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Tips & Tricks for a Special Needs/Disability Road Trip

Updated: Dec 3, 2020


We all know that Road trips can be stressful, but with Integrity Destinations by your side we can assist with itineray planning, make your hotel reservations & plan for attractions/stops along the way.


Here are several tips & tricks for road trips:


Travel always involves some risks for children and/or adults with medical needs or sensory issues but there are also significant benefits for traveling by car, such as:

  • You will be able to bring medical equipment or comforting items from home.

  • You will have the freedom to make as many stops as necessary & to customize your itinerary.

  • Road Trips create special opportunities for up close & personal periods of family bonding.

  • Changing your daily routine & exploring new environments to learn new life skills.

  • Developing emotional regulation.

  • Stimulating speech & language development with constantly changing scenery


Some things you will want to prepare ahead of time are:


Car Saftey:

  • Install child seats correctly, using the manufacturers instructions for your seat/car.

  • Consider using covers for belt buckles.

  • Be sure to turn on child locks for doors & windows.

  • Limit the number of distractions for your child. Such as removing items they can throw into the front seat and/or out the windows. Seat organizers can be a great way to keep the back seat where your child sits clean and free of objects.

  • One week prior to departure you will want to make sure your car is trip ready. Some things to get checked are: brakes, fluids, tires, air pressure and get an oil change.

  • It is always a good idea to have an Emergency Kit in your car! Your kit should include: a first aid kit, extra water, blankets, jumper cables, batteries, flash lights, etc.


Food:

  • Prepare a cooler with your favorite drinks & snacks and necessary medications. There are many different types of coolers including refrigerated ones that plug into the 12V DC receptacles.

  • Stop along the way to restock as needed for potty breaks & exercise.

  • Suggested snacks: dried fruit, water, & high-fiber cookies


Medical Equipment:

  • Bring the right equipment (if you have the space) or let Integrity Destinations help you rent the correct equipment for any hotel stay and/or attractions along the way. Items we are able to provide are medical beds, CPAP, weighted blankets, wheelchairs (for all terrains), etc.

  • Let Integrity Destinations know about your needs so we are able to best assist you.


Paperwork:

  • Bring a 1 page medical history that lists all medicines, physicians letter (include contact information), bracelets for wanderers, & insurance cards/plan.

  • Travel Protection Plan - Integrity Desitnations reccomends that you purchase a Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection any time you travel. We work very closely with several reputable companies.

Prepare your Child:

  • Write a social story for your child and/or visuals

  • It may be wise to separate children if possible & allow them to change places after each stop.

  • Make regular stops every 2-4 hours for potty breaks & exercise.

  • Don't plan on driving more than 6-8 hours per day.


In Case of Emergencies:

  • Please contact your Integrity Desitnations Travel Advisor for assistance with any necessary changes to your reservations.

  • Be sure to know where the closest Hospital or Emergency room is in case of an emergency.

  • Bring extra cash in case of car troubles or other emergencies.

Pets:

If your pet or service dog is coming on the road trip with you make sure to pack the following items in the car:

  • dog/cat bed, crates, leash, harness, food, water, bowls, favorite toys, towels, poop bags, seat cover/barriers

  • Don't forget carpet cleaner, paper towels and trash bags in case of accidents in the car or hotel room.

  • Integrity Destinations will make your reservations at pet friendly hotels, if we know they will be joining you.


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