Navigating a Holiday : Tips, Triumphs, and Lessons Learned

Embracing Adventure, Together

Taking a family holiday is always an adventure, but embarking on a Eurocamp trip to Spain with our autistic 7-year-old and energetic 3-year-old brought a unique blend of excitement, anxiety, and growth.

We learned, adapted, and, most importantly, cherished the journey together. In this blog post, I will share not just our experiences but also some practical tips that helped us manage our days, reduce stress, and foster delightful memories.

Me and my boy!

Planning for Success: Why Preparation Matters

Before our bags were even packed, my wife and I knew that planning would be our best ally. With a neurodivergent child, uncertainty can quickly spiral into overwhelm. So, we mapped out each day with clear intentions, balancing structure with breathing room. Here’s what worked for us:

·        Create a Visual Schedule: We used picture cards and a simple wall chart to lay out each day’s plan: breakfast, swimming, playground, lunch, rest, and so on. Our 7-year-old loves knowing what’s next, and our 3-year-old enjoyed moving the cards herself. This reduced anxiety and gave everyone a sense of control.

·        Limit Transitions: We deliberately planned fewer transitions than we might have on an adults-only holiday. Instead of hopping from one activity to the next, we chose two or three key activities per day, with plenty of downtime in between.

Getting There: The Ups and Downs of Travel

Every trip has its first hurdle: actually leaving home.

Our own journey began with a taxi ride to the airport—bags, snacks, toys, and, of course, the all-important Excel Elise Travel Buggy - Special Needs Pushchair - thetravelbuggycompany.co.uk.

Navigating our local Airport, though, was a trial by fire.

The atmosphere buzzed with impatience; staff seemed unprepared for families with additional needs, and our requests for understanding were met with curt, unyielding responses.

The tension reached its peak at security when a staff member barked at our son to “get out of his buggy,” not recognising the Excel Elise as paediatric equipment.

Fortunately, a single security officer intervened, firmly correcting his colleague—“It’s not a buggy”—and ushered us forward. Relief was short-lived, however, as we then had to coax our 7-year-old through a body scanner, the staff pressing me to “make him stand still.”

For a moment, it felt like compassion had been lost somewhere among the conveyor belts and plastic bins.

But as soon as we boarded our Jet2 flight, the mood shifted entirely.

The crew greeted us with genuine warmth, and somehow, the in-air time became the easiest part of the day. Up among the clouds, our children settled, and unexpected calm filled the cabin.

Landing in Spain was a reversal in every sense.

Clutching our sunflower lanyards, we were not only noticed but welcomed—airport security smiled and waved us through priority lanes, a gesture of recognition and respect.

While the terminal’s narrow, winding corridors proved a challenge and a little non-sensical as priority/disability lanes, without staff in sight, we used the initial staff kindness we’d received to buoy us on.

Soon, we emerged into the Spanish sunshine, ready to begin our adventure at last.

On the Ground: Managing Your Day

We had opted for a Eurocamp Holiday. Mainly for the the mix of space & sense of serenity with the option for busy fun and bustle if you choose.

Eurocamp sites are bustling with options—from swimming pools and kids’ clubs to evening entertainment and beach trips. For many families, this is a playground of possibility.

For us, it was essential to filter the options and go at our own pace.

·        Stick to Routines: Mornings were our golden hours. After breakfast, we went straight to our chosen activity—often the pool, as both kids love water. Keeping this consistent meant fewer negotiations and less confusion.

·        Embrace “Base Camp”: We set up a familiar spot on the site where we’d regroup between activities. It was a safe space for our 7-year-old to decompress and for our 3-year-old to nap or snack.

·        Keep Meals Predictable: While we did try Spanish food, we made sure to have familiar snacks on hand. Sometimes we prepared our own simple meals in the mobile home, which helped avoid mealtime meltdowns.

Explaining the Order of Everything

One of the best strategies we discovered was explaining the order of our day, both verbally and visually.

·        Preview Each Day: Every morning, we sat down together and walked through the day’s plan. We used simple language and looked at our schedule chart. When there was a change (like an extra swim because of rain), we updated the plan together.

·        Use Countdowns: Visual timers or simple countdowns helped ease transitions. “Five more minutes at the playground, then we’ll head to lunch.” This predictability provided comfort.

Avoiding Fixation Pitfalls

Our 7-year-old, like many autistic children, is prone to getting fixated on a favourite activity—whether it’s a particular swing or a specific corner of the pool. We learned to gently guide their attention without confrontation.

·        Offer Choices, Not Ultimatums: “Would you like to try the slide or build a sandcastle after swimming?” Framing options gives a sense of agency and can redirect obsession without a meltdown.

·        Rotate Activities: We alternated between new experiences and old favourites, always returning to a beloved activity so it wasn’t about “leaving forever,” just “coming back later.”

The Power of Working as a Parent Team

None of this would have been possible without my wife and I supporting each other. Teamwork is essential, especially when things go sideways.

·        Divide and Conquer: Sometimes, one parent would take our eldest for a quiet walk while the other wrangled the 3-year-old through a new adventure. This flexibility kept everyone’s stress levels in check.

·        Communicate Openly: We checked in with each other regularly—“How are you feeling? What do you need?”—and adjusted our plans as needed. Sometimes, we swapped roles if one of us needed a breather.

Going with the Flow: Embracing Flexibility

No amount of planning can prepare you for every twist. The key is to accept that things will sometimes unravel—and that’s okay.

·        Let Go of Perfection: We missed a few activities we’d planned, but we gained unplanned magic—like watching the magic of the Mini-golf course water fountain until dark or the almost scientific wonder of lining up numbered plastic toy fish in to number order again and again while sitting on the doorstep of our holiday accommodation.

Letting go of strict expectations made space for genuine joy.

·        Model Calm: Our kids pick up on our emotions. When we rolled with sudden changes, laughed off setbacks, and stayed calm ourselves, our children took their cues from us. Calmness is contagious.

Staying Calm Yourself: The Parent’s Secret Weapon

Even the best-laid plans can be upended by sensory overload, an unexpected rainstorm, or a stubborn refusal to leave the swimming pool. Here’s what helped us stay steady:

·        Take Micro-Breaks: We took turns stepping away, even if just for five minutes of deep breathing or a stroll through the trees.

·        Practice Empathy: When frustrations bubbled, we reminded ourselves that our children weren’t giving us a hard time—they were having a hard time. This shift in perspective diffused tension.

·        Celebrate Small Wins: Every smooth transition, every shared giggle, every peaceful mealtime deserved a quiet cheer. These moments kept us going.

Final Thoughts: Memories Made, Lessons Learned

Travelling with an autistic child and a toddler isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. Our Eurocamp holiday to Spain wasn’t just about sun and sand; it was a masterclass in patience, teamwork, and joy in the moment. We returned home with sandy shoes, sun-kissed cheeks, and a trove of memories—some planned, some spontaneous, all cherished.

If you’re considering a similar adventure, remember: prepare, but hold your plans lightly. Let the day flow, support each other, and savour the moments of connection. The rhythm of your family—unique, evolving, and resilient—will be your greatest guide.

Happy travels!