Traveling With Autism

I have been an Autism Certified Travel Professional with the International Board of Credentialing and continuing education centers (IBCCES) since November of 2018. I continue my education yearly and always make sure my membership is up to date.

Autism is very near and dear to my heart as my son Caleb is on the Spectrum. I wanted to take this course and get certified to help not only myself learn more about places that accommodate kids on the Spectrum but to be able to assist other families to be able to travel as well and feel confident in the destination and place they choose.

Below you will find some helpful travel tips and some great Certified Autism Centers. I have been to a few of the destinations and resorts myself and they are just outstanding! I would love to be able to share my experiences with you and help your family on their next vacation.

If you have never used a travel agent before; please know there are NO fees for my services! I love to help families plan fantastic vacations and create lasting memories. Travel agents get paid from the vendors themselves for selling their property; so whether you book online or through me you will be getting the same prices. But by using a Travel Agent you have someone you can ask questions to rather than waiting on hold and talking to someone different every time. You save time on researching as I have first hand knowledge of the destinations and resorts and have been through extensive training as well. I personally like to get to know my clients and build lasting relationships with vs online where you are just a number. I want my clients to come back to my time and time again and tell their friends. I am excited to help you get started on your next vacation. Please visit my Vacation Planner Page or send me an email at amarktravel@gmail.com.

Helpful Links

Travel Tips

– Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Pre Travel Preparation Services
Autistic Travelers Acclimation sessions for anyone diagnosed with Autism who will be traveling in the near future are available. This will help familiarize the individual with the surroundings of the airport and will serve as an introduction to the security and boarding process prior to your trip. A walk through can be arranged through customer service and TSA. Please call (716) 630-6072 for more information.
– Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Click here for updated information & dates program is offered

ROC Your Flight allows travelers with special needs the opportunity to experience first-hand the Airport and the passenger security screening process prior to flying from ROC. Passengers, their family and caregivers can benefit from ROC Your Flight by learning in advance what services are available to them when they travel. This early introduction to the airport process is intended to help ease any apprehensions those with special needs and their families may have about traveling by air.

The program is held on a Saturday evening and participants are given an introduction to the program, undergo passenger security screening in the checkpoint and are able to board a commercial aircraft. This program gives participants an opportunity to become familiar and confident in their new air travel experience.

For more information, or to sign up for a course date listed below, contact the Arc of Monroe at (585) 672-2222 or email mfico@arcmonroe.org.

Additional Travel Tips Can Be Found at: https://autismtravel.com/category/tips/

Beaches Resorts® – Turks and Caicos

Dive into a one-of-a-kind, unbelievably exciting all-inclusive Turks & Caicos vacation for the whole family.

A 45,000 square-foot safe and secure waterpark; four magnificent villages with special sensory accommodations, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France, the Caribbean and Key West and a 12-mile beach lapped by comforting clear turquoise waters; endless fun activities and sensory friendly excursions for everyone, from tots to tweens and teens.

This resort features Sesame Street characters including “Julia”, the newest addition to the team who has Autism, the new Xbox Play Lounge and a sizzlin’ teen disco, Liquid at Beaches – all located on one of the worlds best beaches. Special sensory friendly areas will be designated in the resort for children and families needing a little retreat from the excitement. Staff at this resort has been nationally certified by IBCCES standards in autism training.

Beaches Resorts® – Negril, Jamaica

Get ready to embrace the laid-back spirit at this low-rise resort perched along Jamaica’s famed Seven Mile Beach. From the moment you enter the open-air lobby you’ll be caught up by fresh ocean breezes and the vibrant colors of the West Indies.

Bringing the outside in, this all-inclusive resort and spa in Negril, Jamaica is always open to the breathtaking beauty of the tropics. The vibe here is totally carefree and about spending time with those you love. The feeling of safety and security here is second to none. Certified trained staff in many areas including Autism will give you that piece of mind throughout your entire stay! Special sensory friendly areas will be designated in the resort for children and families needing a little retreat from the excitement.

Beaches Resorts® – Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Voted among the Top 10 Best Beach Resorts by Parents magazine. Twenty-two acres of lush tropical gardens, a gorgeous private white-sand beach, 6 gourmet restaurants featuring a wide variety of food options, 3 fantastic safe and secure swimming pools, a dedicated scuba practice pool and an entire ocean of watersports are just a few of the places and things to explore.

Plus, only at Beaches Ocho Rios, families can meet Oscar, the resident Grouch from Sesame Street®, and participate in the From Trash to Treasure activity and join in at Oscar’s Sing-A-Long pre-show… all part of the Beaches Resorts’ Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®. With the arrival of “Julia” the newest member of the characters who has Autism, every child and family is sure to feel welcomed and enjoy their stay! Staff at this resort has been nationally Certified by IBCCES standards in autism training.

Sesame Place

NEW IN SPRING 2018 at Sesame Place® in Philadelphia, PA is our biggest, most exciting roller coaster ever – Oscar’s Wacky Taxi™! Our new wooden-steel hybrid roller coaster will take pint-sized thrill-seekers and their families on a crazy, curvy taxi cab ride, with everyone’s favorite grouch at the helm.

So before little kids become big kids, go before they grow® to the nation’s only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street®.

For more information, visit www.sesameplace.com.