Autistic & Neurodivergent Travel Tips

I needed this so much. I'm traveling internationally for the first time in a few weeks, so thank you so much :)

saw this while i was at the airport wish i saw it sooner😩

Hello, I sent you an instagram message, not sure if you received it. About doing a paid podcast interview

Hi Irene. I’m new to finding your channel and heard that you’re also in the Bay Area. Do you know of places/ways to meet others around here that are neurodivergent or have you ever thought of hosting a meet up for followers? I’ve felt so alone for so long- I’ve let most of most of my friendships go due to the exhaustion of masking. I’m so tired of trying to fit in, it would be so comforting if I had people around that I actually relate to, but just can’t seem to find any.

hi irene!! i’m 19 and about to move out for the first time, to a new state, with my boyfriend of a year and a half. i’m autistic and chronically ill and i’m really excited, but i desperately want to hear from other autistic people and spoonies in general about moving out for the first time, entering young adulthood, and living with a romantic partner!
i was wondering if that’s a resource you would be interested touching on or gathering? there is so so little information about this FROM autistics that i’ve been able to find, and what i have found hasn’t gone past the basics of “yeah moving is overwhelming and stressful and it sucks” or “just communicate!” lol.
i’d be so grateful to see that from you, or if you know of any channels or blogs that cover it i would love to be sent their way!! i deeply appreciate your content, thanks for what you do 💓🪷

I’m soon travelling to Japan and as a self-diagnosed autistic person with very high levels of anxiety I’m shit scared because CBD is illegal there, and I’ve been relying on it for the past 6 months to help with the anxiety…so I’m like…i need to find an alternative but idk what :( thanks for your video tho i got so many useful tips!!

What about traveling with/ to people who don't understand neurodivergence? I just experienced this on an international trip and it took a nosedive at the end smh 😓

Food is the biggest reason i don't travel. I get nauseous from the nerves of traveling and have huge huge huge texture and smell issues around food preferences. And to top it off, there is a long list of countries i always wanted to visit that i have since learned saying "no thanks" to offered food is considered super rude. Like, i have learned from creators living in Japan how much of a headache it is to just go to mcDs and get a burger without onions and omg i would not be able to cope with that at all.

BE REALLY CAREFUL ABOUT TRAVELING WITH EDIBLES. LOTS OF COUNTRIES HAVE SCARY STRICT LAWS AROUND ANY CANABINOIDS. TRIPLE CHECK THE LAWS WHERE YOU ARE GOING FIRST.

This was really helpful! I'm on vacation now, in my room having a break from my family and the outside world. I can vouch for a lot of your suggestions, here are some others that have worked for me on past trips:
- I pack a tote bag (or backpack) with everything I'm going to want at the airport or on the plane, then I have a smaller bag in my suitcase to use when I get to my destination (I really hate carrying around a huge bag day to day)
- distraction variety (in case you can't access wifi or you want to conserve phone power): book, notebook, hair scrunchies to fidget with
- multiple sets of headphones! I have a pair I use when I'm sleeping, a Bluetooth pair, and a wired pair for everyday use so I can always listen to soothing music or sounds
- small first aid kit, or just Band-Aids. Right now I'm on a trip where I have to walk a lot and it's nice to have Band-Aids ready if I feel like I'm developing a blister
❤

I generally feel miserable when the topic of travel is even brought up. Honestly it will destroy me

Your videos are so amazing thank you so much, I play them as my audio stim. You explain things so clearly and soothingly!

Great tips! Where did you get the orange glasses from?

I’m traveling to Japan this summer, so I’m watching this video as prep!

Thank you

I’m autistic + adhd too and I struggle so much with pain from scoliosis ! I’m sorry to hear that you have it too, but at the same time I’ve never heard about anyone with the same problems as I have. I mean, it makes me feel less weird I guess. The pain affect my life way too much 😩! I wish medical cannabis was legal in my country, it’s no where near legalization.. I would also need it for anxiety and trouble to sleep. No sleep medications help

breedable

Your point about clothes is so it! I can’t wear uncomfy clothes in a new experience, it’s too overstimulating

almost started crying because this video made me feel seen in a way i'm not used to

I've always been interested in other cultures, languages and nature sights. But traveling has become so much more stressful over the years. Had a full-blown meltdown on my last travel at the airport (after immigration). No more travel for me in the foreseeable future...

