What to Pack for a Vacation with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum

Traveling is one of the most rewarding gifts we can give our children—but when your child is on the autism spectrum, preparing for a trip often means taking extra steps to ensure comfort, predictability, and peace of mind.

The key? Thoughtful packing. With the right items in your bag, you can help your child feel safe, supported, and ready to enjoy new adventures—while reducing stress for the whole family.

Here’s a guide, parent-to-parent, on what to pack for a smoother journey.

Comfort from Home

New places can feel overwhelming, but a few familiar items can make your child feel more at ease:

• Favorite stuffed animal or blanket for bedtime comfort. Our kiddo loves baby dolls, so we try to bring at least one with us for each trip. 

• Special pillowcase or sheet from home to make hotel beds feel familiar.

• Sensory-friendly clothing—soft, tag-free, and well-loved outfits they already enjoy.

Sensory Helpers

Travel comes with new sounds, lights, smells, and textures. A few tools can help your child manage sensory input:

• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for airports, planes, or busy attractions. We have multiple pairs that we stash in a variety of bags, so we always have a pair available.

• Fidget toys or stress balls to keep little hands calm. Pop-Its are a favorite in our house, plus we always have a few pieces of chewelry (sensory chew necklaces) available if needed.

• Weighted lap pad or small blanket for grounding during long waits or flights. We also pack our sensory stretchy body sock for use in our room. It helps if they need some deep pressure input to calm down. 

• Sunglasses or a hat to block overwhelming light.

Food & Snacks You Can Count On

Many children with autism are selective eaters, and having safe foods on hand prevents stressful situations:

• Favorite snacks (pack more than you think you’ll need).

• A small cooler bag for perishable items. We aren’t paid for any links, so including this freezer bag just as a reference because it has been a HUGE help for us for a couple of years now. 

• Their own water bottle for hydration and familiarity. Water bottles can also be a fun way to create a memento from your trip. You can add stickers or even use it to get signatures from characters and keep it for years to come. 

Keeping Routines on Track

Routines bring comfort, even when you’re away from home. A little planning helps keep structure in place:

• Tablet with pre-downloaded shows, apps, or games (so Wi-Fi isn’t an issue). 

• Books, coloring supplies, or puzzles for quiet downtime. Some companies even offer bags of toys designed for children with autism that you can check out for the duration of your trip. 

• A visual schedule or social story explaining what each day will look like. We’ve put together some great social stories designed for specific locations or travel itineraries that are available to use when you book a trip with Kaleidoscope Travel Advisors. 

Safety & Peace of Mind

Being prepared for the unexpected makes travel less stressful:

• ID bracelet or tag with your child’s name and your phone number. We’re big fans of AngelSense, but there is limited availability outside of specific ranges or countries. 

• Medical and insurance documents (both digital and physical copies).

• Medications (plus extras, just in case). We always recommend bringing your meds in the bottles that the pharmacy provided. This reduces confusion and provides dosing and contact information if needed. 

• A change of clothes in your carry-on for quick emergencies. And do not, I repeat DO NOT, forget to pack an extra pair of shoes as part of the change of clothes. I’ve had to walk my kiddo through an airport in socks before, and that is not an experience that I want for anybody else. 

Parent-to-Parent Tips

• Pack a few small surprises (like a new toy or activity) for tricky moments.

• Try practice outings or shorter trips before a big vacation to build confidence. Organizations like The Arc have local chapters that offer programs, such as Wings for Autism, which provide families with the opportunity to experience air travel before embarking on a full trip. As a sponsor of the 2025 Wings for Autism event in Arizona, we are happy to connect you with the team for more information. 

  
  

Don’t hesitate to ask for accommodations—airlines, hotels, and theme parks often have resources for families like yours. As part of our services, we can help guide you on what is available and how to access the accommodations that will make your trip a success.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with a child on the autism spectrum does require extra thought and preparation—but it’s so worth it. With the right packing list, you’re not just bringing “things” along; you’re bringing comfort, safety, and strategies that help your child thrive on vacation.

Most importantly, remember to give yourself grace. You’re doing an amazing job. The memories you create together will be the most valuable thing you take home.

Ready to start packing? Download our free checklist now!