Sensory Sensitivity
Traveling can be difficult for those of us with sensory sensitivities. As a neurodivergent business-owner and frequent traveler, I’ve consolidated my personal tips and tools that can improve your travel experiences.
Bright Colors
When shopping, visiting museusm, or sightseeing, take frequent breaks. Pop into a quiet cafe, sit down, drink water and rest before moving on
Hiring an experienced guide to help with navigating and negotiating at markets or shopping centers can be very helpful when dealing with sensory issues. They will be mindfuls to set a comfortable pace and build in breaks to the excursion
Crowds
Work with a guide who can help with navigation and take that burden off of you. You only need to follow along
Speak with your guide about your concerns, ask for details on exits so you can quickly remove yourself from a crowd if you feel panicked
Gauge your tolerance level before booking a lengthy excursion, see if you can book something for a half-day or few hours so you have plenty of time to relax or be alone
Take deep breaths, keep to the outside of crowds, hold hands with your friend or partner to keep together
Be aware of your surroundings and belongings
Textures & Foods
Bring a couple safe foods with you like protein bars, dried fruit or nuts so you can always have something safe on you if you’re not finding foods you enjoy and hunger strikes
Research menus before you go to a restaurant so you can ensure there are things you can order and want to eat
If you’re trying a new food, share it with a friend so you can try a taste and not feel wasteful if you don’t like it
Be respectful and limit any strong reactions, what you’re eating might not be to your liking but it could be a very special food for someone else
Sounds
Take time to confirm that your hotel/accomodations are well sound-proofed, you can email or call the hotel or read online reviews
Avoid staying on a busy street or a street with a lot of nightlife
Stay a bit of-the-beaten path, it might require a bit of a longer walk or extra few minutes taxi ride but retreating to the calm, quiet of your tucked away room could be just what you need after a day of exploring
Smells
Bring a small roll-on or spray with a scent that you do enjoy. You can use it on the plane or in crowded places to help calm and ground you
Carry dryer sheets or a room/bed spray to help your room smell familiar
Remove yourself from the source of a strong smell if needed, or take a break to step outside
Temperatures
Be aware of the local temperatures and seasons, check the weather well before you pack
If it’s rainy, make sure to have rain gear and waterproof shoes, nothing is worse than sightseeing while your feet are cold and soggy
If the weather is warm, you’ll still want to dress in layers because interior temperatures may be quite cool compared to exterior temperatures.
Wear relaxed, loose-fitting clothing in natural fabrics and comfortable shoes, high fashion might make for good photos, but I choose comfort over fashion every time
Umbrellas can be used to protect from hot sunlight as well as rain. Bring a sun hat to keep you much cooler and protect your head
My Story
Over the last few years I, like many, have been on a journey of self-diagnosis, research and discovery about neurodivergency. The common stereo-types of Autism and ADHD have left many of us undiagnosed and confused about why we grew up feeling different or struggled in areas that seemed simple to most of our friends and family. After decades of trying to conform to a neurotypical world, I’m working to unmask and allow my true self to be exposed to others. It is hard work rewiring your neural pathways!
I started this company as a way to spend more time on my particular special interest of travel and exploration, to share my intuative coping strategies for traveling in a neurotypical world, and to help people who may struggle with traveling have better access and experiences. I believe travel is an important way to connect with the earth and our fellow human beings as well as ourselves and we all deserve a safe space to do that.
— Nicole
CEO & Founder of Unruffled Travel
