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Connor in Iceland with his sister, Erin.
What inspired you to start your blog, myautismmind.com
Autism is often considered an invisible disability because people with it don’t look any differently; they just sometimes come across as “awkward” or “quirky.” Social challenges are sometimes the biggest hurdle to having friends or relationships. I’ve always liked to write and in 2023, when trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I realized I could help shape a better understanding of what it is like to be autistic.
I felt it was underreported, and under-talked about (because disabilities sometimes make people uncomfortable). I heard about blogging and thought I could share my experiences about being on the spectrum and help connect with others. Also, while there seems to be a lot written about children on the spectrum, there isn’t as much information about teens and adults, and I wanted to help change that.
How has travel impacted your life and your experience with autism?
Travel has let me see new possibilities and how different people in different parts of the world live and work, compared to America. I especially like looking at different architectural styles. I’ve been very fortunate my family took me on trips growing up, and I think seeing new places created a sense of wanderlust I have in the world, and ties into my avid curiosity and love of history. But mostly I think the internet has cultivated my wanderlust because it lets me see stories about history all over the world and it lets me talk to people all over the world about their experiences and worldviews.
What are some of the most autism-friendly destinations you’ve visited?
Since we live in Texas, trips to nearby Mexico have been part of my growing up. Mexico is very chill and great for people with sensory sensitivities, as you can just sit by the ocean, listen to the waves, and enjoy the peace. There is always music, food and drinks, and lots of fresh offerings prepared right before you, which I like. My sister and I went to Iceland together in 2023, and it was an incredible country with beautiful scenery. It was a nice and quiet place, not overstimulating, but more to look at and relax. I enjoyed the hot springs experience and seeing massive waterfalls.
In May of this year, I took a huge step and booked a young adult travel trip to the United Kingdom as a solo traveller. While the cities we visited were interesting, I mostly enjoyed my time in North Wales to the seaside town of Conwy and Snowdonia National Park, and then Galway, Ireland, and the incredible cliffs and countryside on the Aran islands which dare I say is more impressive than the cliffs of Moher and far less touristy, and that makes it easier for people with autism to avoid being overstimulated.
At least for me as an autistic, I think trips involving nature and being outdoors work because there are fewer crowds, noises, and overwhelming sights. While I love museums and seeing relics from the past, the British Museum in London was extremely crowded and hot, and I couldn’t fully enjoy the experience because of it.
Tips for autistic travellers to manage sensory sensitivities while travelling
Know what you are getting into first. Do your research. Is the place loud and noisy, or quiet and serene? Don’t leave anything to chance so you won’t encounter anything unexpected, get overwhelmed, and can prepare. I mentally knew that London would be quite crowded, but having a schedule that allowed for a balance of crowds and then quiet helped. For example, I liked being able to escape to Hyde Park in Westminster and St. James’s Park near Buckingham Palace to regulate myself and stay calm and content.
How do you prepare for a trip to ensure it will be as smooth and enjoyable as possible?
Mentally prepare; think about all the things you will do on the trip and accept that you won’t be able to sleep in your bed for a bit, but you will be back so there is no reason to worry. I sometimes run scenarios through my mind and then problem-solve any issues so I feel more confident. Also, try and book travel that is either non-stop or has a less likelihood of travel interruptions so you won’t have to change your plans or routine. I also add the locations of where I’m visiting on my weather app to my phone and start watching weather forecasts ahead of time so that I can pack appropriately; load Google Maps on my phone (which was great to have during my most recent trip); and know how to use Uber or public transport. I preferred Uber over subways or other mass transportation options due to crowds and was willing to spend a little more knowing I would be taken directly to my destination.
Types of accommodations you find welcoming
If you can, I recommend regular hotels instead of hostels, because the idea of sharing sleeping space with a lot of people in a small space, especially bathrooms, can be a problem. Make sure that if you are travelling with someone and rooming with them and aren’t a couple, the hotel has two separate beds with some space between them (which was an issue at one of the hotels I stayed at). Look for larger rooms as much as possible or ones with a quiet place where you can get away when rooming with someone. The Good Hotel London is a great example, as it had a nice rooftop seating area overlooking the water and it was peaceful.
