Special Needs Travel, Holiday Travel Tips, Parenting Advice, Sunflower Lanyard

The holiday season is for family adventures, laughter and memories. Travelling with children—especially when sensory needs are part of the picture—can feel overwhelming. This post shares practical Holiday Travel Tips and Parenting Advice for Special Needs Travel, including how to use the Sunflower Lanyard to make journeys calmer.

Quick note: on the trip I’m sharing below, our Bold Kids beanies didn’t exist yet. We relied on soft layers, headphones and comfort items. Later, our experiences inspired us to design sensory-friendly kidswear that keeps children comfortable on the go.

1) Plan ahead and prepare

Research your destination. Look for hotels and attractions that are family-friendly and accessible. Quiet spaces, flexible dining times and considerate staff can be game-changers.

Contact providers early. Call your airline and accommodation to note assistance needs (great airline assistance for families is more common than you think). Ask about pre-boarding, seating, and quieter check-in routes.

2) Use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard quietly signals that someone in your party may need extra time or support—ideal for airports, stations and busy venues across the UK.

• How to get one: Many UK airports (e.g., Manchester) offer them at assistance desks; you can also order online.

• Who wears it? If your child prefers not to, a parent can wear it. I often do.

3) Autism-friendly travel tips that help,

Create a simple plan: visual checklists, timings and who does what. Build buffer time: add 15–20 minutes to any transition to avoid rushing. Choose sensory-friendly clothing: soft, tag-free layers reduce irritation, and comfy footwear helps with long walks and waiting in queues. Pack a comfort kit: favourite toy/blanket, noise-reducing headphones, fidget or weighted plush.

4) Call your airline as soon as you book

Ask them to add notes to your booking and explain your child’s needs. Typical support includes pre-boarding, help with seats, and time at the gate to settle. A 5-minute call now saves stress later.

5) Pack like a pro (what actually works)

• Snacks & drinks your child already loves.

• Activities: sticker or colouring books, small games, and a charged tablet with offline shows.

• Calm kit: headphones, sunglasses/hat for bright spaces, and a soft layer for temperature changes.

6) Help your child feel ready

Social stories are brilliant. Use photos or short videos to show check-in, security, boarding and landing.Practise at home: play “airport” together, try short “seatbelt time,” and rehearse putting bags on the conveyor. Small rehearsals build confidence.

7) Embrace flexibility

Even the best plans change, and that’s okay. Keep your schedule light, add quiet breaks, and pivot when something isn’t working. Your family’s well-being comes first.

8) Find your village

You’re not alone. Parent communities, SEN groups and travel forums are full of practical tips and encouragement. Teachers and therapists can also offer travel strategies tailored to your child.

Let’s make holiday travel joyful

With preparation, patience and the right tools, the journey can be as meaningful as the destination. If you have sensory-friendly travel tips that helped your family, share them in the comments or say hi on Instagram @boldkidzwear.

Have you tried any of these tips, or do you have others that have worked for your family?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments or on our Instagram page @boldkidzwear. Let’s share the journey together.

For calm routines on the go, explore our inclusive children’s books (great for reading together before a trip) and our growing range of sensory-friendly kidswear designed by a family and children-first brand.