Special Needs Travel Podcast

This week's travel news brings you exciting news about The Palm Beaches in Florida and updates on Attraction Assistant Passes from the Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood Resort. If you are finding you need help planning and booking your next vacation head on over to my website www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com to get started planning. Links to articles talked about in the show: The Palm Beaches becomes and Autism Certified Destination - https://autismtravel.com/2023/06/27/discover-the-palm-beaches/ How Florida can be a perfect Autism-Friendly vacation - https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/let-me-show-you-how-florida-can-be-a-perfect-destination-for-an-autism-friendly-vacation Meow Wolf has completed a company-wide accreditation to enhance the guest experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors - https://autismtravel.com/2023/06/08/meowwolf/ Is Meow Wolf Autism-Friendly? - https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/is-meow-wolf-autism-friendly Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood changes it's Attraction Assistance Pass - https://attractionsmagazine.com/a-new-disability-pass-rolled-out-today-at-universal-parks/Autism-Friendly Universal Studios - https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/autism-friendly-universal-studios

Welcome back to the Autism Travel Podcast. I'm taking a shift with things and rather than speaking about very specifically how I can help you travel I want to inspire you to travel with your autistic child by sharing all the emerging autism travel news! There is a lot! I'll try to keep the episodes under 10 mins so you get the news you need. All the articles that I reference are in the show notes if you want to read further. Of course, I will continue to talk about how I can help you travel and to inspire you to travel over on my: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lilyandmagnoliatravel/ If you are ready to plan your next family vacation and find you need support with planning and booking it I'm here for you! Head on over to www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/plan-your-trip to get started. Dubai Announces Initiative to Become First Certified Autism Destination. https://autismtravel.com/2022/12/15/dubai/ Tips for an Autism-Friendly Vacation in Dubai. https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/tips-for-an-autism-friendly-vacation-in-dubai Dubai's Atlantis Aquaventure becomes the first waterpark in the Middle East to earn the IBCCES Certified Autism Center. https://autismtravel.com/2023/03/28/aquaventure/ Plan an Autism-Friendly Vacation at Warner Bros World in Abu Dhabi. https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/plan-an-autism-friendly-vacation-at-warner-bros-world-in-abu-dhabi LEGOLAND Resorts that all of its US based parks, LEGOLAND® California, LEGOLAND® Florida, and LEGOLAND will become Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC) by spring 2023. https://autismtravel.com/2023/02/06/legolandus/ My trip to LEGOLAND Florida https://www.instagram.com/p/ClqoTJ9jCWp/ Mariott Winterhaven https://www.instagram.com/p/ClgTzf_jFDg/ LEGOLAND Disability Pass https://www.instagram.com/p/ClyXBscjrXa/ The Great Wolf Lodge Announces Partnership with IBCCES Leading the Pack For Accessibility and Inclusion at Indoor Water Park Resorts. https://autismtravel.com/2023/04/26/greatwolflodge/

This episode I wanted to give you some inspiration from an adult on the autism spectrum that travels the world. My guest is Shalese runs her Instagram account and details how she travels the world and pays attention to her own personal cues. What I loved the most about this interview was that Shalese is unapologetically living her life and traveling the world. She has figured out how to the travel the world and with support so can you!   Shalese Nicole Heard (Autistic Travel Goddess) holds a dual Master's degree: Public Health and Business Administration. She is a content creator, and author with a passion for Autism Advocacy, and Travel. She set out to create the Autistic Travel Goddess platform to showcase traveling from an autism-friendly perspective, with the goal of empowering other Autistic people to see the world. She is currently writing books about travel, and general life as an adult with Autism. Shalese recently self published a book of quotes and musings about what she's learned traveling with Autism. Outside of travel and raising autism awareness, she enjoys fashion, reading and water sports. Connect with Shalese on:   Facebook.com/autistictravelgoddess Youtube.com/autistictravelgoddesssnh Instagram.com/autistictravelgoddess Do you need help planning and booking a vacation but you don't know where to start? Head on over to my website and reach out to me and allow me to be your travel advisor and help your family book and plan an unforgettable vacation that meets everyone's needs!  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Are you itching to get out of your house but worried about support while you are traveling with your autistic loved one?  Don't worry!  I've got your covered with my free guide of what questions to ask when planning a vacation with your loved one.  Head here to get the guide!  