ALTHOUGH the school holidays started last month, the travelling period will be at its busiest around now as we approach the end of year public holidays and festivities.
Preparation for travel is always a time-consuming effort, regardless of whether it’s just a short drive back to the kampung or a long flight overseas. While exciting, it’s also worrying as you consider all the issues, including safety.
When you’re travelling with a loved one with special needs, there is additional pressure. Many things need to be considered — destination, wheelchair access, airline details, car rental, hotels, medication, doctors’ letters, insurance and what to pack.
You can’t take anything for granted and assume that all facilities cater to those with special needs. Many airlines and countries may now be more accessible to those with disabilities these days but it’s always good to check.
The Internet and email have made it easy for us, failing which there’s always the phone.
When booking airline tickets, ensure you pick seats close to the front, especially if you need to use the wheelchair. Aisle seats are always the best.
I normally contact the airline and make a reservation to use their wheelchair at both airports for departure and arrival. We check in our wheelchair into cargo and retrieve it with the rest of our luggage later.
Using the airport wheelchair has several advantages. An attendant will wheel you right to your seat on the airplane. You also get to whizz by immigration.
The downside is that you won’t have time to shop at the airport unless you arrive early enough, and if your attendant is obliging enough.
TRAVELLING TIPS
In the years that I’ve travelled with the children, I have learnt through trial and error.
For instance, always try out new medication before the trip to see how it affects your child.
While most children may feel drowsy from certain medications, some may actually become more active.
Remember to always pack all medication in your hand-carry luggage. Do not check them in with the main luggage in case your bags get lost or are delayed.
Be mindful of how much fluid medication you carry with you. You may need to split them into several 100ml bottles.
Also ensure that you have your doctor’s prescription and letters to support why you have to carry certain medication, syringes and needles with you. This also helps in case you need extra prescription at your holiday destination.
It’s always a good idea to carry two sets of clothes (and disposable diapers) per child. Vomitting and diarrhoea go hand-in-hand. When that happens, you need to contain and manage the disaster as efficiently as you can. Wet wipes, tissue paper, hand sanitisers and plastic bags are standard items you can’t do without.
It also helps to bring something they love from home, like a small pillow, blanket or toy so that they can settle down faster.
You may want to bring their favourite snacks too in case what’s served is not to their liking. Yes, you do tend to pack a bit more things when you travel with children, especially those with special needs but it’s definitely worth the effort.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
My son used to get easily distressed by loud noises or sounds of other children shrieking or crying.
So I’d usually have noise-cancelling headphones to help drown out those noises and play his favourite music and soothing sounds. I tried earphones or ear buds at first, but those didn’t work so well because they fell out easily.
An important point to remember when going on such holidays is to anticipate inconveniences. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to prepare your children and tell them about the trip. However, sometimes it works against you as they may get so excited about the trip that they start their countdown way ahead, driving you round the bend.
It would also be good to stick to some of your at-home routines as much as possible. My son is such a stickler for routines that we’d keep his meals and bedtimes to his timing whenever we could.
I’ve discovered that when we travelled as a family, moving at the children’s pace rather than ours ensures that they too can enjoy the trip.
Most importantly, it’s about how the entire family can enjoy the time together without being too stressed out. Take a deep breath and just go.
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas!