Travel, whether for necessity or pleasure, is an important part of human existence and opens the door to a variety of new experiences. For many, it also presents opportunities for excitement and adventure, as well as a welcome change from the boredom of daily life. To the autistic person, however, this can constitute a disruption of regular routines, which may be uncomfortable and even result in anxiety. Also, the reasons for and value of recreational or educational travel, not to mention how the experience is processed, can be very different for an autistic than they are for a typical person. In particular, the intense and restricted specialized interests of an autistic person can greatly affect all of these. Sensory sensitivities and discomfort with unfamiliar environments and situations can have a great effect as well.
I discuss these issues in large part from the perspective of my own travel experiences, which consisted of various European trips along with some domestic (U.S.) travel. This was done both during my career while working as an engineer for a Europe-based electronics company and later when attending numerous autism conferences.
Preparing for Travel
Going on a trip constitutes a disruption of regular daily routines and usually requires at least some preparation. As such, it is best to be as well-equipped for such in advance as possible. This is very well-known to prominent autistics like Temple Grandin and Stephen Shore, both of whom travel the world extensively and frequently, and both of whom have described the challenges that this presents to them and how they have dealt with such. Even though I do not travel nearly as often (perhaps once or twice a year), I have, over time, devised (independently) my own methods of being prepared for any trip that might arise. As it happens, these are much like the ones that they had been using! Clearly, the autistic mind often works in similar ways for otherwise different individuals.
A major part of preparing for travel involves packing bags or luggage. This requires determining what one needs to bring and estimating how much of each item. Some time ago, I realized that having a dedicated drawer for my travel paraphernalia would be of great help. This includes small containers (nowadays TSA-approved sizes) for toiletries (toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, etc.), as well as my toothbrush, comb, hair trimmer, and other personal items. A daily dispenser for medications, vitamins, etc., is also a must and has to be filled before departure (making certain that there is enough for every dose needed during the trip, plus some extras). The needed number of each clothing item is determined by the duration of the trip and how often they must be changed, plus extras in case they are needed. Dedicated plastic bags for some items (e.g., socks, underwear) have also been recommended. Blank forms for necessary arrangements (e.g., holding of mail by the Post Office) should also be placed here; this serves as a reminder that they need to be filled out and submitted before departure. Also, any bills that come due during the trip should be paid in advance, if possible. A checklist of all necessary items and preparations can also be of help. The important point is that by systematizing the process of preparation, it becomes more straightforward and creates less anxiety for autistics who otherwise might find the experience very stressful.
As to luggage, I strongly recommend, if viable, a carry-on bag or suitcase (especially for air travel, since both TSA and the airlines specify a maximum size). This prevents the ordeal of waiting for baggage claim and eliminates the possibility of lost suitcases, the latter of which can ruin a trip for anybody, but for an autistic already at a high level of anxiety, is nothing less than catastrophic. A sturdy suitcase with wheels and an extendable handle is a good idea, as is bringing as few items as possible (i.e., only what is necessary). Also, try to leave some extra room for souvenirs or other items you might want to bring back (especially where a special interest is concerned).
Planning a Trip
As with anything, it is always best to be as informed as possible before embarking on a journey. Much as it may be an enjoyable adventure for some to go wherever the journey takes them and experience each day at a time, this is generally not a good idea for autistics, who are often challenged by unfamiliar or unexpected situations. It is best to acquaint oneself as much as possible with what can be expected at the destination, especially if this is your first time traveling independently or your first trip overseas.
The choice of destination is often made well in advance of the planning stage and, for autistics, can be based on either a special interest in the specific place or in attractions located there, on an event taking place in that location, or on people that one knows (relatives, friends, or other members of an autistic or special-interest community) who reside or are meeting there. For those who simply wish to travel but don’t have a specific destination in mind, travel books, magazines, and videos may be a good source of inspiration as well as information. I find the Rick Steves videos on European travel, which appear on PBS and are available online, especially enjoyable, even when I am not interested in visiting a specific place.
Good travel guides are extremely helpful, if not essential. Some libraries have an entire section of such, as do many bookstores (the latter more likely up to date). I found that some series of travel books are especially good – I particularly like those that contain a maximum of practical day-to-day information about the destination, whether domestic or foreign, along with lists of good (and affordable) places to stay and to eat. Better still, some contain self-guided (e.g., walking) tours that you can do yourself and sometimes unusual trivia that you would otherwise not know about. Personally, I like the Lonely Planet books, as well as the Let’s Go guides. The latter are intended mainly for college students but are good for young adults regardless of student status. These and other youth-oriented guides can also be good for older autistics, who often have interests, preferences, and tastes closer to those of younger adults (this is certainly true for me, and I am a senior citizen!). At the same time, some travel guides focus extensively on such things as rating higher-end hotels and restaurants that are beyond the budgets of many autistics. Others deal exclusively with budget travel to the exclusion of other considerations. I found these to be of little or no value and, as such, best avoided by most autistics.