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fd57bea486a67bf127d15b0 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've talked about how you can travel, why you can travel and where you can travel.  This week on the podcast we are talking about now that you've decided to travel, how outside of myself, that you can get some support while you are traveling.  Of course, you leave the planning of the trip and the booking of the trip up to me and we work together to make this trip happen with as little stress as possible.  But now imagine you are at your destination but we've already talked about this unique service I have partnered with.  You are finding you want a break from your caregiving duties and you need just some help.  I have the perfect service that we can add to your trip which is hiring a traveling respite care provider.  This can be added to your trip package to make it easy to keep your payment in one fee but this service might surprise you at how helpful it can be!   A little bit about the service - Fly along or travel companions for the elderly, families & persons with and without disabilities. Breakrelief Sitters provides you a break from your caregiving duties while on vacation.   Need help planning your next family vacation head here! ----> www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Find more about Breakrelief Sitters on Instagram.   Need help asking questions about what to look for in an autism-friendly property. Check out my free guide here!  ---->  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fd57bea486a67bf127d15b0   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may already be aware that people with autism are drawn to the water. However, you may have no idea why! There are so many reasons why water is so stimulating for people will autism, without being overstimulating. Visual stimuli include the ocean’s waves and the calmness of a swimming pool or a lake. The smell of the water is unique and changes with the setting. The sounds of the water are also different, which isn’t surprising since calm water is nothing like the crashing of waves on a shoreline. Add in the feel of the water and how anyone can easily float along the top of it and water really makes an autistic person think without being overstimulated.  Have you listened to the episode and found you need help planning a trip?  Head here to start working with me!  -----> https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Looking for my freebie head here!  ----> https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fd57bea486a67bf127d15b0 Looking for the blog post about this episode?  You can find it here!  ------> https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/why-a-beach-vacation-is-perfect-for-families-with-autism See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vacation or Epic MOVE! Should you travel with a child no matter what age with autism?  Kids with autism thrive on set schedules, and vacations in new places far from home compounded with the stress of flying, strangers, new smells, new sounds can cause discomfort and disrupt routines.  What is the point when your child is so used to their daily life?  Why bother to stress them out with the packing and social stories to set them up for the vacation?  Often it feels like a military move with they have to adjust to the new place and you run the risk of a child that is well adjusted at home exploding in a meltdown due to the heat of Florida.   What is the point?   Do you need help finding an autism-friendly resort?  Check out my free guide to helping you ask the right questions when looking for a resort for your family!  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fd57bea486a67bf127d15b0 After you've read this guide do you need help planning a trip with your family?  Check out my website and fill out my form to get started working with me as your travel advisor to start planning a family vacation.  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning vacations of any kind involve a lot of research. After all, your goal is to go on vacation your whole family will love! However, the hours upon hours of emails, phone calls, and looking up just one more thing is enough to make you want to skip the vacation planning period! ​ Of course, once you think of all the autistic meltdowns, toddler temper tantrums, juggling luggage, and maneuvering around new destinations, the appeal to take a vacation is even less.  ​ I hear you!  ​ When my oldest son was diagnosed with autism, I thought our days of travel were long gone! I didn’t know how he would react in new places or the sensory overload. But all that changed one day when my son came home and asked me to plan a trip to the National Mall in Washington DC. Need help planning a trip?  Head here to find out more about how I can help your family plan an unforgettable trip considering and meeting everyone's needs!  ----> www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact   Grab my guide "Top 5 Things an Autism Friendly Property Offers You" and get the answer to the questions I ask when looking for autism-friendly resorts for clients!  Find it here!   Check out my blog post and podcast episode all about Visit Mesa, the World's First Autism Certified City!  This next episode is all about Myrtle Beach, SC's parks and recs department becoming an Autism Certified Center!  Learn how I work with you as your travel advisor!  