- Welcome Message and select excerpts of our first year blog
- Our New Blog
- Contact us
- Travel Advice
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Flying-all you need to know before you book your next plane ticket>
- Cruising-planning the perfect cruise>
- Car Travel
- Traveling by bus...in style
- Hotels-Creating the ideal autistic friendly hotel room>
- Packing -101>
- Ask away -Autistic Globetrotting Free advice service>
- Tid bits-travel advice from our readers in 100 words or less
- Autistic Travels' Golden Rules
- Guidelines for travel agents
- Autisticals-a personal view of autistic travel
- US 10 best in
- The 10 best of Boston
- The best 10 of Hilton Head,South Carolina
- The 10 best of New York
- The 10 best of Alaska
- The 10 best of Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- The 10 best of Santa Fe and the surroundings
- The 10 best of Arizone-Grand Canyon
- The 10 best of Colonial Williamsburg,Jamestown and surroundinds
- The 10 best of Washington D.C.
- The 10 best of Las Vegas
- The 10 best of Boston
- International 10 best
- Mini autisticals- the darnest travel stories you'll hear
- The Sleeps-our biased and un biased hotel reviews
- The Eats-Tasty challenges from around the globe
- The Shops-what you can buy next
- Collector's Corner-How did these travel trinkets become a collection
- Recommended products
- Giveaways
- Monthly news roundup
- Interviews
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Q&A with Tal managing director of ALUTEVA-autistic hotel in Israel
- Eva Bronstein-Greenwald-special needs travel agent and founder of We Belong
- Q&A with Trip it's
- Q&A with David Intercontinental Tel Aviv
- Keri Bowers- film producer of 'Normal people scare me'
- Jamie Grover-Autism on the seas
- Peter Shears
- Clive-guide dog extraordinaire
- John Brown of 'Devyn and Dad' -an inspirational adventure across the United States
- Rose Niehaus Olsen Morris inventor of the safety sleeper bed
- Annette White,counselor for Camp Autism
- Colin Brennan-Canada's new singing sensation
- Dennis Debbaudt-autism safety expert
- Gisela Sedlmayer- author of 'Talon'
- Q&A with Jackie Longino founder of Aspietravel
- Inspirational travel stories by our guest writers
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- Brian R. King-Meltdown at the airport
- Joy's visit to the Aquarium
- Denise Klipsic-An incredible encounter with Princess Tiana
- Tanya Savko- Hope on a river
- Tiffany Robison-Great Wolf Lodge
- Fiona Westner Ramsay -Making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe
- Laura Shumacher-Traveling with autism: a true story
- Phyllis Fanzo Lombardi-s -Vacation Time with Joey
- Kristina Chew-18 Miles On the Bikes At the Beach
- Jeff Katz-Chicago
- Margaret Ann Franklin's visit to the Great Northern Carousel in Helena Montana
- Claire Sarcone-Chessington the aspie way
- Elaine Hall-Tips for summer vacation
- Steve LHeureux -Autism "Outings" need to be planned and appropriate
- Kelly Green-The Gardens of Gilroy
- Wolfie Blue-Tips I learnt by traveling with my family
- Gluten free Disney cruise experience
- Danette Schott's-Revisiting family vacations
- North,Central and South America-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Alaska Cruise-USA and Canada
- Florida,Orlando-Universal Studios-looking for Harry Potter
- Florida,Orlando-Macy's mini parade in Universal Studios
- Florida-Everglades Park ,Miami,Key West
- Hawaii's big island with a glimpse of Pearl Harbor
- Louisiana,New Orleans-French Quarter,Christmas Parade,Nanchez Steamboat
- Louisiana,New Orleans-in the footsteps of Katrina,Garden district
- Massachussetts-Boston ,New England Coastal towns of NH and Maine
- New York-NYC
- New Mexico-Santa Fe and Bandoliers National Park
- Pennsylvania-Philadelphia
- Texas-San Antonio and Galveston
- Canada-Niagara Falls,Montreal,Quebec,Toronto
- Caribbean-Bahamas- the Atlantis resort
- Caribbean-Castaway Cay-Disney's bahamian paradise
- Caribbean-Roatan,Honduras>
- Caribbean-Grand Caymans-Hell,Turtles,Wild Hens and Stingrays>
