Travelling and holidays can be super fun, but they can be more challenging when you are autistic.

I find the number of steps in the process of travelling combined with the uncertainty of what to expect and sensory sensitivities is difficult. I hate the noise on planes, trains and buses, the beeping through airport security and being patted down if you’re stopped! Then on holiday, my body struggles to regulate temperature, resulting in goosebumps in 35 degree heat and rashes when getting in and out of the pool. And I love seeing the sea, but the feeling of wet sand is unbearable!

Some other reasons why holidays can be difficult for autistic people:

It will be trial and error to learn what helps and individuals will develop their own coping strategies with time, but here are some of my tips:

Visually prepare with photos and information. You can do this in lots of different ways - and get creative! When I went to Valencia, I created a travel journal with key information, photos of attractions and the accommodation, a time-schedule for the travel days and a map of the local area. Visual prep can help you to know what to expect and reduce anxiety.
Wear a sunflower lanyard. This shows that an individual has a hidden disability and may need additional time, understanding or help. These are well recognised in UK airports (and even some abroad - I was very impressed with Malaga airport in Spain!) and on some airlines. Wearing this can make things easier at airports. You can ask for special assistance too.
Some airlines which specifically recognise the lanyard include British Airways, Ryan Air and Air France, and airports include Heathrow, Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester airport, but click here for a full list.
Attach an Autism Alert Card to this lanyard, or keep it in wallet. This is a card you can show to tell someone that you are autistic. It may include a list of bullet points of specific challenges and an emergency contact number. This could be useful if you get very overwhelmed or anxious and may need support in public.
There are numerous ones available from organisations such as The National Autistic Society and The Girl With The Curly Hair, and local areas or police departments, such as Autism Anglia, Autism Hampshire, Thames Valley Police, Autism West Midlands, Met Police and Scottish Autism.
Try different types of suncream. The sensory feeling of suncream can be horrible, but they don’t all feel the same! I prefer spray to lotion, and there are even mists that don’t feel like normal suncream and you don’t have to rub them in. Search for suncream dry mists for a variety!
Suncream mists which are worth trying are the Garnier Ambre Solaire dry mist, the Soltan Suncare clear and cool protect mist and the Nivea sun protect and dry touch mist.
Pack your own food. Make sandwiches or something you like in advance and take these on the flight, even if it is a short-haul flight to avoid getting hungry. I struggle with plane food. I always take my own food in my travel bag, and you can even pack familiar dry food in your main suitcase (like pasta or cereal).
Sensory aids. Noise cancelling headphones or earplugs are a necessity. I love my Loop Earplugs. I also use my Airpod Pros which are noise cancelling to listen to music. I take tangles and other fidget toys with me. And I make sure I have a comfy jumper to use as a blanket no matter how warm it is!
Easy distractions! What activity is helpful when you are anxious? Think of easy activities. I always grab a Picture Arrowwords book at the airport WHSmith. I take my iPad with pre-downloaded comfort shows and I use apps to colour and draw. I have music and a book, and you could even take small portable games.
Ask in advance. Never feel bad for asking places in advance for accommodations. For example, you can email some restaurants (or call, of course - but we all know telephoning is a pain) to ask for seating in a quieter area. You can speak to airlines beforehand to arrange special assistance. You can ask travel tour guides for specific adjustments. And ask the autistic community (particularly on Twitter) for recommendations!

Travelling/holidays might be difficult for some, but there are highlights and positives too, such as:

You can visit places specific to your special interest like film locations or places where your interest was birthed.
You may be able to spend all day engaging with your special interest depending on what it is and who you are with (I can spend all day reading and writing on holiday!)
If you enjoy exploring and finding new places then this can be such a thrill and super fun!
You can (or can try your best to) switch off from everyday life and demands.
There may be more opportunities for thrill-seeking activities like water sports, zip lining, abseiling etc.