Invisible Disabilities Best Kept Travel Secrets!

Pirate Jill

Invisible disabilities can make travel difficult, but here are some great tips to make that trip easier! Here are some of the best kept secrets in the industry to make your vacation the most it can be. 

1)      Plan your trip early! Thinking of going somewhere in the summer of 2025? Plan that vacation now! Not only will you get the best pricing for your trip, you will also have the most choice of accommodation. If you require an accessible room, you will be more likely to find what you are looking for by booking early as well. Be sure to let you Travel Advisor know what accommodations you would like added to your room. Oftentimes, we can request all kinds of things from shower chairs to kits that make rooms safer for Deaf travelers. 

2)      Work with a Travel Advisor. Many of us are familiar with the accessible options in resorts, on cruise ships and beyond. Utilize our help to minimize your stress booking and make sure you get the most value for your money. No one wants to show up at an all inclusive and find out they don’t cater to allergies. Find an advisor to help. 

3)      Arrive early for your flight. Standard recommendations say you should arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours for an international flight. If you are heading to the airport with someone who is neurodiverse or needs mobility assistance, plan to be there even earlier. Arriving at the airport can stress even the calmest person, especially if there are delays at security and Murphys Law says there will always be a delay when you are running late! 

4)      For neurodiverse folks or those traveling with them, there are programs at the airport to help you get through security without undue stress (read- totally melting down in the security line). TSA Cares offers many options aimed at families with autism/ neurodiversity to help them prepare for their arrival at the airport. Each airport has different options, but in some cases, you can schedule a time to go through security as “practice”. You may even be able to board an aircraft! Another option for invisible disabilities is the Sunflower Lanyard. This is a lanyard that signals to airport staff that you have a hidden disability. We have used this at many airports around the county and it’s great for getting a little more grace in stressful situations. If your child won’t wear it, the adult traveling with them can. You may find that folks speak in a quieter voice, or they may ask you how they can assist. Have a concrete answer of how they can help you ready to go. You can even print it out ahead of time if you are shy or overwhelmed in these situations. https://hdsunflower.com/  

5)      Bring safe snacks. If you or someone you are traveling with has food allergies, make sure to pack more snacks than you think you will need. Be prepared for delays and being in spaces without safe food options. You can bring most non-liquid foods through TSA but in certain cases with special needs you may be able to bring in more than the 3.4 oz limitations.  Remember that peanut butter is considered a liquid only if it isn’t already on a sandwich.  Also keep in mind, that you may not be able to consume nut products on a flight with some who has a life threatening allergy, so plan ahead and eat those before you get on the plane or bring other options like jerky or meat sticks.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/food 

6)      If you are visiting a theme park like Disney or Universal, make sure to use their disability passes if you qualify. Both parks offer them but obtaining them is a different procedure for each park. Talk to your Travel Advisor about how to obtain a pass.  Be sure to plan ahead if you would like to take advantage of this type of assistance. Both Disney and Universal passes can be obtained at least a month ahead of time.More info on the DAS at Disney Parks:

https://ropedropradio.libsyn.com/rdr-374-disneys-das-faq-with-jill-of-touringplans 

7)      Bring your own mobility aids. Do you sometimes use a cane for support at home?  Ear defenders?  Support braces? Bring them with you! There’s no shame in the support game! Folks tend to be a lot more active on vacation than they do at home. Make sure your needs are met so you are comfortable. If you think you might like to have a scooter at the theme park or cruise, let your Travel Advisor know and they can book that ahead for you. 

8)      Last but certainly not least, buy the travel insurance! I suggest this for all of my clients but it’s especially important if you have special needs. The added reassurance for your vacation is priceless. Hopefully you will never need it, but if you do, you have it! 

If you have any questions about travel please don't hesitate to reach out!