- Mexico-Cabo San Lucas(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Puerta Vallarta (Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Acapulco and Manzanillo
- Mexico-Mazatlan(Mex Riviera)
- Mexico-Playa del Carmen's Xcaret eco park>
- Mexico-Tulum and XelHa Eco Park
- Yucatan,Mexico- Chichen Itza,Cozumel's Paradise Beach
- Arizona,The Grand Canyon
- Europe,Asia,Australia and New Zealand,Cruise ships-pictures,videos and AG's tips
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Austria-Salzburg
- Belgium-Antwerp ,Brussels
- Canary Islands-Lazarote
- Croatia-the walled town of Dubrovnik
- Denmark-Copenhagen
- France-Normandy's D day beaches>
- France- Cannes,Nice,Eze
- France-Paris
- Finland,Helsinki
- Germany-Munich,Dachau
- Germany-Romantic Road
- Ireland-Dublin
- Ireland -Cork,Blarney,Kinsale>
- N. Ireland-Belfast>
- N. Ireland's Giant Causeway
- N.Ireland-Carrick -a -Rede-rope bridge>
- Italy-Venice,Pompeii,Rome
- Italy-Florence,Messina and Taoramina
- Israel-Jerusalem>
- Israel-Masada and the Dead Sea>
- Israel-Tel Aviv>
- Morocco-Casablanca
- New Zealand-Rotarua
- New Zealand-Fjord Park,Dunedin,Christchurch
- New Zealand - Auckland and sheep farm
- The Netherlands-Amsterdam,Delft,The Hague,Rotterdam,Madurodam
- Sweden-Stockholm and the Archipelago
- Russia-St Petersburg's Palaces
- Scotland-Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
- Scotland-Edinburgh>
- Scotland-Inverness>
- Scotland-Loch Lommond,Luss,Sottish sheep show>
- Spain-Barcelona
- Spain-Cadiz and Seville
- Spain-The Alhambra Palace,view of Malaga
- Tasmania-Hobart
- UK-Liverpool and the Beatles>
- UK-London>
- UK-Stonehenge,Bath,Warwick Castle,Stratford on Avon,Oxford
- UK-Guernsey>
- Carnival -Legend
- Aboard the Carnival Legend
- Carnival -Ecstasy
- Carnival- Fascination
- Carnival Spirit
- Celebrity-Century
- Crown Princess>
- Sapphire Princess
- Royal Caribbean-Brilliance of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean-Mariner of the Seas (parades)
- Royal Caribbean- Mariner of the Seas
- Australia-Sydney and Melbourne
- Monthly guest's -Travel videos and pictures
- Web sites and blogs we follow
- Face Book discussions
- Guest Book
Ever experienced a 'down' day when you've felt your work is unnoticed and under appreciated?
Well, I had one of those yesterday while stressing over the writing of an article titled, "The benefits of Autistic Travel".
And then ...the incredible happened. One of my website readers,Denise Klipsic, unknowingly inspired me!
So,I had to share her uplifting letter and adorable photograph with everyone to remind them that magical moments do happen if you wait patiently and never give up.
"We recently went to Disney World with our two autistic children. My daughter has sensory issues and often prefers to ride the Disney buses all day rather than visit the parks. However, on this day she was feeling a little braver and waited patiently in a line to see Princess Tiana.
While waiting, fireworks went off by Cinderella's Castle for their afternoon show. This completely terrified her. She put her hands to her ears and was not sure what to do next. Princess Tiana approached her, and you could tell she still wanted to see the princess even though her hands remained over her ears
Princess Tiana put her hands to her ears too, and they smiled together!
. It was adorable to see them interact and the patience she had with my daughter and what she was feeling. God bless that moment and the wonderful experience she gave us!"
*Photograph by Denise Klipsic
Well, I had one of those yesterday while stressing over the writing of an article titled, "The benefits of Autistic Travel".
And then ...the incredible happened. One of my website readers,Denise Klipsic, unknowingly inspired me!
So,I had to share her uplifting letter and adorable photograph with everyone to remind them that magical moments do happen if you wait patiently and never give up.
"We recently went to Disney World with our two autistic children. My daughter has sensory issues and often prefers to ride the Disney buses all day rather than visit the parks. However, on this day she was feeling a little braver and waited patiently in a line to see Princess Tiana.
