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Autism Family Travel Guide

Autism Family Travel Destinations

Explore The World’s Top Autism Travel Destinations

Welcome to our autism family travel guide to the world’s most incredible travel destinations! Whether you’re an adventurous family backpacker, a family of luxury travellers, or someone looking for a family-friendly one-location vacation spot, we’ve got you covered with our autism travel advice. We will explore different destinations and share all of our best travel tips for travelling with children, but especially for travelling with autistic children.

Update: I now have some articles but some will remain unlinked for now, and I will add them as soon as I am able to create the articles for them. Below, you will only find travel hubs and articles for places I have actually visited myself, which is why you see some countries missing.

Beside each country hub link below is a link to some of the most popular guides for that place that I hope will help you plan your next sensory-friendly trip with your autistic loved one. If there is no link available, it just means that this is something we are working on and it should appear very soon! I hope the table below explains what each part is and how to find what you are looking for.

On the left is a travel hub page relating to a country with links out to all of the guides available for that countryOn the right is a link to some destination articles which are popular for that country as a quick example as to what you’ll find in the country hub
Country name e.g. ThailandPlace name e.g. Bangkok with autistic children

Discover Europe with autism

Below, you will find links to a travel hub page for each country we have visited and written about for travelling in Europe with autistic children. Each travel hub page features all of our guides for each place within that country, autism-friendly attractions and activities and absolutely everything else we have to share about that place.

For all of Europe: Europe with autistic children

Check out my full Europe with autistic children travel page for more.

Uncover Asia with autistic children

For all of Asia: Asia with autistic children

Check out my full Asia with an autistic child travel page for more.

Journey into the Middle East with autistic kids

For all of the Middle East: Middle East archives.

Check out my full Middle East with autistic kids travel page for more.

Wander South America with autistic children

For all of South America: South America with autistic children

Check out my full South America with autistic children travel page for more.

Explore North America with autistic children

For all of North America: North America with autistic children

Check out my full North America with autistic children travel page for more.

Adventure Africa with autistic children

For all of Africa: Africa with autistic children

Check out my full Africa with autistic kids travel page for more.

Cruising with autistic kids

Below are guides to each of the ships we have travelled on with autistic children – to the right is the routes we did with each ship.

My guide to cruising with autistic children has a lot more information available for you to check out and help plan your next cruise with your autistic child.

Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Click through to read more about these places and see how we have made them work with autism. Each article, where possible, links out to Instagram and Tik Tok posts that showcase our time in the place. Click the links to view the photos and watch the videos of our travels there. Let’s inspire your wanderlust and start planning your next autism-friendly family travel adventure!

Travel With An Autistic Kid FAQ

Is travelling good for an autistic child?

Yes – travelling can be incredibly positive for an autistic child when it is planned around their needs rather than around other people’s expectations. Travel can build confidence, create positive routines and help children explore new environments safely. The key is predictability. Choosing the right destination, preparing in advance and allowing flexibility makes a huge difference. For some children, travel is stressful at first, but with the right support it can become something they genuinely enjoy.

Which airline is best for kids with autism?

The best airline depends on your child’s specific needs, but airlines with strong special assistance teams and clear disability support policies are usually the easiest. British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and some major long-haul carriers often provide better support than low-cost airlines. What matters most is how easy it is to request assistance, priority boarding, seating support and medical baggage allowances rather than the airline name alone.

Can autistic people skip queues at airports?

Yes – autistic travellers can often access special assistance which may include support through check-in, security and boarding, helping reduce long waits and crowded queues. This is not the same as buying fast track, but it can make the airport much more manageable. Support varies by airport and airline, so it is best to request special assistance in advance and explain your child’s needs clearly. Using the DPNA code and the Sunflower Lanyard can also help.

Can a child with autism fly on a plane?

Absolutely – autism does not stop a child from flying. Many autistic children travel successfully by plane, including on long-haul routes. The biggest challenges are usually the airport environment, waiting times, noise and changes to routine rather than the flight itself. Preparation is everything. Visual supports, familiar snacks, comfort items and airport special assistance can make flying much easier for both the child and the family.

Any advice for travelling on a plane with an autistic child?

Book airport special assistance early, choose seats carefully and prepare your child for each stage of the journey before the day arrives. Bring noise-cancelling headphones, safe foods, familiar entertainment, chargers and any comfort items that help with regulation. Explain security checks and boarding in advance using photos or videos if possible. Try not to overpack your first travel day — the airport itself is often the hardest part.

Any advice for travelling with kids on the spectrum for long distances?

Break the journey into smaller, manageable stages wherever possible. Build in recovery time after flights, avoid overloading the first few days and prioritise sleep and familiar routines. For long-haul trips, overnight flights can work well for some children, while others regulate better with daytime flights. Think beyond the flight itself – hotel arrival, food access and transport after landing matter just as much. Successful long-distance travel is about reducing surprises, not chasing a perfect itinerary.