Published on 12, July, 2020
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 !!!
Have you considered a fully escorted coach trip? Very low stress - all you need to do is get to the pick-up point and then just sit back and be told what to do and where to be to be taken everywhere by coach.
We're looking at a Lochs & Glens trip to Scotland next year - it's really cheap, breakfast & evening meal included so you just need a snack a lunchtime and they take you on all the excursions. It's aimed at 'mature' travellers but I'm looking forward to not having to worry about driving all that distance, worrying about getting there or getting lost, not having to get myself to any of the excursion destinations, no worrying about parking or traffic - perfect.
Once you get the confidence managing small trips, then you can venture a bit further.
Hi, no this isn't something I've considered, but thanks for the idea. it does sound interesting. The main problem with a coach trip is my dog wouldn't be able to come and I have nobody to look after her. And she would hate being left in a shelter or kennel.
I have found a place I want to go to in Wales that allows pets. I stayed there a long time ago when I had a friend with a car. Its a lovely peaceful cottage on 350 acres of land with horses on the doorstep. I can't recommend it enough. Now I just need to figure out how to get there lol. There must be a "man with a van" or rather man with a car for hire !! or a travel companion website with someone looking to go my direction. Using the latter would worry me though. I mean strangers can be good n all...but !!!
Probably expensive but what you're describing sounds like a pre-booked taxi service.