While waiting, fireworks went off by Cinderella's Castle for their afternoon show. This completely terrified her. She put her hands to her ears and was not sure what to do next. Princess Tiana approached her, and you could tell she still wanted to see the princess even though her hands remained over her ears
Princess Tiana put her hands to her ears too, and they smiled together!
. It was adorable to see them interact and the patience she had with my daughter and what she was feeling. God bless that moment and the wonderful experience she gave us!"
*Photograph by Denise Klipsic
All you need to know before you book your next plane ticket
Over the last few years, much has been written about airplane economy seating and how unbearable it has become. Most of us, especially when traveling with autistic family members, have eyed those comfortable plush first and business “loungers” that are wider and more inviting than the sardine-packaged economy-class chairs we book.
The truth is that in today's travel world, where economy space is premium and limited, by the end of the flight we should all consider ourselves lucky if our adjacent neighbor didn't spill soda or drool on us during their five minute “cat” nap.
However, many are not aware that multiple flight companies now offer an intermediate between their business and economy classes. Economy Plus, or Premium, comes with wider seating and added legroom that can make a world of difference during a long flight, especially your kid exhibits involuntary or voluntary needs to kick the seat in front of them.
True, this category is slightly more expensive than the regularly-priced economy ticket, but, when you envision yourself facing melting children alongside fellow passengers doubting your parental skills, you might want to reconsider.
Here is a compiled list of the airlines offering this category:
• Air Austral: Classe Confort
• Air France: Premium Voyageur (Economy Plus Class)
• Air New Zealand: Pacific Premium Economy
• All Nippon Airways: Premium Economy
• BMI: Premium Economy
• British Airways: World Traveller Plus
• EVA Air: Elite Class
• Frontier Airlines: Stretch
• Icelandair: Economy comfort
• Japan Airlines: Premium Economy
• KLM: Europe Select (Only on inter-Europe itineraries) Economy Comfort(Long-Haul only)
• Midwest Airlines: Signature Service-will be phased out later this year
• Pakistan International Airlines - "Economy Plus+"
• Qantas: Premium Economy
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines: Economy Extra
• Spirit Airlines: Big Front Seat
• Thai Airways International: Premium Economy
• Transaero Airlines: Premium Economy
• United Airlines - Economy Plus
• V Australia: Premium Economy
• Vietnam Airlines: Deluxe Economy
• Virgin America: Main Cabin Select
• Virgin Atlantic: Premium Economy
• Virgin Blue: Premium Economy
Before you finalize your plane seating, always check the website that shows each airline's airplane seating chart (a good place to check would be http://www.seatguru.com.
Make sure you get the specific details of which type of aircraft you are booked on, as seating arrangements may differ not only between the various airlines, but also by aircraft model and type as well.
BEFORE BOOKING
Check out who is the major carrier in your area
Try to stick to one major alliance and build status.Higher status translates not only to reward travel but worthwhile perks,such as no luggage fees and free upgrades.
Important to note that earned airline miles expire,usually within 18 months of no activity on the account and that airline status is up for renewal on yearly basis.
Follow flight price patterns for at least a month to your intended destination on http://www.kayak.com/
, http://www.vayama.com/.
or http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/.
Find out which flights have a better record of being on time.Try to book early morning flights when the airports are less crowded and avoid late afternoon flights that are notoriously delayed .
Become an informed traveler by reading http://www.flyertalk.com/ and learn from more experienced travelers the differences between the airlines,air crafts and ticket categories.
ACTUAL BOOKING
For reward travel,book as soon as possible which is 330 days before flight date.
Call back often if you do not succeed the first time around.Sometimes you can snag a ticket if someone else cancels or the airline releases an unexpected seat-Never give up!
Even when you do not have all miles required,all is not lost.Some airlines have a cash and miles possibility or consider transferring miles from a family member's account into yours.As a very last resort you can consider buying the extra miles you need,if you are short one or two thousand.
For regular purchase search the above mentioned web sites for the best deals ,but do check the airline's own web site too.Many airlines post cheaper pricing on their web site and will even double the reward miles on the purchase provided you use their credit card,
Nowadays there is no 'golden' day or time to book,but for better seat availability midnight eastern time seems slightly more advantageous. The trick is to lurk in the shadows and 'pounce like a panther' when the price is right for you.
