Surviving School Holiday Road Trips: Sensory-Friendly Tips for a Smoother Journey
School holidays often mean family road trips—and while they can be full of adventure and bonding, they can also be a challenge, especially when travelling with children who have disability-related needs. Long car rides can quickly shift from exciting to exhausting without the right supports in place.
Thankfully, with a little planning and a few sensory-friendly strategies, road trips can be both enjoyable and manageable for everyone.
Why Movement and Sensory Breaks Matter
Children with physical, sensory, or communication needs may experience discomfort, agitation, or sensory overload during long stretches in the car.
This can lead to:
- Muscle tightness or fatigue
- Sensory seeking behaviours (e.g., rocking, vocalising, kicking)
- Difficulty with self-regulation
- Increased distraction for drivers
Studies show that children can be 12 times more distracting to drivers than mobile phones, especially when they have complex needs
That’s why movement and sensory breaks aren’t just helpful, they’re essential for safety and wellbeing.
Road Trip-Friendly Sensory Break Ideas
Here are some inclusive, easy-to-implement strategies:
1. Sensory Station on a Picnic Rug
Pull over somewhere safe and set up a sensory mat or blanket. Include:
- Fidget toys
- Weighted lap pads
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Calming chews or hand-held sensory items
Even a short break to decompress can prevent overwhelm and reset the mood for the next leg of the trip.
2. Supported Stretch and Move
For children with limited mobility or who use wheelchairs, gentle stretches or repositioning can relieve discomfort. Passive movement like shoulder rotations or leg stretches can reduce agitation and improve comfort.
For children with more mobility, throwing a ball or frisbee, a quick game of ‘stop and go’, or some big stretches and bear crawls.
3. Nature Stops for Regulation
Choose rest stops with green space. Walking barefoot on grass, listening to birds, or simply breathing fresh air can help regulate sensory systems and reduce cortisol levels.
4. Car-Friendly Sensory Kits
Pack a small kit with:
- Textured items
- Scented playdough
- Visual timers
- Soft music playlists
4. Pack a “Comfort Kit”
Include familiar items like:
- A favourite toy or blanket
- Snacks with preferred textures or flavours
- A small photo album of family or pets
- A calming scent (e.g., lavender sachet)
These items can help regulate emotions and provide a sense of security.
5. Mindfulness on the Move
Introduce simple mindfulness techniques like:
- Breathing with a pinwheel or bubbles
- “5-4-3-2-1” grounding (name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, etc.)
- Gentle hand squeezes or tapping for regulation
These tools can help children self-regulate while on the move.
Road trips don’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful planning and sensory-aware strategies, they can become memory-making adventures for the whole family. Whether you're a parent, carer, or practitioner supporting a family, these tips can help turn a potentially overwhelming experience into a positive one.
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