This week's travel news brings you exciting news about The Palm Beaches in Florida and updates on Attraction Assistant Passes from the Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood Resort. If you are finding you need help planning and booking your next vacation head on over to my website www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com to get started planning. Links to articles talked about in the show: The Palm Beaches becomes and Autism Certified Destination - https://autismtravel.com/2023/06/27/discover-the-palm-beaches/ How Florida can be a perfect Autism-Friendly vacation - https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/let-me-show-you-how-florida-can-be-a-perfect-destination-for-an-autism-friendly-vacation Meow Wolf has completed a company-wide accreditation to enhance the guest experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors - https://autismtravel.com/2023/06/08/meowwolf/ Is Meow Wolf Autism-Friendly? - https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/is-meow-wolf-autism-friendly Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood changes it's Attraction Assistance Pass - https://attractionsmagazine.com/a-new-disability-pass-rolled-out-today-at-universal-parks/Autism-Friendly Universal Studios - https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/autism-friendly-universal-studios

Welcome back to the Autism Travel Podcast. I'm taking a shift with things and rather than speaking about very specifically how I can help you travel I want to inspire you to travel with your autistic child by sharing all the emerging autism travel news! There is a lot! I'll try to keep the episodes under 10 mins so you get the news you need. All the articles that I reference are in the show notes if you want to read further. Of course, I will continue to talk about how I can help you travel and to inspire you to travel over on my: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lilyandmagnoliatravel/ If you are ready to plan your next family vacation and find you need support with planning and booking it I'm here for you! Head on over to www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/plan-your-trip to get started. Dubai Announces Initiative to Become First Certified Autism Destination. https://autismtravel.com/2022/12/15/dubai/ Tips for an Autism-Friendly Vacation in Dubai. https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/tips-for-an-autism-friendly-vacation-in-dubai Dubai’s Atlantis Aquaventure becomes the first waterpark in the Middle East to earn the IBCCES Certified Autism Center. https://autismtravel.com/2023/03/28/aquaventure/ Plan an Autism-Friendly Vacation at Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi. https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/plan-an-autism-friendly-vacation-at-warner-bros-world-in-abu-dhabi LEGOLAND Resorts that all of its US based parks, LEGOLAND® California, LEGOLAND® Florida, and LEGOLAND will become Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC) by spring 2023. https://autismtravel.com/2023/02/06/legolandus/ My trip to LEGOLAND Florida https://www.instagram.com/p/ClqoTJ9jCWp/ Mariott Winterhaven https://www.instagram.com/p/ClgTzf_jFDg/ LEGOLAND Disability Pass https://www.instagram.com/p/ClyXBscjrXa/ The Great Wolf Lodge Announces Partnership with IBCCES Leading the Pack For Accessibility and Inclusion at Indoor Water Park Resorts. https://autismtravel.com/2023/04/26/greatwolflodge/

This episode I wanted to give you some inspiration from an adult on the autism spectrum that travels the world. My guest is Shalese runs her Instagram account and details how she travels the world and pays attention to her own personal cues. What I loved the most about this interview was that Shalese is unapologetically living her life and traveling the world. She has figured out how to the travel the world and with support so can you!   Shalese Nicole Heard (Autistic Travel Goddess) holds a dual Master's degree: Public Health and Business Administration. She is a content creator, and author with a passion for Autism Advocacy, and Travel. She set out to create the Autistic Travel Goddess platform to showcase traveling from an autism-friendly perspective, with the goal of empowering other Autistic people to see the world. She is currently writing books about travel, and general life as an adult with Autism. Shalese recently self published a book of quotes and musings about what she's learned traveling with Autism. Outside of travel and raising autism awareness, she enjoys fashion, reading and water sports. Connect with Shalese on:   Facebook.com/autistictravelgoddess Youtube.com/autistictravelgoddesssnh Instagram.com/autistictravelgoddess Do you need help planning and booking a vacation but you don't know where to start? Head on over to my website and reach out to me and allow me to be your travel advisor and help your family book and plan an unforgettable vacation that meets everyone's needs!  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Are you itching to get out of your house but worried about support while you are traveling with your autistic loved one?  Don't worry!  I've got your covered with my free guide of what questions to ask when planning a vacation with your loved one.  Head here to get the guide!  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fd57bea486a67bf127d15b0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've talked about how you can travel, why you can travel and where you can travel.  This week on the podcast we are talking about now that you've decided to travel, how outside of myself, that you can get some support while you are traveling.  Of course, you leave the planning of the trip and the booking of the trip up to me and we work together to make this trip happen with as little stress as possible.  But now imagine you are at your destination but we've already talked about this unique service I have partnered with.  You are finding you want a break from your caregiving duties and you need just some help.  I have the perfect service that we can add to your trip which is hiring a traveling respite care provider.  This can be added to your trip package to make it easy to keep your payment in one fee but this service might surprise you at how helpful it can be!   A little bit about the service - Fly along or travel companions for the elderly, families & persons with and without disabilities. Breakrelief Sitters provides you a break from your caregiving duties while on vacation.   Need help planning your next family vacation head here! ----> www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Find more about Breakrelief Sitters on Instagram.   Need help asking questions about what to look for in an autism-friendly property. Check out my free guide here!  ---->  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fd57bea486a67bf127d15b0  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autism and Water