Learn about TSA Cares and other programs out there that help you prepare your loved one for traveling!  You can also learn more about this program here and the Sunflower Lanyard program!       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is the last day of The Special Needs Travel Podcast. ⁣⁣However, it's not the last day of my podcast. I'm moving away from the Special Needs Travel podcast to come to terms with my ignorance with ableism and to better represent WHO I serve. ⁣⁣As much as I want to help those with other disabilities I know there are other accessible travel advocates that do a better job at who they serve, unless you really want to work with me I won't turn you away, but I know that I need to speak more loudly and more clearly to families with autism. ⁣⁣As such I'm not pivoting, I'm simply clearly defining what my podcast will be about. To learn more about my mission and who I serve and what I will do from here on out listen to the episode! ⁣⁣ What topics do you want to heat about related to autism travel? Sponsorship opportunities - www.lilyandmagnoaliatravel.com/podcast Work with me -  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Find out more about my business - www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com Find me on IG - www.instagram.com/lilyandmagnoliatravel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a huge focus on accessible travel in the travel industry, what has been your experience with traveling?  For Jamie Santillo my guest today on the podcast it's been very successful. She has always loved to travel. Now owning her own special needs certified travel agency, she wants to help others with disabilities realize that there is a great big beautiful world out there that is very accessible to them. She also believes it is so important, especially now with the pandemic that people utilize a travel professional, like Jamie and I, to ensure they are up to date on all the travel changes. Jamie shares her amazing story on the podcast today and I'm so excited to keep teasing you with my big announcement next week on the podcast!  Subscribe and tune in!   Read the full transcript here!  https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/accessible-travel-with-jamie Links : linktr.ee/adventuresbyjamie  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie McIntosh is a travel blogger who creates practical travel guides to help other people with chronic illnesses gain the confidence to travel the world. In this episode, we talk about how you can use different strategies to help you travel with success with Endo!  LINKS: Website: https://thekatieshowblog.com Book: https://amzn.to/32suiCq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieshowblog/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’m talking about the second-ever Autism Certified City.  The city of Myrtle Beach, I know I’ve alluded to it in my Visit Mesa - The world first Autism Certified City, after this episode, take a few moments to go listen to that episode and when you hear both and you feel so inspired visit my website www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact to start planning your domestic vacation with me to these two amazing cities that have YOU in mind.  I’m really so thankful that places like this are getting on board and becoming more and more aware of all different types of travelers because travel is forever changing and for everyone no matter their ability.  This is for sure taking a step in the right direction but I do feel that the travel and tourism industry as a whole need to do more than simply autism awareness and training.  While, yes there are more places becoming away and are taking steps to do better, I feel like there is a need for them to actually talk to someone who is actually autistic and a family with a loved one with autism to know specifically what they can do to help these families from someone that is actually living this day to day! Need help planning a trip for your family with autism?  Let me help you!  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact The IBCCES - https://ibcces.org/ Visit Myrtle Beach - https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have so much to be thankful for in 2020.  This episode is heartfelt and personal thankful messages from a majority of the hosts on the Travmarket Media Network of podcasts.   Let us also thank you for listening.  We hope you are safe and at least in communications with your loved ones if you can't be physically present with them this year. Blessings to you and gobble, gobble, gobble, ~ Megan Chapa Network Producer Travmarket Media Network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenn Llyod of Sick Girl Travels on my podcast today.  I personally don’t have any experience with traveling with a chronic illness and I have been wanting to learn more about this topic.  Especially because I might encounter a client that has a chronic illness I may need to consider just like I have to consider my own diet when traveling with Pre-diabetes or the heat at certain destinations when I work with a client with Type 1 Diabetes.  