Road trips can be stressful and Integrity Destinations can help by making hotel reservations & plan for attractions on the way. Also, here are several tips/tricks for the road trips that can be used during this Holiday Season.
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:
*Being able to bring medical equipment or comforting items from home
*Freedom to make as many stops as necessary & to customize your itinerary (let Integrity Destinations help)
*Being up close & personal with your family for long periods of time for bonding
*Changing your daily routine & exploring new environments to learn new life skills
*Developing emotional regulation
*Stimulating speech & language development with constantly changing scenery
Car Safety:
*Install child seats correctly
*Consider using covers for buckles & switches.
*Be sure to turn on child locks for doors & windows.
*Limit the number of distractions by your child. Such as removing items they can throw into the front seat and/or out the windows. You or someone else may consider sitting in the back seat with the child while another drives.
*Trip Ready Car-Be sure to be updated on your oil change. Check tire treads & air pressure. Have brakes & fluids checked.
*Emergency Kit-Include first aid kit, extra water, blankets, batteries, & flash lights.
Food:
*Pack a cooler. There are now refrigerated coolers that plug into the cigarette lighters.
*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 or let Integrity Destinations help you rent the correct equipment for any hotel stay and/or attractions along the way. CPAP, weighted blankets, right wheelchair for terrain etc...
*Let Integrity Destinations know about your needs so we can research what the hotels and/or attractions provide.
*Paperwork: Bring 1 page medical history, list of all medicines, physicians letter (include contact information), bracelets for wanderers, & insurance cards/plan. (consider travel insurance as well)
Prepare your Child:
*Write a social story for your child and/or visuals
*It may be wise (according to my mother) to separate children if possible & allow them to change places after each stop.
*Make regular stops every 2-4 hours for potty breaks & exercise.
In Case of Emergencies:
*Please contact travel advisor for assistance with any necessary changes and/or needs.
*Integrity Destinations can map out addresses of medical facilities/hospitals
*Bring extra cash in case of break downs for & hotel stays if needed.
Pets: dog/cat bed, crates, leash, harnesses, food, water, bowls, favorite toys, towels, poop towels, seat cover/barriers. Integrity can do the research for pet friendly hotels. Consider using pet seatbelts and/or pet car seats.
For more, visit Integrity Destinations at: https://www.integritydestinations.com/