Summer is the perfect time for families to hit the road, explore unfamiliar places, and create lasting memories. When one or more family members have a disability, thoughtful planning makes all the difference- turning potential stress into joy and connection. Whether you are road tripping to a National Park or planning a beach getaway, the focus should be on accessibility, preparedness, and staying present in the moment. Below are a few essential travel tips for families:
National Park Access Pass: One of the best resources for families is the America the Beautiful Access Pass. People with disabilities are entitled to a free, lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass to visit over 2,000 Federal recreation sites across the country. Those include National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, and other federal recreation lands. To obtain a pass, you must provide documentation that you have a permanent disability.
The application needs to be filled out and mailed with a $10.00 processing fee. Alternatively, you can visit any federal recreation site in person with proof of a disability and residency, in which case you can skip paying the fee and filling out the form. The Access Pass can also be purchased online with a $12.50 fee through www.store.usgs.gov/access-pass.
Once the application has been processed, you will receive a physical card that can be used for park admission. This pass extends the same privilege to anyone in the vehicle with a pass holder. If one person in your family qualifies, the entire family can visit a park for free with that person’s pass.
Focus on the Whole Family: Traveling with multiple children means balancing everyone’s needs- not just the individual with a disability. Make sure to incorporate scheduled downtime so parents and children do not burn out after the first few hours. Alternate high energy activities with calm one and consider dividing the tasks where one parent handles logistics while another focuses on engagement.
Prepare but Stay Flexible: Pack a “go bag” with medications, adaptive equipment, comfort items, snacks, and emergency contacts. Create simple social stories or visual schedules for children to understand the itinerary and make sure to build in some extra time for transitions. Airplane rides, car rides, and even rest stops often take longer than expected. If flying, navigating airport security can be a stressful experience. Reach out to TSA Cares https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares for a smoother, less overwhelming security screening experience and TSA PreCheck, which gives families access to dedicated, faster security lines.
Do Your Due Diligence: Take time to thoroughly vet your destination and its proximity to activities everyone in the family will enjoy. If the destination advertises a pool or spa, confirm they are fully operational before booking. These unanticipated closures can quickly derail plans and add unnecessary anxiety for our loved ones- especially those who thrive on predictable routines.
Prioritize Expectations: Manage the trip by prioritizing activities. Consider allowing each child to set the tone for a portion of the day or take the lead in planning their chosen activity. This gives them a sense of ownership and control, which can reduce resistance, arguments, and meltdowns. Pair this with honest conversations ahead of time about your vacation budget and spending, and time management so expectations stay realistic.
We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer! Please reach out to any member of the Oak Wealth Advisors Team if you have any questions.