Years ago (and perhaps still), many countries had tourist offices in the U.S., and these provided a wealth of information. As such, they are worth checking out if they haven’t been supplanted by websites. Many popular U.S. destinations offer such information as well. Years ago, when planning a trip to Germany, I visited the German Tourist Office in New York, which had brochures and pamphlets for virtually any destination there. They even had one devoted to technical museums in Germany, which, of course, I immediately took!
For travel abroad, it is especially important to be aware of things that are different from the U.S. and to familiarize yourself with such. A good travel guide will provide such information. For example, it helps to know about local transportation (streetcars, metros, intercity trains, and buses), including how to pay for it. This is one area where autistics who are interested in trains and transport really have an advantage, as they will have an easier time learning this. Also, you need to be familiar with the coins and currency of the country and have some idea of the exchange rates. Since coin collecting was a special interest of mine for many years, this was hardly a problem for me – once again, an autistic trait turned out to be of considerable help.
Getting There
Travel to a destination where significant distances are concerned requires some planning. Nowadays, this means booking air, rail, or bus transportation. Foreign travel, as well as long-distance U.S. travel, usually involves making reservations with an airline. In the past, this was arranged by a travel agent, who also took care of hotel accommodations as well as organized tours. Nowadays, it is done through websites such as Expedia, which places a burden on the traveler. For autistics who are comfortable with such, especially those skilled in computer and internet use, this will not be a problem (they may be capable of helping non-autistics), but it can present a challenge for those who are not. In such cases, they need to seek assistance from a more knowledgeable person.
Bus transportation is widely available in the U.S. and may be preferable for short-distance travel, as are trains (i.e., Amtrak) in corridors that have frequent service (e.g., Boston – New York – Washington). For those who prefer ground transportation, either to see the country or to avoid air travel, either of these is an option. Nowadays, bus service is more frequent and widespread, not to mention less expensive, whereas rail service is far less frequent, offers fewer destinations, and has become very expensive. Still, autistics with an interest in trains will often prefer it. Once again, reservations need to be made, and this is usually done online nowadays.
In some cases, taking a bus or train may be preferable to flying for longer distances if the former is more convenient and less stressful even when the travel time is longer. On one trip from New York to Pittsburgh, I decided to go by bus because, even though it took longer, this avoided the need for airport transportation (not to mention the airport itself) in both cities (saving time, money, and inconvenience); the bus terminal in New York was close to where I lived, and the one in Pittsburgh was practically next to my hotel and the conference center. It is always a good idea to consider the benefits of different options when planning a trip.
In the post-9/11 world of tight security, airports and air travel have become more stressful than ever, in addition to the crowdedness resulting from airlines filling their aircraft with as many passengers as possible. While this affects virtually all air travelers, it can be especially daunting for autistics, who often have a low threshold for such. Getting to and from an airport, especially in large cities with heavy traffic, can be difficult and time-consuming, and the long lines and procedures for going through security (e.g., removal of personal possessions and clothing items when going through scanners) are a well-known nightmare for everyone. Even the boarding of the plane, with its crowded cabins, while carrying suitcases and bags, is horrendous. For autistics, this can be very stressful and even unbearable. Some autistics, with proper documentation, have successfully gained disabled access for these procedures. An adult autistic should, at the very least, be physically and mentally prepared to endure these ordeals and, where appropriate, investigate the availability of special accommodations provided by the airport and airline.
Where to Stay
Reservations for hotels or other lodgings need to be made in advance. This can be done online for larger hotels and chains as well as on travel websites, but it is best (and may need to be) done by telephone for smaller establishments. When traveling abroad, it becomes necessary to speak with someone who knows English (unless, of course, one speaks the local language); this is usually not a problem. Finding a suitable hotel is probably best done with the help of an up-to-date travel guide for the destination, as these provide information about prospective accommodations that would not be available on travel websites. Nowadays, apps such as Airbnb have become very popular and sometimes offer good lodging possibilities, but you must be especially careful, as many kinds of problems have been reported with these. In any case, reservations for any hotel or lodging need to be completely confirmed before departure. Nobody wants to arrive at a distant location to find that they have no place to stay, and I can’t even imagine what such an experience might be like for many autistics.
Getting Around
Upon arrival at a destination, finding local transportation is usually essential. If you have not already done this and are not driving or renting a car (many autistics do not drive, and even those who do may not want to in an unfamiliar location) or part of an organized tour, information about local public transit (maps, schedules, prices, etc.) should be obtained immediately upon arrival. This is readily available anywhere in Europe and in most larger U.S. cities. For destinations outside the U.S., currency exchange also needs to be done as soon as possible, although nowadays, most major credit cards can be used to pay for many expenses directly. Travel guides often provide advice on where to get the most favorable exchange rates.
Many countries offer rail passes that are good for unlimited train travel anywhere, and the Eurail pass is good almost everywhere in Europe. If you plan to do extensive travel in one country or throughout Europe, these are definitely worth investigating. They can save you the time and inconvenience of purchasing a ticket for every train trip, not to mention a lot of money if you are making many trips. What’s more, discounts are offered for young adults and for senior citizens. Needless to say, for autistics who have a special interest in or preference for trains, they are an absolute must.