Jenn is full of so much information and I’m honored and humbled that she took the time to be a guest speaker on this episode. www.sickgirltravels.com https://www.instagram.com/sickgirltravels/ https://twitter.com/SickGirlTravels https://www.facebook.com/sickgirltravels/ https://www.pinterest.com/cellulloyd/_saved/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Prematurity Day was created on November 17, 2011, to raise awareness for the millions of children every year who are born prematurely. While technologies and medical procedures in America have increased over the years, preterm babies still carry a huge vulnerability to develop cerebral palsy, delays in development, hearing problems, and sight problems.   Additionally, while neonatal death in the United States is low in comparison to most of the world, premature births account for a quarter of all neonatal deaths.   That’s part of the many reasons why World Prematurity Day was created – to shine a light on the risk and hardships created by premature births, cost-effective and proven solutions, and spreading compassion for families who have experienced premature births. I talk with Sarah Marshall of TravelAble Vacations about her experience with a premature infant and how it affected her travels.  I also share my experience as a mother of a preemie.  Find More about World Prematurity Day over at my Blog: https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/world-prematurity-day Sarah Marshall is the founder of TravelAble, a full-service travel, and disability advocacy agency with a mission to make the world accessible for families and individuals with disabilities. In 2009, her journey was redefined by the very premature birth of her son while stationed in the Middle east. This experience, and the subsequent navigation through medical and cognitive diagnoses and challenges, taught her and her family first-hand the trials and tribulations of traveling while caring for their son. From that first adventure, her family never stopped exploring the world. And after many trips where tears turned to smiles, she set out on a mission to give every family, regardless of need, a chance to experience this kind of transformation through custom-designed extraordinary vacations! She is also a sought-after speaker on autism adventure, presenting around the country on her secrets to travel success. In 2020, she will be presenting in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix at the Abilities Expo, a national disability resource expo. She also gives pro bono presentations to societies, therapy centers, parent universities, and other community gatherings, and has a partnership with the ALS Association of WI, IL, and the Autism Hero Project. She currently holds specialization as a Certified Autism Travel Professional (IBCCES) and Certified Accessible Travel Advocate (SNG). She is also a proud member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the Family Travel Association (FTA). She holds numerous certifications in disability-friendly destinations and cruise lines. To learn more and book a complimentary call, visit her website at https://www.travelablevacations.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm so thrilled and honored to have LaShawn Wiltz back on the podcast.  If you remember previously she talked about her experience with going gluten-free at Disney and now she shares about her experience about traveling gluten-free and with food allergies with her son Pookah.  I found this so informative and filled with so many tips and tricks to help you figure to how best to meet your needs while traveling gluten-free. LaShawn Wiltz, the creator of Everyday Eyecandy where she blogs about motherhood, her life, her passion for capturing everyday moments through photography, and trying to find her version of balance through it all. She was the 2017 Mom 2.0 Summit IRIS Award winner for Best Instagram, 2018 for Best Photography, and 2019 for Best Sponsored Content. LaShawn is also VERY  passionate about helping everyone live their best Instagram life.  Based in Atlanta, GA, you can find LaShawn on Instagram, capturing the beauty in life’s everyday moments, documenting her days as a wife and mom with half-finished coffee in one hand and her camera in the other. Social Media Links: Social media: Instagram: @lashawnwiltz Twitter: @lashawnwiltz Facebook: @everydayeyecandyblog https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/ -  A app to help you find gluten-free options around you.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TSA Cares is for travelers requiring special accommodations or concerned about the security screening process at the airport may ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance.  ⁣Members of the Wounded Warrior Program may also participate in this program. How this program works, you'll call the TSA Cares hotline at least 72 hours before your flight.  During this phone call, you'll relay your flight information for arrival and departure as well as what needs will need to be considered during security screening. ⁣ Please know that this is not a skip screening this simply provides help to get through security with less stress. ⁣ To ensure your security and safety, all travelers are required to undergo screening at the checkpoint. You or your traveling companion may consult the TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. You can obtain the notification card from the TSA website. Links: Email TSA Cares - TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov (855) 787-2227 https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/disability_notification_card_508.pdf https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/travel/ https://www.flymyrtlebeach.com/airport-services/quiet-room/ https://www.shannonairport.ie/passengers/at-the-airport/flying-out/passenger-assistance/autism-special-needs/ https://www.atl.