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Are you planning a family vacation in 2022? Or are you considering not going too far from home because someone in your family has autism? Well, I have made it my life’s mission to ensure everyone knows that travel is for everyone! And that includes children and adults with autism! I understand that traveling with an autistic family member can be slightly tricky. But I have the expertise to help you accomplish autistic vacations and come home ready to venture out on another one in the future. All you need to do is click here, and we can start a conversation! And before we start talking, you can check out the Top Ten Autism-Friendly Places To Visit in 2022.
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Top 10 Autism Friendly Places to Visit in 2022
1. Stowe, Vermont
You can step back when you decide to take a family vacation in Stowe, Vermont. The relaxed ambiance of being out in the middle of nowhere, while not actually in the middle of nowhere, can be a welcome treat. Instead of spending your days going from appointment to appointment, you can embrace the vast green spaces and many low-key activities. The summer months can be spent swimming, hiking, and horseback riding. And during the winter, adaptive ski programs are plentiful for kids with autism.
2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
thanks to its Autism Community Education program. Support for parents of autistic children is plentiful in this beach town. I can help you secure a CAN Card for your vacation in Myrtle Beach so you can skip the line at attractions or find a table in a quieter restaurant section. Some fun activities to get your family started include Wonderworks, Huntington Beach State Park, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
3. San Diego, California
If your autistic child does not mind the sand, the twenty-five beaches in San Diego will be perfect for your next autistic vacation. Most kids with autism love the water, so being able to swim at numerous beaches will be the highlight of your family vacation. Of course, if you have an animal lover in your family, The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park must be at the top of your list of things to do.
4. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is another option if you have a nature lover in your family. Each day can be filled
with new outdoor adventures, including checking out Old Faithful and the wildlife
within the park. Your children will love searching for fossils and petroglyphs on rock walls throughout the park too. The different hot springs do have a sulfuric odor, so I recommend
talking about these smells before your vacation. Doing so may help your child adjust to the
odor easier. But you can limit your time in those areas if it doesn't.
5. New York City, New York
The Big Apple may not be the best choice if this is your first autistic family vacation. However, if you have managed a few trips already, this city offers so much for each family member. Central Park is massive, so you can explore as much or as little as your autistic child wants. The Central Park Zoo is also there, so you can visit all the animals there. Autistic programs are offered at the American Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of the Arts, and many others throughout the city.
6. Houston, Texas
Houston is similar to Myrtle Beach, where there are plenty of options for autistic families like yours. To start your itinerary, I recommend checking out Space Center Houston and Children’s Museum Houston. They both offer sensory-friendly events throughout the year and are quite autism-friendly on regular days.
7. St. Pete, Florida
St. Pete is a beach destination on the Gulf Coast. Most autistic families choose St. Pete for their vacation because of all the nearby beaches. After all, swimming is often a major plus while on vacation. And you can swim every day while you are there. The best part is all the hotels and resorts in the area also have swimming pools, so you have options if your autistic child decides they don’t want to deal with sand one day.
8. Mesa, Arizona
Almost every section of Mesa, Arizona is autism-friendly, so you will never find yourself in a situation you cannot handle when you visit. On days when your children want to be active, you can go tubing at the lower salt bend. And on those days when calming activities are a must, Butterfly Wonderland will be waiting for you.
9. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Quieter days can be found when you choose a family vacation nestled in the mountains of the Berkshires. It is easy to head out on a hiking trail one day, explore a museum the next, and wander around a local farm before you head back home. And if you want to check out a larger city while you are on vacation, Boston is not too far away.
10. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Time in Pigeon Forge can be spent exploring the hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. You can also get a few thrills during a visit to Dollywood. There are plenty of opportunities for
downtime in this part of the state, too. You need to know where to find them. Thankfully, I will plan everything for you, so you won’t need to panic if your child has a meltdown. Instead, you can calmly look at the information I give you for guidance on where to go in the area you are visiting. For example, in Dollywood, the Sensory Room or Calming Corner are two excellent options when overstimulation occurs.
These are the Top 10 Autism-Friendly Places To Visit in 2022. As a travel advisor specializing in autistic travel, I would love to help create an autism-friendly vacation for your family. You can choose one of these fantastic destinations or let me know which other destination is on your travel bucket list. To get started, you can either click here to schedule a chat. You can also reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram.
