained in ASD support.
Extras: The SkyWheel has a “no lights” time block and priority boarding for neurodiverse guests.
5. Hershey, Pennsylvania (Hersheypark)
Why it's sweet: The park is a Certified Autism Center, offering sensory guides, ride accessibility programs, and quiet areas.
Highlights: Staff are trained to handle meltdowns calmly and kindly.
Plus: What kid doesn’t love chocolate?
6. Morgan’s Wonderland (San Antonio, TX)
Why it’s magical: A fully accessible, sensory-friendly theme park built specifically for guests with disabilities.
Highlights: Adaptive rides, quiet zones, low-stimulating design.
Next door: Inspiration Island, a fully accessible water park!
7. Sedona, Arizona
Why it's great: Quiet, calm, natural beauty = low-stimulation heaven. Many resorts offer holistic wellness services and custom sensory retreats.
Highlights: Nature-based, unstructured, and therapeutic opportunities.
Tip: Book a private cabin or Airbnb to avoid crowds and control sensory input.
8. National Parks (with planning)
Why they're peaceful: With wide open spaces, consistent routines, and America the Beautiful Access Pass (free for individuals with disabilities), parks like Yellowstone, Acadia, or Yosemite can offer incredible trips.
Tips: Bring headphones, weighted items, and plan around peak crowd times.