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The travel and tourism industry focuses a lot on the caregivers of small children with autism and children with autism but we often forget that those small children someday turn into adults with autism.  We have to remember that autism doesn't disappear once the child with autism matures into an adult with autism.   More most certainly needs to be done to better support adults with autism as well.  There are still accommodations that need to be met. Such as quiet spaces, simple things like weighted blankets in hotel rooms and so much more.  We have to remember that these adults are, hopefully, going to be inspired to travel by their families. With this in mind, I talk with Rochelle Sanchez about traveling with her brother, an adult with autism, and the challenges and changes that are coming to the travel industry that extends help to all with special needs. Rochelle Sanchez is a business consultant Teaching travel-hungry nerds & coaches to monetize your talent, create an #onlinecommunity, and revive fizzled #FacebookGroups. Social Media Links: https://rochellesanchez.com/ https://twitter.com/rochellesanch https://www.facebook.com/RochelleSanch/ https://www.instagram.com/rochellesanch/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I am chatting with Francene Noel, a former attorney, and mother of two!   We talk about traveling to Jamaica with autism and how you might be surprised about how much Jamaica has to offer beyond the fabulous Beaches resorts.  In particular, we talk a bit about the sensory meeting ocean and how children with autism are more often than not drawn to water.  This episode is all about an autism mom's journey of how to better support her teenage son while living in Jamaica which is learning more about autism but has a long way to go overall.  There is so much that is waiting to be discovered in Jamaica and while spoiler alert there isn't really anything for families with autism outside of Beaches there are things you can do to make your vacation better. First work with a travel advisor that is a certified autism professional like me. You can find me here: www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com I'll be more than happy to help you plan an unforgettable vacation and if you are a travel advisor please reach out I'm happy to answer any questions!  Talk to the property before you arrive, they may be able to accommodate you and surprise you with that accommodation!  That's the key to everything I believe is communication.  Don't be scared, most properties are willing to make accommodations if you simply tell them beforehand so that they can better prepare for you. Don't forget that whatever works at home works while traveling!  Francene Noel is a former Attorney-at-Law turned writer/blogger, autism advocate, and mother of two, living in Jamaica. She is a contributor to The Mighty and has also written articles for MPeople Barbados and B3 Parenting Magazine. She has been chronicling her family’s journey with autism for the past seven years. Writing and blogging about autism has become her lifeline and has given her a new purpose - raising awareness, encouraging acceptance, and advocating for necessary accommodations. You can follow her autism parenting musings and experiences by following the links below!  Social Media Links: www.diaryofadrummerboysmom.com diaryofadrummerboysmom https://www.facebook.com/diaryofadrummerboysmom https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDSYrMRB0dG/?igshid=pl3m6t9iw9zl https://www.facebook.com/473216206138368/posts/2913185028808128/?vh=e&d=n https://rainforestadventure.com/mystic-mountain/ https://chukka.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I am chatting with Kabrena Williams an M.S. BCBA.  I enjoyed talking with her about how as caregivers we often forget about ourselves and how we need to take care of ourselves before we can pour from our cups.  We focus a lot on self-care and how a trip away from your self-care duties can bring your energy back fully charged so you can tackle your caregiving like a champ!  Kabrena Williams M.S. BCBA is a special needs parent's self-care coach.  She is a board-certified behavioral analyst and founder of Scratch Made Consulting.  She helps parents and caregivers develop the healthy habit of ensuring they make time for themselves.  Her goal is to help take the guesswork out of figuring out what type of self-care they respond to and finding one that works.  She is here to hold parents and caregivers accountable to scheduling, non-negotiable “me” time.  Self Care is out of this world important and I believe is non-negotiable.  You cannot fill from an empty cup and on this episode, we dive into how you can take a vacation away from your caregiver duties and take some time for yourself.  I know firsthand how difficult it can be to balance family, therapies, and work-life, and more than anything I think Kabrena's message gives you permission to not feel guilty for taking some time for yourself.   