Traveling Tips for Families of CYSHCN: Planning for a Winter Vacation 

The winter season is a fantastic time for families to plan a vacation. People who live in cold states plan vacations to visit warmer states, and those living in all-year warm states travel to experience the snow and the beauty of the cold frozen rides and white mountains. Whether you pack skis or a surfboard, consider experiencing winter as a season to enjoy with the family.  

Families of medically complex children can have a great vacation experience if they plan with enough time to prepare children and the whole family. Planning a vacation should not be stressful, if planned with enough time. There are many priorities on your list, and it is very important to balance the needs of your child and your family. Begin with the basics; ask your family about what kind of activities they would enjoy, include them in sorting a list of destinations, and start planning.  

Steps for Planning an Unforgettable Vacation with the Entire Family 

• Make a budget. A budget will help you know how much you can afford, and this will determine if this will be a road trip to the next town or plane travel to a faraway place.  
• Use the budget to estimate how far you can travel, destination, tickets to attractions, transportation, length of vacation, hotel, and food costs. 
• Make a list of places based on the activities preferred by your family. Ask friends and relatives for suggestions and feedback from places they have already gone.  
• Online reviews – use apps like Yelp, Google Maps, booking.com, and others to learn from others’ experiences. Feel free to post questions that will help you decide. 
• Location and area – search for safety, distance from hospitals, pharmacies, malls, airports, and attractions. Ask your phone/internet provider about the coverage in the area.   
• Hotel – Find out what kind of accommodations are available for your child and family. Confirm the type of room, accessibility, closeness to the elevator, wheelchair accessibility, and whether you prefer a lower or higher floor. Check parking and costs per night. Communicate your preferences and needs to the staff when booking your hotel.  
• Organize the list from most to least preferred. Narrow the list down to your top three, based on the budget and your research. 

By Air or on the Road 

If you are traveling by plane, call the airline to find information around accommodation, carrying supplies and devices, wheelchair access, equipment or any other concern. Notify the airline about your child’s needs. If you are renting a car, be sure that the car you reserve has space for your child’s equipment and supplies and your family’s luggage. Decide if you will need a shuttle.  

Planning Accommodations  

If your family is going to any attraction, contact them in advance to ask what kind of accommodation is available for your child’s needs. Many parks and children’s attractions have special hours/lines for children and adults who are medically complex. Connect with the staff to get more information about the services provided.  

If you need to bring specialty food or formula, please let the staff know because there are many places where outside food is not allowed. They can help you coordinate to bring your child’s preferred food.

Handling Unexpected Delays 

Traveling during high season can include some unexpected experiences like losing your bags and/or changes in travel plans. Prepare for delays and organize a carry-on bag that includes the most important items for your child.  

Include your child’s favorite toy, iPad, phone, or any video game device. Consider bringing toys that will keep your child calm without the need for internet. Bring extra clothes, diapers, a blanket, socks and comfort shoes, along with snacks, drinks, formula, and water. Don’t forget medicine, supplies, and bandages, as well as your child’s medical card, doctor’s contact information, and emergency contact information.  

Vacations can take months of preparation, and traveling with medically complex children can feel like a lot of pressure. Even if there are many things to prepare in advance, the outcome will be worth it. 

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