TOURING VACATION

This type of trip involves seeing sites either in the US or abroad. We have actually done more of this type of travel abroad than in the US (probably because we lived abroad when the children were small). 

Once again, like the adventure vacation you have to plan this trip carefully. Don't overdue the sites or locations visited. Be selective and try to keep the traveling between sites to a minimum, unless your child loves spending endless hours in car or on a plane!

Once you have picked the trip destination, start by making a list of the sites you want to see. Next plot the time required for each and the distance between them. Then take a close look at what you have mapped out for your vacation. See if it really can be executed and most importantly enjoyed! This is the hard part. We have found that keeping the driving distance between sites to a maximum of 3-4 hours works well and keeping the plane trips to a maximum of 9 hours is doable. (our longest was to Greece--we managed but we are still not ready for a trip to Asia with our son--it was hard when we did it as adults!)

(Note: We are assuming that you will probably fly somewhere and rent a car. Renting a car gives you flexibility and what we call "an escape route". We avoid public transportation when we can since following a train or bus schedule might not be practical with an autistic child--you can't predict what the day will be like and you will need the flexibility to change your plans.)

Of course each child is different and only you know your child and what can be tolerated. Doing a few local site seeing activities is a good way to "try on" a touring vacation. Go to the local aquarium or a historical site near your home--use this to trouble shoot while close to home. When you are away, your only escape is your hotel room or your rental car!

There are so many wonderful touring vacation options that this section will continue to grow. For now we would like to discuss Overseas tours.

Overseas?

Yes you can and you will do an overseas trip!

We have had many successful overseas trips BUT not without hurdles and challenges. Hopefully we can share them with you so you can minimize them (notice we say minimize not eliminate, you can never be 100% sure that it will all be perfect)

Dealing with a time zone change is difficult and you must be prepared mentally and physically for sleepless nights. You must give yourself and your family time to adjust. Staying outside and active and immediately putting everyone on the local time zone is necessary for battling jet lag. There are of course medications, over the counter and prescription as well as natural remedies for jet lag that you might want to have available--but please try them before you are in a foreign place to ensure that your child doesn't have an adverse reaction.

Three important points to remember when traveling overseas:

1) Language differences and knowing how to say "my child is autistic" in the local language is a must for a host of reasons from dealing with an emergency to explaining to someone why your child might be acting different from other children.

2) Medications  for things as simple as a common cold could be very different than what you are used to. Be sure to pack familiar medications (a list of pack able carry on items is available on the Travel Services page under the packing section)

3) Food will be different or so it should be so that you can experience local culture. Taking your child to a restaurant at home that has food similar tot he country you will visit will help you anticipate restaurant ordering.

Bon Voyage!