If you are flexible in your plans,always check pricing for a week before scheduled travel and a week after,since there might be considerable price variations you could benefit from.
Check nearby airports to your destination as sometimes flying there can save you big bucks
.Do your best to avoid airports that are weather problematic such as Chicago O'Hare if you can.
If you travel often with your autistic globetrotter try to use the same airport for flight connections,so your traveler will familiarise himself or herself with the different location of restrooms and eateries.
If you are booking connecting flights,make sure you have plenty of time between flights.In the U.S, the aircraft's doors close 45 minutes prior to departure internationally and 15 minutes for internal flights.Since you are traveling with a special needs person allocate extra time for bathroom ,food and purchasing a last minute magazine or movie.Just in case be acquainted with the airline schedule and know the time of the next flights too..For autistic travelers direct non stop flights are the best plan.
If you have to include a stopover in your travel plan,think about extending it for a few days .It may become an opportunity to see friends and family ,or explore the city.
Be aware of the ticket's restrictions,and do get insurancehttp://www.tripinsurancestore.com./ to cover your loss .Remember though that insurance will not reimburse you for any lost miles but will cover the fee to return unused miles back into the account if necessary.
Be aware of exactly what type of aircraft you will be on.Seating arrangements vary between the different airlines and air crafts.Check your seats on the aircraft on www.seatguru.com/ so that your autistic traveler is not stressed next to the wings or bathrooms.In older planes the location of the overhead television set might prove important to some
If possible get a window seat for the view or aisle seating for the space.
When traveling as a family of three or more,consider booking 2 seats in the front of 2 other seats thus separating bickering kids and putting a family member in front of the autistic traveler,to avoid complaints of the seat being continuously kicked.Booking two rows might prove priceless on long haul flights if the entertainment sets break down in one row,you can move your autistic traveler to the next row without much ado.
If your traveler is temperature sensitive keep in mind that it is warmer in the back of most planes than in the front or middle sections and book accordingly.
Become acquainted with the entire flight plan .Some flights that originate in other than your embarkation airport could be subject to CDC or FDA regulations you might not be aware of.A few years back we returned on an Air Tahiti Nui from Paris to Los Angeles,during which the flight attendants sprayed some insecticide all over the cabin in mid flight.It turns out the flight had originated in the Indian Ocean island of Reunion wher they had experienced a serious outbreak of mosquito carried Dengue Fever
Flag your reservation immediately as a special needs travel..Carry a credit card to purchase food or bring your own.
Carry a mini fan if your traveler is temperature sensitive and you are stuck on the tarmac,a small
Flashlight to help search for lost items in the plane dark leg space and a netbook to occupy your traveler in the airport ,if there are delays.Many airports now provide free WiFi.
Know if you are on a code share flight and the exact flight details,so you 're not surprised at the airport.Keep in mind different airlines have different luggage allowances,leg space and cabin service.
Make sure you know your luggage allowance well in advance,so you don't have to unpack at the airport and dispose of anything.
CHECK ON YOUR FLIGHT ON WEEKLY BASIS
Unfortunately in today's world,times and air crafts may change,so you need to continuously check the airline web site for unexpected changes.
.Print a map of the airport or airports you will travel through http://www.airportterminalmaps.com/, so you can know the location of eateries and restrooms,if and when you need to use them.Just remember the larger the airport the more attractions ,stores and eateries to choose from in case of delays.
Consider a day stay at the airport hotel ,if there is one,in case of delays longer than 6 hours.
Check out who is the major carrier in your area
- http://www.oneworld.com/
- or http://www.staralliance.com/
- or http://www.skyteam.com/
and start using its service.
Try to stick to one major alliance and build status.Higher status translates not only to reward travel but worthwhile perks,such as no luggage fees and free upgrades.
Important to note that earned airline miles expire,usually within 18 months of no activity on the account and that airline status is up for renewal on yearly basis.
Follow flight price patterns for at least a month to your intended destination on http://www.kayak.com/
, http://www.vayama.com/.
or http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/.
Find out which flights have a better record of being on time.Try to book early morning flights when the airports are less crowded and avoid late afternoon flights that are notoriously delayed .
Become an informed traveler by reading http://www.flyertalk.com/ and learn from more experienced travelers the differences between the airlines,air crafts and ticket categories.
