Written by Nicola Waring
As a mum to a child with special educational needs (SEN) myself and also a travel agent, I understand that booking a holiday isn’t as simple as choosing a destination and packing a suitcase. There are so many extra things to consider, like whether the accommodation is suitable, how your child will cope with the journey, the sensory environment, routines, accessibility, and making sure everyone can truly relax.
That’s why I believe every family deserves a holiday that works for them. With a little extra planning and the right support, travelling can become a wonderful opportunity to make lasting memories together.
This article contains tips on how to achieve that, based on my experience both as a mum and as someone who books trips for SEN families.
Before You Travel
Preparing your child for the trip is key to minimising overwhelm and anxiety. Help them to prepare by talking about the trip well in advance. Use photos, videos, social stories, or visual timetables to explain what will happen and, as far as you can, when.
Involve them in planning by letting them choose a small activity, snack, or favourite toy to pack and something for the plane, car, or however you’re getting to your destination. When my child was younger, he used to love taking his teddy.
Research your destination to check accessibility, quiet areas, sensory-friendly attractions, and facilities that meet your family’s needs and make sure you ask questions before you book. As a fellow SEN parent, I know how important the little details can be, so never be afraid to ask your travel agent or accommodation about anything that will help make your holiday easier.
Pack a comfort kit that will bring a bit of home with you, as a few familiar items can make all the difference.
Depending on where you’re going, think of including:
- Favourite toy or comfort blanket
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Tablet loaded with favourite films or games
- Familiar snacks and drinks
- Fidget toys or sensory aids
- Spare clothes and essential medication – if travelling abroad, I advise taking some in the hold and hand luggage if possible so if one goes missing you still have the medication.
During the Journey
Again, preparation is key as travelling to your destination can often be the most stressful time for your child as they worry about where they’re going and what it’s going to be like when they get there. Make sure you:
- Leave plenty of extra time to avoid unnecessary stress. If you’re stressed because you’re late for a connection or booking slot, your child will pick up on that straightaway. Factor in as much extra time as you can so you get there with time to spare.
- Plan regular breaks if travelling by car, which helps to make the journey feel more manageable for everyone.
- Keep familiar routines where possible.
- Celebrate every little success along the way. A visual map or something they can tick off helps them see where you are and what’s coming up next is great for this.
Holidays with a SEN child: Once You Arrive
Arriving somewhere they’ve never been before can feel overwhelming, which is why preparing them and showing photos or videos of the location will really help. Once you arrive, give your child time to explore their new surroundings and ask whatever questions they need to about where they are and what you’re going to be doing.
Keep some routines from home to provide reassurance and familiarity. You’re all on holiday, so you want to kick back and relax, but keeping some things like meal and bedtimes and waking routine the same can really help your child feel settled and secure.
Don’t overfill your itinerary with trips and activities every day; rest days are just as important. Be flexible – sometimes changing your plans creates the best family memories.
Supporting Sensory Needs
How well attractions support sensory needs will vary, depending on where you are, so again, research is key to making sure you know what’s available to support your child at each venue. Visit attractions during quieter times where possible and make sure you pack sunglasses, hats, headphones or other sensory aids.
Have quiet activities ready for queues or waiting times (and pack some for yourself too!). Look for destinations that offer inclusive or sensory-friendly experiences.
How I can help you plan your holiday
As a mum of a child with SEN, I understand the excitement that comes with booking a holiday, but I also understand the worries that often come with it. You want to know your child will feel comfortable, safe, and included, and you want to enjoy precious family time without unnecessary stress.
That’s why, when helping families plan their holidays, I always take the time to understand what matters most to you. Whether it’s finding the right hotel, checking accessibility, arranging special assistance, or simply sharing advice from my own experiences, I know that every detail matters.
Because a holiday isn’t just about where you go, it’s about creating memories where every member of the family can feel happy, supported, and able to enjoy the experience together.
The most important things to pack are patience, flexibility, and a sense of adventure. With the right planning, holidays can help children with SEN build confidence, discover new experiences, and create memories that last a lifetime.
A & R Travel Agency is designed to help you book a holiday the whole family can enjoy, and from one SEN mum to another, I’ll make sure your holiday is as stress-free and magical as possible.
FAQs about holidays with a SEN child
1. How do I prepare my child with SEN for a holiday?
Start talking about the trip well before you travel, using photos, videos, social stories or visual timetables so your child knows what to expect. Letting them help choose a comfort item or activity for the journey can also ease anxiety.
2. What should I pack to help my SEN child with travelling?
A comfort kit makes a big difference – favourite toys, noise-cancelling headphones, a tablet with familiar films or games, familiar snacks, and any sensory aids your child relies on. If medication is needed, it’s worth splitting it between hand and hold luggage in case one lot goes missing.
3. How can I make the journey itself less stressful?
Build in extra time so you’re not rushing and stressed about being late, plan regular breaks if you’re driving, and stick to familiar routines where you can. Small visual progress trackers, like a map to tick off, can help your child feel more in control of what’s happening.
4. How do I help my SEN child settle once we arrive at our holiday destination?
Keep some home routines going, such as mealtimes and bedtimes, and give your child time to explore before diving into activities. Avoid overpacking the itinerary; rest days matter just as much as planned activities.
5. What support is available for sensory needs while on holiday?
This varies by destination, so research ahead of time to find attractions with quieter visiting times or sensory-friendly experiences. Packing sunglasses, hats, and headphones, plus having quiet activities ready for queues, can help manage sensory overload on the go.
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