Autism-Friendly Family Vacations

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Travel is possible for ALL families—even for those with disabilities.

Many travel agents and destinations are becoming accessible to families with children with Autism and other Special Needs. There are more family vacation options than ever before!


Resources:


Guests:

Nicole Thibault – Founder of Magical Storybook Travels

In January 2015, Nicole started her own travel agency, Magical Storybook Travels. Magical Storybook Travels specializes in two areas: Family Travel and Travel for Families with Special Needs.

In January 2017, Nicole started Spectrum Travel Social Story Videos production company, which produces destination-specific travel videos made for children with Autism and hosted by children. They introduce the children to the destination’s attractions, resort rooms, pools, play areas, kids’ clubs, activities, and more.

The videos also review any procedures or processes that may be stressful or anxiety-producing for children with Autism or anxiety. These videos may include topics such as “What do I do if I get lost?”, “Checking in to our Resort,” “Exploring the Kid’s Club,” “Activities at My Resort,” “Dining Out,” and more.

Alice Horn – CEO of VillaKey

Alice Horn is the CEO of VillaKey, LLC, one of Florida’s most forward-thinking marketing companies in the rapidly growing vacation rental field.  Prior to joining VillaKey, for over 10 years Alice was the Founding Executive Director of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE South Florida), providing entrepreneurship and career skills to over 40,000 at-risk youth.  

Alice is now working to scale VillaKey, a vacation rental business for all types of families. A special focus is families with children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities. Vacation rental homes for these families are hand-picked based on their location and offer special amenities for families and children with sensory difficulties.

Alice serves as Chair of the Florida Vacation Rental Management Association, (FVRMA SE Chapter) and is also Co-Chair of the FVRMA Education and Public Relations Committee. Her husband and business partner is Ray Princiotta, and she is the mother of two adult sons.


FTR Recommends…

“In His Element:” Traveling and autism by Jean Grant for Outdoor Families Magazine

Travel can be an uplifting and healing experience for kids with autism. What may at first seem counterintuitive – pulling them out of their comfortable routine – can actually be the greatest gift – finding them in their element.

Read more at OutdoorFamiliesOnline.com


About Your Host

Aaron Schlein is a family man, entrepreneur, and podcaster who knows first-hand about the transformational power of family travel.

When Aaron was a teenager, he began exploring the world with his grandmother, Shirley Schlein—to whom he is eternally grateful for igniting his passion for travel. Becoming a father inspired Aaron to pay forward his grandmother’s generosity and create media content to inspire parents to travel the world with their kids.

In the summer of 2018, Aaron partnered with the Family Travel Association to produce its official podcast, Family Travel Radio. Aaron lives in Sacramento, CA with his wife and two children (who are growing up too fast!)