Families traveling with a special needs child or adults on the spectrum may already be well aware of the best hotels, resorts and destinations for them, but in honor of Autism Awareness Month, why not check out a few options to add to your list?
Vacations should be a fun escape from reality, leaving your family refreshed, recharged and energized with fond memories. Book nearly your entire trip, accommodations, tours or transportation through ASD Vacations — a special needs-focused travel agency designed to assist with family travel. The certified, trained and caring staff can help your family narrow down your options, inspire new ones and walk you through the entire booking, planning and vacationing process.
For those who want to go at it alone or with less guidance, check out ASD’s suggested destinations and partner resorts for safe and easy travel. With Florida topping the list of most-visited destinations for families in the United States, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater are all great locations to set your sights.
© Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
When you say Florida, the kids may hear Disney World, but there is so much more to the Sunshine State than that. One destination the whole family can enjoy is TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St Petersburg Beach, Fla. TradeWinds Resort and staff are CARD certified, meaning signed-off on by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities.
Fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) and take the 30-minute trip from the airport to the resort before you drop your bags and head to the beach just steps away. When booking your trip, feel free to call ahead and relay any special needs, requests or requirements for your stay to the TradeWinds staff. They can prepare for your arrival and make sure you have everything your family may need during your stay.
Another CARD-certified accommodation option is the Crowne Plaza in Tampa, Fla. Your family will love the shops, restaurants and entertainment located nearby, as well as easy access to the Westshore area. Check out local attractions and fun destinations for the kids including the Glazer Children’s Museum, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Florida Aquarium, Dinosaur World and BounceU — all certified by CARD.
Everything you could want to see, do and try is located in close proximity to your hotel and a short ride away from Tampa International or St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport (PIE). The list of activities can range from ideal for small children or adults out on the town. Florida’s beach meets small town urban cities lend well to all ages, activities and accessibility.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 17, 2024Dine on the Ocean Floor in New Brunswick, Canada
The astonishing tides of the Bay of Fundy offer plenty of experiences for family travelers in Maritime Canada. The newest of these is the chance to eat dinner on the floor of the ocean, seated beneath towering cliffs and tide-carved sea stacks. Return the next day to see your former “dining room” under 40 feet of ocean.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations
Apr 17, 2024Your 2024 Mother’s Day Spa Gift Guide
This Mother’s Day, treat the special lady in your life to a fabulous spa treatment at one of these resorts around the country.
North America
Apr 17, 2024A New, Family-Friendly Hotel Opens on Orlando’s Universal Boulevard
Family travelers to Orlando have a new option for family- and pet-friendly accommodations thanks to the recent opening of Hotel Landy, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located on Universal Boulevard and minutes from theme parks, the convention center and the airport, Hotel Landy takes over the former Hotel Kinetic, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio collection.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Destinations / Middle East
Apr 16, 2024Introduce the Family to Saudi Culture at the AlUla Camel Cup
Visiting Saudi Arabia means introducing the family to a country rich in culture and history, giving the kids experiences they won’t get anywhere else in the world. I spent several years living as an expat in this desert kingdom, and the experiences I had were not only completely unique but also helped shape my perspective on the world today.
ShareThis