Holiday Travel Prep Using Visual and Routine Supports
The holiday season often means travel, visits with family, and schedule changes. For many individuals receiving behavior support, these routine shifts can feel confusing, stressful, and unpredictable. The good news is that thoughtful preparation using visual tools and routine supports can help individuals of any age navigate travel with more confidence, clarity, and calm.
At New Beginnings Behavior Intervention Services, our Behavior Consultants help families and care teams build personalized strategies that work in real life. Below are simple ways to support understanding, reduce stress, and reinforce important skills before, during, and after holiday travel.
Why Holiday Travel Can Feel Hard
Holiday travel may include:
Changes in sleep and meal schedules
Unfamiliar environments
Longer wait times
Busy public spaces
Different expectations than usual routines
When routines change without preparation, frustration and stress can show up in the form of behavior. This is not failure. This is communication.
Visual and Routine Tools to Prepare Before the Trip
1. Create a Travel Schedule with Real Photos
A schedule showing each step of the trip helps with predictability. Include images of transportation, destinations, and planned breaks so the individual can connect the plan to real places.
2. Use a Visual Checklist for Packing
Checklists make expectations clear and help individuals take ownership. Example: suitcase, clothes, favorite item, snacks, headphones, charger.
3. Add Planned Breaks to the Schedule
Previews of breaks help build security. These might look like stepping outside, using a quiet space, listening to music, or using calming tools.
4. Use Communication Cue Cards
Visual cue cards support communication when it feels harder to find words. Examples:
I need a break
Can we stop soon?
Turn it down, please
5. Keep Small Pieces of Routine the Same
If possible, try to maintain a few familiar anchors, and make them visual. Examples: morning steps, bedtime steps, meals at similar times, or planned calming moments.
During the Trip: Review, Reinforce, Adjust
Review the schedule briefly before moving to the next step
Honor planned breaks when they appear
Reinforce communication and positive skill use
Preview small changes before making them
Flexibility works best when it’s communicated clearly and simply, especially with visual support.
After the Trip: Recognize the Skills Used
Celebrate when someone:
Communicated a need with a cue card
Took the lead in packing using a checklist
Used a break tool successfully
Managed schedule change with support
Real-life coping and communication skills matter. These are moments of growth.
Additional Supports for Holiday Balance and Confidence
If you’re looking for community activity ideas that support inclusion and connection, visit our Recreation Resources page for options designed to help individuals stay engaged in meaningful, interest-based community spaces.
Want Personalized Guidance?
If you want help designing travel supports or building connection and confidence through visual tools, our Behavior Consultants are here to support your goals. Visit our Contact Us page to connect with our team and learn more about individualized behavior intervention strategies.