Vacation or Epic MOVE! Should you travel with a child no matter what age with autism?  Kids with autism thrive on set schedules, and vacations in new places far from home compounded with the stress of flying, strangers, new smells, new sounds can cause discomfort and disrupt routines.  What is the point when your child is so used to their daily life?  Why bother to stress them out with the packing and social stories to set them up for the vacation?  Often it feels like a military move with they have to adjust to the new place and you run the risk of a child that is well adjusted at home exploding in a meltdown due to the heat of Florida.   What is the point?   Do you need help finding an autism-friendly resort?  Check out my free guide to helping you ask the right questions when looking for a resort for your family!  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fd57bea486a67bf127d15b0 After you've read this guide do you need help planning a trip with your family?  Check out my website and fill out my form to get started working with me as your travel advisor to start planning a family vacation.  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contactSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning vacations of any kind involve a lot of research. After all, your goal is to go on vacation your whole family will love! However, the hours upon hours of emails, phone calls, and looking up just one more thing is enough to make you want to skip the vacation planning period!​Of course, once you think of all the autistic meltdowns, toddler temper tantrums, juggling luggage, and maneuvering around new destinations, the appeal to take a vacation is even less. ​I hear you! ​When my oldest son was diagnosed with autism, I thought our days of travel were long gone! I didn’t know how he would react in new places or the sensory overload. But all that changed one day when my son came home and asked me to plan a trip to the National Mall in Washington DC. Need help planning a trip?  Head here to find out more about how I can help your family plan an unforgettable trip considering and meeting everyone's needs!  ----> www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact   Grab my guide "Top 5 Things an Autism Friendly Property Offers You" and get the answer to the questions I ask when looking for autism-friendly resorts for clients!  Find it here!   Check out my blog post and podcast episode all about Visit Mesa, the World's First Autism Certified City! This next episode is all about Myrtle Beach, SC's parks and recs department becoming an Autism Certified Center! Learn how I work with you as your travel advisor! Learn about TSA Cares and other programs out there that help you prepare your loved one for traveling!  You can also learn more about this program here and the Sunflower Lanyard program!      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is the last day of The Special Needs Travel Podcast. ⁣⁣However, it's not the last day of my podcast. I'm moving away from the Special Needs Travel podcast to come to terms with my ignorance with ableism and to better represent WHO I serve. ⁣⁣As much as I want to help those with other disabilities I know there are other accessible travel advocates that do a better job at who they serve, unless you really want to work with me I won't turn you away, but I know that I need to speak more loudly and more clearly to families with autism. ⁣⁣As such I'm not pivoting, I'm simply clearly defining what my podcast will be about. To learn more about my mission and who I serve and what I will do from here on out listen to the episode! ⁣⁣ What topics do you want to heat about related to autism travel? Sponsorship opportunities - www.lilyandmagnoaliatravel.com/podcast Work with me -  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Find out more about my business - www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com Find me on IG - www.instagram.com/lilyandmagnoliatravelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a huge focus on accessible travel in the travel industry, what has been your experience with traveling?  For Jamie Santillo my guest today on the podcast it's been very successful. She has always loved to travel. Now owning her own special needs certified travel agency, she wants to help others with disabilities realize that there is a great big beautiful world out there that is very accessible to them. She also believes it is so important, especially now with the pandemic that people utilize a travel professional, like Jamie and I, to ensure they are up to date on all the travel changes. Jamie shares her amazing story on the podcast today and I'm so excited to keep teasing you with my big announcement next week on the podcast!  Subscribe and tune in!   Read the full transcript here!  https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/accessible-travel-with-jamie Links : linktr.ee/adventuresbyjamie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie McIntosh is a travel blogger who creates practical travel guides to help other people with chronic illnesses gain the confidence to travel the world. In this episode, we talk about how you can use different strategies to help you travel with success with Endo!  LINKS: Website: https://thekatieshowblog.com Book: https://amzn.to/32suiCq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieshowblog/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’m talking about an Autism Certified Center.  