When You Get There
As with so many other things, autistics often have very strong preferences while on a trip that are quite different from those of a typical traveler. These frequently revolve around specialized interests. It is not unusual for an autistic person to be less concerned about attractions that are popular with most tourists but to be extremely interested in things that others might not be aware of, let alone care about. This can cause problems for autistics traveling with a group. Even when the group consists of family, friends, a school trip, or a local organization, this may create difficulties and possibly conflicts. If an autistic is interested in a particular attraction and aware of such prior to arrival, every effort should be made to accommodate this, perhaps by allowing them to spend extended time there while the rest of the group separately does something not of interest to the autistic. In cases where the attraction is discovered only after arrival, contingency plans should be made to arrange this on shorter notice. I can remember a trip to Budapest that I took with my late wife, during which, while we were together, I wanted to visit a small museum that featured a collection of electric utility meters (there really was such a place!). Needless to say, she was not very happy about this.
The above problem can be even more serious for an autistic person in an organized tour group. For this reason alone, I do not recommend organized tours of large areas or regions for autistics, despite the terrific opportunity they offer to see many different things (not to mention the convenience of having everything arranged for the traveler). At the very least, the itinerary of such a tour should be thoroughly scrutinized before embarking. Few things are more frustrating for an autistic than being close to an attraction of special interest but not being allowed sufficient time there or, worse still, not being able to visit. I once went on an otherwise wonderful organized tour of Britain in which this happened a few times – I wanted to see or visit several places (related to my interests) located near a location in the tour, but the schedule did not allow me to do so; very frustrating indeed. I also remember, on at least one tour that I went on, spending significantly more time at a venue of interest than the rest of the tour group. Upon my finally rejoining them, I was met by loud cheers and applause from tourists who were not nearly as interested and were eager to move on. Believe me, this was not a pleasant experience.
City tours, as well as local tours of small regions, are a different matter. These allow you to get to know the city or area more thoroughly and, if an attraction of special interest is discovered, permit you to return later, on your own, to spend adequate time there. As such, I strongly recommend these for autistic travelers and tourists. Such tours are available in almost all major cities, in most smaller cities and significant towns in Europe, and in just about any popular U.S. destination. Although not nearly as good, many places also offer a so-called “multimedia experience” that serves a similar purpose – these may be worth your while as well.
For most autistics, however, I suspect that individual exploration is probably the best way to visit any destination for which doing so is feasible. Since we tend to have very strong preferences not just in what we do but how we go about doing it, we are usually better off being independent and enjoying things on our own terms.
Other Considerations
There are numerous other issues that autistics need to consider when traveling that are of little or no concern for the typical tourist. These can involve personal routines or, especially, sensory sensitivities. The autistic traveler needs to take these into account, preferably before embarking on any trip; this is especially true for travel outside the U.S. The very idea of an autistic person being forced to endure a major unanticipated sensory violation is nothing short of frightening and, as such, should be avoided at all costs.
As it happens, my most significant sensory issue has always involved severe selective eating – to this day, I largely eat the kinds of foods that are found on a “children’s menu.” This is now recognized as ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder – more common in autistics than previously thought), and I also have lived with food neophobia and perhaps even mild food aversion my entire life. This can certainly become an issue when traveling to any place where unfamiliar or (worse still) unpreferred foods are the norm. Apart from the fact that we all need to eat, culinary exploration is a major reason for many people to travel, and culinary tours of just about any world destination have become more popular than ever. Clearly, this is not the case for me or for any autistic person who lives with this issue.
I learned to deal with this problem by studying menus very carefully before going to any eating establishment. In particular, at least in the U.S. and Europe, children’s menus have become more common – I can always find something suitable to eat. Furthermore, by looking at the children’s offerings, I occasionally found something unfamiliar or new that I was willing to try. This is as close to culinary travel as I will ever get! I also came up with the idea of having a local beer, wine, or other indigenous adult beverage with my meal. This gets me into the spirit (no pun intended) of the locale and mitigates potential misunderstandings that my peculiar diet in any way reflects feelings about the local culture.
Another common sensory issue that I have always had is clothing sensitivity. Fortunately, it is completely acceptable for a tourist, presumably on vacation, to wear very casual attire. It is probably a good idea for many autistics to do so as well.
Finally, I have discussed only U.S. and European travel, which takes place within the developed and industrialized world where all the amenities that we are accustomed to are the norm. Travel to other locations, particularly in the developing world or locations where amenities are different, involves even further considerations for an autistic person, especially if traveling independently (I have not done any of this myself). Such travel needs to be considered and planned even more carefully than what I have described. Also, unless one is very familiar with the destination (e.g., has family or friends who live there and can serve as hosts), it is probably best to undertake such travel as part of an organized group.
In conclusion, autistic individuals have numerous considerations that the typical traveler does not. This, however, should not deprive the autistic community of the experience of travel. In many ways, it is as valuable an experience for us as it is for anyone else; in other ways, the personal experience can be very different. Perhaps the availability of organized tours and travel services that cater specifically to autistics might be of value to our community if such could ever be provided.
Karl Wittig, PE, is Advisory Board Chair for Aspies for Social Success (AFSS). Karl may be contacted at kwittig@earthlink.net.