Helpful travel tools
There are many essentials I would recommend for anyone with autism to include on a trip. I would have a backup charger and consider a portable charger as well when on the go when you plan to take lots of photos and videos, as you’ll also need your phone for maps or other information. I nearly ran out of battery a couple of times, and it became very stressful since I was in a strange city. I packed several travel-size hand sanitizer bottles to help me feel more confident of cleanliness at certain times. I would choose clothes with zipper pockets, especially pants, because it made me more confident that I could not have my wallet stolen or lost. I also recommend choosing layers of clothing and packing accordingly. Bring snacks on a long flight and in your suitcase so you’ll have something you like when you are unsure of local food. Bring a book to help you relax. Take earbuds or headphones, not only for the flight but for times you may just want to chill by listening to music or bring down any sensory overload. And consider bringing a weighted blanket for the trip. It’s great for a long flight and can bring a sense of calmness and familiarity when sleeping in a strange bed. Make sure you have the right type of adapters for the countries you are visiting. And, finally, having air tags that alert you that your luggage is on your plane or mode of transportation with you can be reassuring, as it’s one less thing to worry about.
What advice would you give to airlines and travel companies to improve their services for autistic travellers?
Make sure to have a nice quiet room or area so individuals with sensitivities and anxiety can decompress after a long day.
Have notifications of schedule changes that come directly and timely to travellers because change is stressful. If requested, allow individuals to board either first or last to help with sensory difficulties, and the anxiety that can come with trying to find seats in tight and crowded environments. Also, to be respectful and understanding if an autistic traveller seems to be anxious or even stims. Employees need to be educated about what stimming is and what it isn’t and how it can help us to regulate ourselves and find balance.
Autistics sometimes have problems with asking for help, and I learned a lesson this year the hard way to go to the reservations counter and ask for something (in my case it was catching an earlier flight rather than waiting hours and hours on my original flight that was delayed). Next time, I won’t hesitate.
Travel companies need to make sure they have carefully planned out their itineraries and make it available to travellers, along with having local guides who are available at any time and who provide their contact information in case they are needed. Nothing could be worse than having something happen, and not knowing who to contact or how to reach someone immediately on a trip.
How do you handle unexpected changes or disruptions in your travel plans?
No lie. This is stressful. I practice stoicism and mentally think about the scenarios and how it will be ok.
Know de-stress measures and how to handle anxiety. Understand your triggers and how to de-escalate them. Most importantly, have a safe person to check in with and have all emergency contacts on the phone with an extra copy printed out. Travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Having unanticipated changes to an itinerary can be upsetting but typically having someone who can walk a person through the change helps. I was lucky that my flights have typically been on time. However, I struggled with finding a gate in Ireland initially and was stressed until I was able to view updated information on a board at the airport.
What message would you like to share with other autistic individuals who might be hesitant about travelling?
You only have one life so don’t waste it on fear if travel is something you truly want to do. Start small, try a trip with a short turnaround time and a single destination, and see what you think. Consider travelling with a travel group (I chose EF Ultimate Break), which handles the details and is available as a resource. Using one has allowed me to experience travel without setting up all the details myself. The company is also responsible for ensuring all the accommodations and activities are scheduled properly. I don’t believe having a disability like autism or any other condition should stop you from doing what you want to do. Just prepare well and you can handle anything. Go ahead and leap outside of your comfort zone.
People with autism have extra challenges that make it harder to live life to the fullest, but with extra help and guidance, they can overcome difficulties and live the life they want and deserve, and nothing can stop them. I’m still figuring out what I want to accomplish with life, but travel is a positive experience and has changed my outlook.
My travels have allowed me to dangle my legs off the cliff in the Aran Islands of Ireland, scuba dive in the warm ocean in Mexico, and tour volcano tubes in Iceland. I’ve tried strange foods like bangers and mash, haggis, and octopus, and trust me, as a former very picky eater, experiencing the local favorites took me outside of my comfort zone for sure! I’m now working and saving money for my next big travel adventure in 2025: Japan!
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Connor’s website focusing on adults with autism myautismmind.com
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He welcomes emails. If you have any questions about travelling with a disability, autism or adulthood at connor@myautismmind.com