ACTUAL BOOKING
For reward travel,book as soon as possible which is 330 days before flight date.
Call back often if you do not succeed the first time around.Sometimes you can snag a ticket if someone else cancels or the airline releases an unexpected seat-Never give up!
Even when you do not have all miles required,all is not lost.Some airlines have a cash and miles possibility or consider transferring miles from a family member's account into yours.As a very last resort you can consider buying the extra miles you need,if you are short one or two thousand.
For regular purchase search the above mentioned web sites for the best deals ,but do check the airline's own web site too.Many airlines post cheaper pricing on their web site and will even double the reward miles on the purchase provided you use their credit card,
Nowadays there is no 'golden' day or time to book,but for better seat availability midnight eastern time seems slightly more advantageous. The trick is to lurk in the shadows and 'pounce like a panther' when the price is right for you.
If you are flexible in your plans,always check pricing for a week before scheduled travel and a week after,since there might be considerable price variations you could benefit from.
Check nearby airports to your destination as sometimes flying there can save you big bucks
.Do your best to avoid airports that are weather problematic such as Chicago O'Hare if you can.
If you travel often with your autistic globetrotter try to use the same airport for flight connections,so your traveler will familiarise himself or herself with the different location of restrooms and eateries.
If you are booking connecting flights,make sure you have plenty of time between flights.In the U.S, the aircraft's doors close 45 minutes prior to departure internationally and 15 minutes for internal flights.Since you are traveling with a special needs person allocate extra time for bathroom ,food and purchasing a last minute magazine or movie.Just in case be acquainted with the airline schedule and know the time of the next flights too..For autistic travelers direct non stop flights are the best plan.
If you have to include a stopover in your travel plan,think about extending it for a few days .It may become an opportunity to see friends and family ,or explore the city.
Be aware of the ticket's restrictions,and do get insurancehttp://www.tripinsurancestore.com./ to cover your loss .Remember though that insurance will not reimburse you for any lost miles but will cover the fee to return unused miles back into the account if necessary.
Be aware of exactly what type of aircraft you will be on.Seating arrangements vary between the different airlines and air crafts.Check your seats on the aircraft on www.seatguru.com/ so that your autistic traveler is not stressed next to the wings or bathrooms.In older planes the location of the overhead television set might prove important to some
If possible get a window seat for the view or aisle seating for the space.
When traveling as a family of three or more,consider booking 2 seats in the front of 2 other seats thus separating bickering kids and putting a family member in front of the autistic traveler,to avoid complaints of the seat being continuously kicked.Booking two rows might prove priceless on long haul flights if the entertainment sets break down in one row,you can move your autistic traveler to the next row without much ado.
If your traveler is temperature sensitive keep in mind that it is warmer in the back of most planes than in the front or middle sections and book accordingly.
Become acquainted with the entire flight plan .Some flights that originate in other than your embarkation airport could be subject to CDC or FDA regulations you might not be aware of.A few years back we returned on an Air Tahiti Nui from Paris to Los Angeles,during which the flight attendants sprayed some insecticide all over the cabin in mid flight.It turns out the flight had originated in the Indian Ocean island of Reunion wher they had experienced a serious outbreak of mosquito carried Dengue Fever
Flag your reservation immediately as a special needs travel..Carry a credit card to purchase food or bring your own.
Carry a mini fan if your traveler is temperature sensitive and you are stuck on the tarmac,a small
Flashlight to help search for lost items in the plane dark leg space and a netbook to occupy your traveler in the airport ,if there are delays.Many airports now provide free WiFi.
Know if you are on a code share flight and the exact flight details,so you 're not surprised at the airport.Keep in mind different airlines have different luggage allowances,leg space and cabin service.
Make sure you know your luggage allowance well in advance,so you don't have to unpack at the airport and dispose of anything.
CHECK ON YOUR FLIGHT ON WEEKLY BASIS
Unfortunately in today's world,times and air crafts may change,so you need to continuously check the airline web site for unexpected changes.
.Print a map of the airport or airports you will travel through http://www.airportterminalmaps.com/, so you can know the location of eateries and restrooms,if and when you need to use them.Just remember the larger the airport the more attractions ,stores and eateries to choose from in case of delays.
Consider a day stay at the airport hotel ,if there is one,in case of delays longer than 6 hours.