TravelAbility Insider

The Intersection of Travel and Disability

Family Travel

Tips for Traveling with a Neurodivergent Child

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A recent survey found that 87% of parents with autistic children avoid family vacations due to the overwhelming challenges posed by new environments, sounds, smells, and disruptions. Behavioral issues related to emotional meltdowns can disrupt the entire trip. 93% of respondents would be more likely to travel if autism-certified options were available, with 97% expressing dissatisfaction with current travel options for families with autistic individuals. Read More.

Our Takeaway: By implementing thoughtful accommodations and services that consider the specific needs of neurodivergent guests, the hospitality industry can create a welcoming and supportive environment for all travelers. Training and awareness for staff can result in not only happy guests but also in a greater confidence in repeat travel and stronger brand loyalty, as families with neurodivergent members feel valued and encouraged to return to establishments that genuinely understand and accommodate their needs.

Tips and Tricks to Traveling Safely With Someone That Has Epilepsy

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image of an open suitcase with a woman packing it

Our Takeaway: Please share these hard-to-find insightful tips with anyone you know that has a family member with epilepsy and fears traveling this summer.

People with epilepsy can and do travel using every mode of transportation. However, it may require extra planning, such as ensuring you have enough medication and requesting accommodations if needed. This article will discuss the challenges of traveling with epilepsy, how to prepare, and how to make your trip go smoothly. Read More.

One Year Anniversary Edition of Accessible Journeys, Spring 2023 issue

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Accessible Journeys – travel without limits in a world where all are welcome.

The quarterly digital magazine Accessible Journeys has quickly become a leading resource for accessible travel information. A partnership between Mélange Publications and TravelAbility, the publication is a brand extension of the magazine, Accessibility for All.

Accessible Journeys features everything relevant to travel and accessibility: destination and accommodation guides, equipment reviews, travel tips, parenting information, innovative products, and more. It also shares expert input from bloggers, vloggers, and influencers – about 40 in each issue.

Launched in March 2022, Accessible Journeys grew from a circulation of 870 to 68,000 by the end of that same year. This growth is a testament to the importance of accessible travel and the valuable information the publication holds for everyone eager to explore the world.

Accessible Journey’s success is due in part to the editorial guidance provided by prolific leaders in the disability travel community. The Spring 2023 issue was steered by guest editor Cory Lee, who shared his insights into adventure travel. Guest editors Ashley Lynn Olson, Kay Kingsman, and Jennifer Allen have contributed their expertise in the past, keeping the publication on the leading edge.

Accessible Journeys provides value, insight, support and resources to the disability travel community.  

For advertising and marketing information contact Debbie Austin at daustin@readmelange.com

Read Accessible Journeys here

Canadian Family Takes the World’s First Autism Certified City to the Test

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picture of a glowing green scorpion

It could have sparked a meltdown, landing in a strange city and driving a child who needs routine and predictability to a Sonoran Desert Park full of scorpions, black widow spiders and rattlesnakes for a full moon hike. But Jennifer’s 10-year-old son, Charlie, took an instant liking to Arizona’s Lost Dutchman State Park, probably because of the philosophical storytelling of ranger Jackie Vallejos, and the feeling of anonymity that came with joining 40 strangers to explore the unfamiliar landscape.

“Is anyone scared of a mouse or a grasshopper?”, the ranger asked at the start of the 90-minute night hike. “How about venomous desert creatures such as spiders and snakes?”

Our Takeaway: Autism to Mesa.AZ is poised to become what Broadway is to New York. 80% of their hotels, attractions museums, restaurants, and tours not to mention, city police and fire departments, having all been autism certified through International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Read More.

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck for Disability Families

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view of the Empire State building at sunset as seen from an airplane window

As with anything in life, airport security works a little differently for families with disabilities. Eventually, most frequent travelers end up looking at the benefits of Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck. Jennifer Allen shares her family’s experiences of traveling with a wheelchair and medical needs.

Our takeaway: For frequent travelers within the US, TSA pre-check is a useful service that’s worth every penny, even when traveling with or as someone with a disability.  Global Entry is for those who travel internationally to avoid onerous passport checkpoints upon returning to the U.S.  BTW:  TSA Cares is a helpline that theoretically provides travelers with disabilities additional assistance during the security screening process, (Call 72 hours prior at (855) 787-2227) but in practice few TSA airport managers have the time to train their agents on this service. Read More.