Families with members diagnosed with autism face some unique challenges when planning a vacation together, and, thankfully, destinations and attractions around the world have been making quite an effort to change that so everyone can make family vacation memories. Myrtle Beach, a charming coastal destination in South Carolina, has worked hard to lead the charge with partnerships with organizations like Champion Autism Network.
Recently, these efforts have been aided by the work of children’s author Lynda Farrington Wilson and a scripted television series created by Visit Myrtle Beach. Both partnerships are designed to help families navigate their vacations to Myrtle Beach and beyond, and share how these trips are attainable and fun for everyone.
Farrington’s 52-page illustrated book Splish, Splash, Squawk! features a parrot named Maris who watches over families as they vacation in Myrtle Beach. Maris has a knack for noticing each child’s unique needs and helps them figure out how to find joy during their vacation, thus giving parents (and kids) valuable tools to make a beach vacation a success for the whole family. The story takes special care to address a variety of needs children have, such as little Henry who is able to be comfortable in the sand thanks to wearing socks on his feet, and even teaches the special code “8-4-3-Help ME!,” which anyone can say to someone working in Myrtle Beach and receive assistance if needed.
Through the new scripted television show Traveling on the Spectrum, Visit Myrtle Beach brings light to this important issue by highlighting the problems families with loved ones on the spectrum face in trying execute a vacation. The show also highlights how choosing the right destination, like a city like Myrtle Beach with more than 150 local businesses specially certified to create an autism-friendly experience, can make all the difference between a family staying home and a family creating lifelong memories on a successful vacation together.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 29, 2026This Hotel Brand Brings Gaming, eSports Right to Your Room
This year, after a successful pilot of gaming rooms and a gaming studio at nhow Berlin, nhow Hotels & Resorts takes gaming to the next level with the launch of GAME:NXT by nhow, a new gaming and esports ecosystem bringing interactive digital experiences to hotel stays. Family travelers can now enjoy hospitality blended with gaming and digital culture.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Travel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
ShareThis