As an ADHD girly I get HUGE amounts of packing anxiety. What helps me the most is to start packing/shopping/prep/ making lists a MINIMUM of three weeks from the trip. I find that I’m way less likely to get overwhelmed or forget things if I pack in a slow trickle rather than a tsunami 😅

My family has always found it weird when I' pack a small toy for overnight trips and "play" with it (stim by petting its soft textures, repeatedly bending its limbs, hold it for that added pressure on my chest, etc), but I got diagnosed with autism last year and this Friday will be the start of our first overnight trip this year, so I wonder if anyone will say something about it this time or if they'll stop with the side eye. 😅

This will also be my first time in an airport and on a plane, and my Mawmaw (who flies once a year for work) tipped up and printed me a whole list of what to bring, for what, and why. (putting my ear plugs and headphones at the top because she knows sound is my main over stimulant) 💕💕💕

- I use a camping blow up pillow.
- Usually make sure i ask for as much space from children and of theres free spaces I ask for space with extra seats.
- I also take advantage of airport assistance to rid anxiety around timing and security when in changeover.
- I usually ask to get on the plane first - or woth the elderly, babies, wheelchair etc. to get rid of needing to deal with too many people around me in queues, getting on the plane, finding my seat - that way Im already sitting when the ambush comes. I alsp get off last/near the end.
- i bring pain relief too. I usually order vegetarian/special request vegan so Im also eating healthy and before everyone else.
- i have two eye masks, earplugs, headphones, sunglasses and bumbag are all non negotiable. My issue is - thos means for a gpod 24 hours Im wearing all of that so be careful of sore inner ears and take eye drops and whenever you can, get assistance and get a cup of water.
- i wear baggy clothes. I mever wear wire bras i always wear crops and always never anything I wouldnt sleep in for flights - fuck what amyone thinks.
- always bring wipes -they male such a difference in not only physically refreshing but almost create a reset button on feeling stagnant and uncomfortable.
- adapting is really hard for me so i try to preemptively pack what i want to have on me through carry-on/on-board - wipes, lipbalm, snacks etc.
-i also do all the screenshots and stuff too - its the smartest idea.

Loved this and related so much.

This is so useful. I'm an audhd too. I'm particular about personal care products, my art supplies (am an artist), etc. I can't just go buy something in the country. How are you traveling with thc. I don't feel safe bringing CBD (though I will bring one for the flight going). Theoretically you can bring CBD to most of European countries but there standards are different (.2 thc vs .3). I always look thru the tripadvisor photos and make reservations ahead of time. I like a window seat because it gives me a little bubble at least on one side, esp if you can have the shade up. I have a personal coach, and she has helped me with sleep where I have a sleep schedule which I check off. I take this traveling. Part of my sleep routine is doing something off electronics--I started playing with legos, having an assortment of fidgets to go thru, or something called paint by stickers. These are all good low brain cell activities that are restful. I am working on a little travel set of this stuff.

Nice Joy Division tee!

I only wear 100% cotton clothing. Anything else is just too uncomfortable.

Instead of screenshots, you can always download offline maps on Google Maps. That way you can always plan your route or get directions without having to have an internet connection. I do this for every trip. It helps me feel safe/reduces anxiety about possibly getting lost.

All of the tips sound so similar to what I already do! My mum is a teacher, and she used to take her students on trips all of the time. She learned to be prepared with everything and for anything. So whenever our family travelled, she would always pack a bunch of food, lots of meds for any possible occasion, all of the documents in a separate folder; and she always researched where the accommodation was and how to get there. I only realised that this isn't typical for everyone when I started traveling with uni friends, who were much more chaotic. I honestly prefer travelling alone now, cause I can't manage both the trip and other people alongside it.

Not sure if I have autism but very sure I have undiagnosed ADHD, I just came back from a solo trip abroad and these tips really helped with my anxiety levels. Highlighting the different sensory elements and this and your other videos has really helped me to pay more attention to what is making me feel discomfort and what could do the opposite. I usually just pack sweet snacks and totally forget about the savoury, this time I packed spicy instant noodles and it made such a difference in unwinding after a tiring bit of travel to reach my destination, thank you for the suggestions! Your videos are so reassuring and I keep learning something new each time!

I feel so comfortable and validated on your channel, you say many things I needed to hear, thank you so much

Hello ^^ AuDHD woman here, I recently got back from a trip to Australia back to Boston and I learned a couple small things that helped me out allot ^^

a good memory foam blackout eye mask, Colgate wisps, travel sized hand sanitizer, and travel sized de-odorant helped me out tons with sleep and feeling gross after a while in the air.

If one is uncomfortable with edibles (honestly wish I thought of bringing edibles, that's a brilliant idea) melatonin or Benadryl can help with relaxation or falling asleep.

investing in a good memory foal neck pillow that's shaped to allow over the ear headphone usage with it on is helpful as well ^^

This is an amazing video and I'm sharing it with my partner to help him out for the day he flies to the states :D

I make sure I bring my things that keeps me calm of traveling

I came here to understand more about trips because it feels like nightmare sometimes.... and found out my eating disorder might be related to my adhd.... curious.

Here’s what I’ve been doing as a frequent traveller and autistic person:
- bring my own pillowcase (it feels familiar and I like the material)
- bring a sample perfume I like so I can smell it on the plane when the plane smell gets overwhelming
- have a small weighted blanket I can put on my lap as a way to calm myself
- wear headphones in the airport so everything isn’t so overstimulating

iv always had extreme anxiety and discomfort around traveling, it’s the natural enemy of autism lol

Thank you! I'm preparing for a long train trip in Nov and this video is gold.

my 21 year old adhd and travel is torture for him but he has to get over it. i offered him a train ride/amtrack and he actually was interested in that.

