holidays/travel

How do autistic adults manage to go on holiday AND in general travel. I have lost all ability to get myself around even locally on buses and never had the skills to go through all the stages needed to find a holiday book it and then get there. I know there are some companies that offer respite holidays with carers to support disabled people BUT these tend to be at there own properties AND there are few if any that will collect from home and provide transport to and from a destination of your choosing. As well as support if needed.

I would like to go to Wales. Not a million miles away. But I can't seem to make it happen. And even if I could do all the booking stuff I would have to go by train and i dont think i would could cope with a 4 hour journey AND my dog certainly wouldn't !!

If I ever decide to pay over £125 a week for 10 hours assistance from a support worker I might be able to get them to drive me to Wales. Thing with that though. In order not to go over 10 hours They would need to drive back the day we arrived because its a 3 hour trip. The social care assessment I had which led to them allocating me 10 hours support a week for over £500 doesn't actually take into account many many problems I need help with. The care plan almost amounted to get PA to go for a walk with me take me to zoo and then spend 100 hours alone...repeat. For a lot of money. But thats social services for you. And thats why I have no support for many problems. Including this nagging need to travel !!!

Parents

Lee over 3 years ago

I travel as much as I can, all over the world. as it is my 'special interest', and pretty much the only thing that makes me truly happy.

In my case, I hate unpredictability,. I have to make lists, do lots of research and plan exactly what I will be doing every day - activities, where to eat/menus, transport timetables, and I book everything 6 orc12 months in advance to limit my anxiety.

I also struggle with socialising, so most often travel solo. Or join groups of individuals via organized tours - but then have to limit my 'socializing' to any organized lunches/dinners, I'm better when the group is doing an activity or sightseeing, and spend other time reading or watching film to avoid conversations.

If travel/specific places will make you happy, then maybe ocus on how it will make you feel to be there, and that will make the effort/worthwhile. I am pretty extreme in my need for planning and detail, but maybe the planning can reduce anxiety levels to a level where things become manageable.

Reply

Lee over 3 years ago

I travel as much as I can, all over the world. as it is my 'special interest', and pretty much the only thing that makes me truly happy.

In my case, I hate unpredictability,. I have to make lists, do lots of research and plan exactly what I will be doing every day - activities, where to eat/menus, transport timetables, and I book everything 6 orc12 months in advance to limit my anxiety.

I also struggle with socialising, so most often travel solo. Or join groups of individuals via organized tours - but then have to limit my 'socializing' to any organized lunches/dinners, I'm better when the group is doing an activity or sightseeing, and spend other time reading or watching film to avoid conversations.

If travel/specific places will make you happy, then maybe ocus on how it will make you feel to be there, and that will make the effort/worthwhile. I am pretty extreme in my need for planning and detail, but maybe the planning can reduce anxiety levels to a level where things become manageable.

Children

Autonomistic over 3 years ago in reply to Lee

Travel is one of my special interests too but it is something I don't do nearly as much I as I would like, particularly since the pandemic. Like you I research and plan everything in great detail to try to manage my anxiety.

When I do travel solo I tend to prefer the security of package holidays and cruises, then just go off exploring on my own when I get there. The news reports about the ongoing chaos at ports and airports are putting me off booking anything currently. I don't cope well at all when things don't go to plan. The idea of going into complete meltdown or shutdown when I am travelling alone is scary.

I have thought about joining organized groups as a solo traveller but the websites seem to assume that everyone joining wants the company of other travellers. I just want the security of having a tour leader to take over when something does not go to plan. Do you have any recommendations for which of the organized tour group companies you find best?

I can tolerate being with a group if the activity is focussed on sightseeing and just listening to the guide. However eating with others is something I hate and try and avoid.