The city of Myrtle Beach Parks and Rec, I know I’ve alluded to it in my Visit Mesa - The world first Autism Certified City, after this episode, take a few moments to go listen to that episode and when you hear both and you feel so inspired visit my website www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact to start planning your domestic vacation with me to these two amazing cities that have YOU in mind.  I’m really so thankful that places like this are getting on board and becoming more and more aware of all different types of travelers because travel is forever changing and for everyone no matter their ability.  This is for sure taking a step in the right direction but I do feel that the travel and tourism industry as a whole need to do more than simply autism awareness and training.  While, yes there are more places becoming away and are taking steps to do better, I feel like there is a need for them to actually talk to someone who is actually autistic and a family with a loved one with autism to know specifically what they can do to help these families from someone that is actually living this day to day!   ***Edit I said City .  Please note that  Mrytle Beach's Parks and Rec department is what is actually the certified center.*** Need help planning a trip for your family with autism?  Let me help you!  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenn Llyod of Sick Girl Travels on my podcast today.  I personally don’t have any experience with traveling with a chronic illness and I have been wanting to learn more about this topic.  Especially because I might encounter a client that has a chronic illness I may need to consider just like I have to consider my own diet when traveling with Pre-diabetes or the heat at certain destinations when I work with a client with Type 1 Diabetes.  Jenn is full of so much information and I’m honored and humbled that she took the time to be a guest speaker on this episode. www.sickgirltravels.com https://www.instagram.com/sickgirltravels/ https://twitter.com/SickGirlTravels https://www.facebook.com/sickgirltravels/ https://www.pinterest.com/cellulloyd/_saved/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Prematurity Day was created on November 17, 2011, to raise awareness for the millions of children every year who are born prematurely. While technologies and medical procedures in America have increased over the years, preterm babies still carry a huge vulnerability to develop cerebral palsy, delays in development, hearing problems, and sight problems. Additionally, while neonatal death in the United States is low in comparison to most of the world, premature births account for a quarter of all neonatal deaths. That’s part of the many reasons why World Prematurity Day was created – to shine a light on the risk and hardships created by premature births, cost-effective and proven solutions, and spreading compassion for families who have experienced premature births. I talk with Sarah Marshall of TravelAble Vacations about her experience with a premature infant and how it affected her travels.  I also share my experience as a mother of a preemie.  Find More about World Prematurity Day over at my Blog: https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/world-prematurity-day Sarah Marshall is the founder of TravelAble, a full-service travel, and disability advocacy agency with amission to make the world accessible for families and individuals with disabilities. In 2009, her journey was redefined by the very premature birth of her son while stationed in the Middleeast. This experience, and the subsequent navigation through medical and cognitive diagnoses andchallenges, taught her and her family first-hand the trials and tribulations of traveling while caring fortheir son. From that first adventure, her family never stopped exploring the world. And after many tripswhere tears turned to smiles, she set out on a mission to give every family, regardless of need, a chanceto experience this kind of transformation through custom-designed extraordinary vacations! She is also a sought-after speaker on autism adventure, presenting around the country on her secrets totravel success. In 2020, she will be presenting in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix at the Abilities Expo,a national disability resource expo. She also gives pro bono presentations to societies, therapy centers,parent universities, and other community gatherings, and has a partnership with the ALS Association ofWI, IL, and the Autism Hero Project. She currently holds specialization as a Certified Autism Travel Professional (IBCCES) and CertifiedAccessible Travel Advocate (SNG). She is also a proud member of the American Society of Travel Agents(ASTA) and the Family Travel Association (FTA). She holds numerous certifications in disability-friendlydestinations and cruise lines. To learn more and book a complimentary call, visit her website athttps://www.travelablevacations.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm so thrilled and honored to have LaShawn Wiltz back on the podcast.  If you remember previously she talked about her experience with going gluten-free at Disney and now she shares about her experience about traveling gluten-free and with food allergies with her son Pookah.  I found this so informative and filled with so many tips and tricks to help you figure to how best to meet your needs while traveling gluten-free. LaShawn Wiltz, the creator of Everyday Eyecandy where she blogs about motherhood, her life, her passion for capturing everyday moments through photography, and trying to find her version of balance through it all. She was the 2017 Mom 2.0 Summit IRIS Award winner for Best Instagram, 2018 for Best Photography, and 2019 for Best Sponsored Content. LaShawn is also VERY  passionate about helping everyone live their best Instagram life.  Based in Atlanta, GA, you can find LaShawn on Instagram, capturing the beauty in life’s everyday moments, documenting her days as a wife and mom with half-finished coffee in one hand and her camera in the other. Social Media Links: Social media: Instagram: @lashawnwiltzTwitter: @lashawnwiltzFacebook: @everydayeyecandybloghttps://www.findmeglutenfree.com/ -  A app to help you find gluten-free options around you.