Wow! Is this your experience or mine? Lol

❤❤❤❤❤❤ Love you darling as I’ve wanted to travel to Japan since an autistic high schooler years ago now…I can’t decide where the most autistic friendly place in Japan to travel for a 10 day trip…❤❤❤❤❤❤ any tips?😊❤❤❤ I rock to music or while in movements like cars with family…I feel like the trains in Japan would not like my rocking since sitting sit is like die hard for me as it’s been my life since I was a baby……(before I walked I rocked first…)

thank you so much for sharing your experiences, its really nice to know people i identify with in a world not designed for us. when i hear you i can visualize a world more confortable and possible . im from brazil and also autistic <3

i use earplugs and earphone because of background noises it makes me feel safe in my silent bubble

Great information!

When I’m on long flights, and/or have long layovers, I go analog. Too much screen time gives me a headache, and the positions I’m limited to on the plane are not comfortable for me when I’m using my devices. A couple of paperbacks with print that is easy to read even when the light isn’t great, and a notepad and pen help me pass the time without strain. I get visual overwhelm, and the constancy of the printed page helps prevent that, compared to a screen. In the airport, I try to find a place to sit where the view is fairly static — out over the tarmac rather than into the concourse, for example, for the same reason.

I appreciate your suggestions about glasses. People often talk about using headphones to cope with or control noise but don’t mention visual needs.

I used to travel with a person who had brittle diabetes. Irregular meal times during travel often meant that there would be long lags between meals and/or that two meals would be a lot closer together than he needed. Familiar snacks were useful then to maintain blood sugar control. We knew the nutrition content of the snacks, so we knew how much he needed to either prevent a low or avoid going over treating a low by having a meal soon after. Now, when I travel solo, I take familiar snacks because they’re familiar and I know how they will affect my body, because I have auto-immune problems and unfamiliar food is often risky.

I’d like to mention that for those of us who have trouble meeting people and making friends, staying in hostels is maybe the easiest way in the world to do this. Not all, so check them out, but most are designed to be friendly social places with amenities chosen that bring disparate people together like picnic table dining and group events. I still have friends I’ve made there, more than I have from my weird home town to be honest.

Does anyone else detest coarse blue jeans? I just dropped off a few pairs at the Salvation Army!

Thanks for this! As someone who has to travel a lot for work I relate to this a lot and your tips are great :)

Yes to snacks, soft travel clothing, familiar skin products, glasses, prioritising comfortable and reworn trip clothing (considering temperature regulation) headphones, screenshots for routes and interior places.

Yes, I have a travel connection itinerary. I hate that trains can delay the subsequent connection :( I rethink and rethink the walk between stations and to buses and rewrite out the times and recheck a few days closer, and review all photo images and routes.

I have a headband to cover my ears too, over or under ear/headphones. I have my simple face soap, shampoo bars and conditioner, which I use usually, and isn't liquid to spill, which is very reassuring to me. Sometimes also my own laundry soap.

I have all the sensory items I feel like bringing. Usually a stretchy one, a squashy one, a feedback one which I can press hard/squeeze, a massage one to press onto me, a calming one to hold in my palm, one that smells, in case unknown perfumes are very strong.

Origami paper, drawing paper, writing paper, favourite pen/pencil/brush, text and audio books on my phone.

Lanyard with sunflower and autism badge. Change of socks. Scarf to cover my head if I don't want many visual distractions, cap for bright areas.

Usually a filling snack and a crunchy/sweet/refreshing one. Tea bags in case. I also struggle with eating on journeys, especially in sensory overwhelming situations and ones with many people close to me or where I might disturb others. Getting to my destination and being very hungry is usually what happens, but hard for me to alter.

Maybe obvious: Empty reusable bottle. Coins, notes, card. Thin, light reusable bags, small and large. Charging cable.

Its so comforting to know that other people experience this stuff too ❤ with the large uprise of social media its easier to find others who live with this and the simple joy i find in that is like none other. Thank you <333

When applying for a passport, get the TSA “Pre,” “Clear,” and “Global Entry.” They will save time and get one through security very quickly.

When booking a flight, try to get a seat in the bulkhead section- it’s said to be the quietest spot on the plane.

And, also request that you board first. You do have special needs and you need more time and space to get yourself settled in.

As an Autistic, (I was officially diagnosed as a kid, but the diagnosis was withheld from me. I discovered this about 5 years ago- and I’m 60!) I have found these hacks really work for me!

Your video was super helpful. I found it because I’m traveling soon and feeling anxious. Thank you ❤

Yes, I just can not "just eat what there is". I can not "just drink what there is". I remember sometimes I began to be sick because of deshydratation or starving because of this struggle. The struggle is real and neurotypicals dont undersands...

Thank you so much for this ❤ I am autistic myself and I'm going take all this advice ❤❤