The right travel gear for families with disabilities can transform a trip from stressful to smooth, making every trip accessible and enjoyable. Let’s be real, families navigating disabilities face unique challenges—from sensory concerns and mobility needs to finding accessible destinations. The key is preparation and equipping yourself with tools custom to your needs.
There’s really no list of the best travel gear for families with disabilities that will apply to everyone, since needs vary so drastically by disability. Instead, I want to share a list of things that we’ve found extremely helpful for our needs, and then share some of the incredible things that are available and may make all the difference in your family traveling safely and stress-free. I imagine these are helpful for anyone traveling with a disability, but my expertise is a mom traveling with kids with disabilities.
This article is brought to you in collaboration with Gonex – improving the quality of travel for all.
9 Essential Items for Traveling with a Disability
1. Packable Backpack
We pack a lot of disposable medical equipment. Instead of coming home with empty suitcases, try a packable backpack. Once it’s empty, it folds up super small so you can throw it into another suitcase. These can even be your carry-on so that your trip home is hands-free. Includes an extra waterproof bag for keeping any soiled clothes separate.
2. Compression Packing Cubes
I don’t know why I took so long to jump on this bandwagon. Compression packing cubes save A LOT of space, and keep things organized.
3. Wheelchair Backpack
This is the one bag that is always with us and no one has to carry. Our wheelchair backpack stays on the chair at all times and carries our daily necessities like catheters, diapers, snacks, and water.
4. Duct Tape
I cannot tell you the number of times we’ve patched braces, crutches, or the wheelchair. Duct tape really does fix just about everything and it adds a certain level of security to any trip.
5. Double Sided Velcro
This may not apply to everyone, but we have things that need to be held or hung (i.e. feeding tube for enemas). With a strip of double sided velcro, you can hang things from a shower rod, coat hook, or whatever you’ve got. It’s also helped with quick orthotic fixes when we tear a strap.
6. First Aid and Tool Kit
I was never great about this before we got our First Aid Pro kit. It has everything you could need in any minor medical emergency, along with tools for quick equipment fixes. We add children’s Tylenol to any first-aid kit.
7. Travel Scissors
These may be accounted for in your first aid and tool kit, but there are countless times we need a clean pair of scissors for medical tape, catheter plugs, or something we need to jerry rig to work in the moment. Keep in mind they need to meet size requirements to pass through TSA.
8. Lysol Wipes
Sometimes we make messes that shouldn’t be anyone else’s responsibility to clean. Alternatively, sometimes we need a clean space to change and it’s nice to be able to make one. We use travel size Lysol wipes for both.
9. Location of the Closest Children’s Hospital
Hopefully your trip goes without incident, but it’s always wise to be prepared. The best way to do this is to ask your favorite specialist at home who they recommend in your destination. Domestically, the healthcare network is connected enough that your doctor can tell you who will take the best care of you and who to avoid.
Special Needs Travel Innovations
Not all of these are things we need, but they all make a huge difference for the families who do need them. Travel is becoming more and more inclusive, if you know what you need.
Best Travel Gear for Families with Special Needs
GPS SmartSole
There are actually loads of GPS tracker options for elopers. The GPS SmartSole is a little extra cool because you can track your child’s location in real-time through a discreet insole in their shoe. This device is particularly beneficial for children with autism or cognitive impairments who may wander. The SmartSole allows parents to monitor their child’s whereabouts through a mobile app, ensuring safety without intruding on their independence. AngelSense is another popular one, and there are several different brands of watches that include tracking.
The Safety Sleeper®
Sleep safety is no longer an issue that can keep you home. There are a few different brands/options for safety travel beds with quite a range of prices and safety features. The Safety Sleeper® is a fully enclosed bed system that provides a secure and comfortable space for your child to sleep. It’s easy to set up and transport, making it ideal for vacations or overnight stays. The tent-feel of these portable systems adds to the vacation fun.
Sunflower Lanyard
If you’re flying, and even across some destinations, a hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard indicates to the people around you that you have additional needs that may not be visible. These go a long way in communicating a need for extra time, space, understanding, or communication.
Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are small but mighty tools for managing anxiety and sensory overload during travel. It’s likely you already know your kid’s favorite, but don’t forget to pack it. These toys can keep children engaged and calm in stressful situations such as long flights or busy airports.
Essential Packing Tips for Special Needs Travel
We’ve gone over the most helpful gear for traveling with a disability, but packing is always overwhelming to me, so I want to share just a few more essential tips.
Medical Equipment
Focus on packing the medical equipment you use daily. Create a checklist as you go through your daily routines, then make sure everything you used makes it into your bag. Don’t forget – these things fly free. I’ve forgotten everything from toothpaste to pants, but those things are trivial and can be bought on the go. What really matters is the medical equipment that you can’t grab at Target.
Medications
Always carry more medication than you think you’ll need. It’s wise to pack at least a week’s extra supply in case of delays. Keep medications in their original bottles with labels, and store them in your carry-on for easy access.
Check with your insurance company about refill policies before you leave. Some companies only allow refills every 30 or 90 days, so plan ahead to avoid running out. If you use a chain, you can often move your refill to another location. For example, we use CVS at our vacation destination to avoid any insurance refill limitations.
Comfort Items
Comfort items may seem like a waste of space, but they can be a lifeline for kids with sensory or behavioral health needs during travel. Bring along favorite toys, fidget devices, or blankets that provide a sense of security.
Don’t forget to include social stories or visual schedules if they help your child manage transitions and new experiences.
Realistic Expectations
Traveling with special needs means setting realistic expectations. It’s important to plan your itinerary with flexibility in mind. Know your child’s limits and schedule downtime to avoid burnout.
For instance, if your child can’t handle long car rides, break the journey into shorter segments. This might mean a shorter stay at your destination, but a happier, more relaxed experience is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling with a child with a Disability:
How do you fly with a special needs child?
- Utilize TSA Cares: Call in advance with any questions or concerns.
- Pack Everything You Need: If it’s medically necessary, it flies free.
- Practice: Practicing with your child before the flight can ease anxiety. For example, have them wear headphones at home or watch videos about flying to familiarize them with the experience. Some airlines even offer practice flights.
- Read more on flying with a child with a disability here.
What are the best travel gear options for families with special needs?
- Packable Backpack: Pack everything you need without worrying about managing empty bags as you work through disposable medical supplies
- Compression Packing Cubes: Save space so you’re able to keep your hands free.
- First-Aid and Tool Kit: Always have the basics for repairs for both humans and gear.
- Lysol Wipes: A little boost traveling with kids who are immunocompromised, or who make medical messes.
How can I ensure my child’s safety during travel?
- The Safety Sleeper®: This fully enclosed bed system provides a safe sleeping environment, whether you’re in a hotel or visiting family. It’s portable and easy to set up, giving you peace of mind that your child is secure at night. Explore The Safety Sleeper® here.
- Calming Strategies: Bring along familiar items like fidget toys or weighted blankets to help soothe your child during travel. These can be particularly helpful during stressful moments, like take-off or security checks.
- Stay Informed: Discuss any concerns with your doctor before you go. Consider a child-tracker for kids who wander. Know where you’ll go for medical care in case of an emergency.
Let’s Go!
Now that you have everything you need for a successful trip, it’s time to get going! Explore our accessible trips map and find your next accessible family vacation!