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TSA Cares is for travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance.  ⁣Members of the Wounded Warrior Program may also participate in this program. How this program works, you'll call the TSA Cares hotline at least 72 hours before your flight.  During this phone call, you'll relay your flight information for arrival and departure as well as what needs will need to be considered during security screening. ⁣ Please know that this is not a skip screening this simply provides help to get through security with less stress. ⁣ To ensure your security and safety, all travelers are required to undergo screening at the checkpoint. You or your traveling companion may consult the TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. You can obtain the notification card from the TSA website. Links: Email TSA Cares - TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov(855) 787-2227https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdfhttps://thearc.org/our-initiatives/travel/https://www.flymyrtlebeach.com/airport-services/quiet-room/https://www.shannonairport.ie/passengers/at-the-airport/flying-out/passenger-assistance/autism-special-needs/https://www.atl.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The travel and tourism industry focuses a lot on the caregivers of small children with autism and children with autism but we often forget that those small children someday turn into adults with autism.  We have to remember that autism doesn't disappear once the child with autism matures into an adult with autism.   More most certainly needs to be done to better support adults with autism as well.  There are still accommodations that need to be met. Such as quiet spaces, simple things like weighted blankets in hotel rooms and so much more.  We have to remember that these adults are, hopefully, going to be inspired to travel by their families. With this in mind, I talk with Rochelle Sanchez about traveling with her brother, an adult with autism, and the challenges and changes that are coming to the travel industry that extends help to all with special needs. Rochelle Sanchez is a business consultant Teaching travel-hungry nerds & coaches to monetize your talent, create an #onlinecommunity, and revive fizzled #FacebookGroups. Social Media Links: https://rochellesanchez.com/https://twitter.com/rochellesanchhttps://www.facebook.com/RochelleSanch/https://www.instagram.com/rochellesanch/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An autism mom's journey in Jamaica

Traveling for caregivers and how important it is to take some time for yourself!

Traveling with blind

I’m humbled to be a part of the Trav Market Media network of travel podcasters. Have you had a chance to listen to our network? We share informative travel information for travel agents. Take for example my podcast where I share informative information for travel agents especially when working with clients with special needs! Check us out on Trav Market Media! In this episode, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Elle Cole, a traveling and fearless travel mom, and medical advocate! I invited Elle to be on my podcast today to talk about a very unique travel special consideration...okay well actually two! Elle’s daughter has Sickle Cell Anemia and Type 1 Diabetes and you will be surprised to learn that Sickle Cell affects more people than you may have learned about in health class. Sickle Cell Anemia is described by Elle in this episode and she shares about how she is able to travel and her advice about working with a travel agent when planning a vacation. In particular, there are things to consider such a flying for individuals with Sickle Cell that affects oxygen levels when flying. Elle's daughter also has Type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes currently has no cure and medical professionals still do not understand why it occurs. We also discuss how Elle manages her daughter's diet and keeps her insulin to help better support her during their vacations. In this episode, we dive into traveling with Sickel Cell Anemia and Type 1 diabetes and things you really need to consider before traveling. I know this episode has been released at the end of the month but I wanted to emphasize that September is also Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects the body’s red blood cells. It occurs when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. In someone living with this disease, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. In this episode, we’ll chat about how it affects travel and what you can do to better support your clients or disclose this information to your travel agent so they can better understand and help you plan an unforgettable trip. A program called Be the Match helps those with Sickle Cell Anemia and Cancer receive a bone marrow transplant match to find a cure. Unfortunately, black people only represent 4% of the registry. By joining people would sign up to send in a cheek swab to join the registry so they can be matched in the future. Right now, bone marrow and stem cell transplants are the main ways that people with sickle cell and cancer are being cured. September is both Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Childhood Cancer awareness month. To find out how you can help visit Be the Match Donor or - Text "SC3Carley" to the number 61474 or visit join.bethematch.org/SC3Carley for more information. Guest: Elle Cole is a mom of twin daughters, one of whom is living with Sickle Cell Anemia. She serves as a health advocate for Sickle Cell Disease and Type 1 Diabetes. She is an ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. And raises awareness about Sickle Cell Disorders to help make the quality of life for people living with genetic disorders and autoimmune diseases better. Elle is also the author of "A Sickle Cell Coloring Book for Kids". This book seeks to simplify and explain the symptoms of SCD. When raising a child with a genetic disorder such as SCD there is so much to learn, so the author simplifi