Holiday Travel and Neurodiversity: Are We Truly Inclusive?

The holidays are meant to bring joy, connection, and celebration. But for many neurodivergent individuals and their families, this season can feel like a marathon of stress. Airports buzzing with announcements, train stations packed with crowds, ferries with unpredictable schedules, and long car journeys—all of these can turn what should be a happy experience into an overwhelming challenge.

Here’s the question we need to ask

Are we doing enough to make holiday travel inclusive for everyone? Or are we unintentionally creating barriers that leave families feeling isolated and exhausted?

Why This Matters

Neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences—experience the world differently. Sensory overload, rigid routines, and social expectations can make travel daunting. Families often carry the emotional and logistical weight of these challenges, trying to “fit in” while silently struggling.

When businesses and service providers step up with empathy and practical support, they don’t just improve customer satisfaction—they change lives. They create equity, dignity, and trust.

5 Ways to Support Neurodivergent Families During Holiday Travel

1. Communicate Clearly and Early Provide detailed schedules, boarding procedures, and changes in multiple formats—visual, written, and verbal.
2. Offer Quiet Spaces and Priority Boarding Designate calm areas and allow extra time for boarding to reduce sensory overload.
3. Train Teams for Empathy and Flexibility Equip staff to recognize distress and respond with patience. A simple, “Take your time, we’re here to help,” can make a huge difference.
4. Create Sensory-Friendly Options Reduce harsh lighting, loud music, and unnecessary announcements. Small changes matter.
5. Empower Families to Ask for Support Encourage staff to ask, “Is there anything we can do to make this easier for you?” This opens the door for honest communication.

Why Now?

The Christmas season amplifies stress for neurodivergent families. Crowds, noise, and rigid timetables can feel impossible to manage. By offering inclusive, empathetic support, businesses can transform holiday travel from a dreaded experience into a positive memory.

Want to Learn More?

If you want to learn about the research the University of Hertfordshire Social Science team is doing in this area and hear from experts on how to enhance your service delivery for neurodivergent families, join our upcoming webinar:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/thefutureoftravelisneuro-inclus7401946189358743552

We’ll share insights, practical strategies, and real-world examples to help you lead the way in inclusive customer service.