Social Links: https://scratchmadeconsulting.com/ https://www.facebook.com/scratchmadeconsulting/ https://www.instagram.com/scratchmadeconsulting/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTkwbxJ2NgZXl8duIYnWjA?view_as=subscriber%20%20     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’ve had the extraordinary pleasure of chatting with a fellow travel agent Kevin Lowe.  I haven’t officially met him in person but online I’ve got plenty of chances to speak with him and over time I would like to think we’ve become friends and support each other in our travel businesses.  On a recent episode of his own podcast, you learn how he operates his travel business and how Kevin is now able to see the world through sound.  We also have a running joke about Kevin “sees” me and what I look like to him in his head!  I’m so pleased to share his story of traveling the world while blind and how even with his vision gone he is still able to be in the world and experience with all of his other senses.   Kevin Lowe’s story is pretty awe-inspiring!   Guest: Kevin Lowe is the owner of Better Days Travel where he designs luxurious vacations for those ready to start living out their dreams. He is also the host of his own podcast, The Lowe Down on Life and Travel. As much as he enjoys making people's dreams come true with his career as a travel advisor, he also loves to share his own unique view on life and travel... Kevin is completely blind. And with that, let me introduce today's guest, Kevin Lowe. Social Media Links: https://www.BetterDaysTravel.com http://www.TheLoweDownPodcast.com https://facebook.com/betterdaystravel https://instagram.com/betterdaystravel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m humbled to be a part of the Trav Market Media network of travel podcasters. Have you had a chance to listen to our network? We share informative travel information for travel agents. Take for example my podcast where I share informative information for travel agents especially when working with clients with special needs! Check us out on Trav Market Media! In this episode, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Elle Cole, a traveling and fearless travel mom, and medical advocate! I invited Elle to be on my podcast today to talk about a very unique travel special consideration...okay well actually two! Elle’s daughter has Sickle Cell Anemia and Type 1 Diabetes and you will be surprised to learn that Sickle Cell affects more people than you may have learned about in health class. Sickle Cell Anemia is described by Elle in this episode and she shares about how she is able to travel and her advice about working with a travel agent when planning a vacation. In particular, there are things to consider such a flying for individuals with Sickle Cell that affects oxygen levels when flying. Elle's daughter also has Type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes currently has no cure and medical professionals still do not understand why it occurs. We also discuss how Elle manages her daughter's diet and keeps her insulin to help better support her during their vacations. In this episode, we dive into traveling with Sickel Cell Anemia and Type 1 diabetes and things you really need to consider before traveling. I know this episode has been released at the end of the month but I wanted to emphasize that September is also Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects the body’s red blood cells. It occurs when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. In someone living with this disease, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”. In this episode, we’ll chat about how it affects travel and what you can do to better support your clients or disclose this information to your travel agent so they can better understand and help you plan an unforgettable trip. A program called Be the Match helps those with Sickle Cell Anemia and Cancer receive a bone marrow transplant match to find a cure. Unfortunately, black people only represent 4% of the registry. By joining people would sign up to send in a cheek swab to join the registry so they can be matched in the future. Right now, bone marrow and stem cell transplants are the main ways that people with sickle cell and cancer are being cured. September is both Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Childhood Cancer awareness month. To find out how you can help visit Be the Match Donor or - Text "SC3Carley" to the number 61474 or visit join.bethematch.org/SC3Carley for more information. Guest: Elle Cole is a mom of twin daughters, one of whom is living with Sickle Cell Anemia. She serves as a health advocate for Sickle Cell Disease and Type 1 Diabetes. She is an ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. And raises awareness about Sickle Cell Disorders to help make the quality of life for people living with genetic disorders and autoimmune diseases better. Elle is also the author of "A Sickle Cell Coloring Book for Kids". This book seeks to simplify and explain the symptoms of SCD. When raising a child with a genetic disorder such as SCD there is so much to learn, so the author simplified the information so even a child could understand how this genetic blood disorder affects the body. The coloring book is a great tool for parents or caregivers to color along with the child. Book - "A Sickle Cell Coloring Book for Kids" Elle's Links:Website: CleverlyChanging.com Instagram: Instagram.com/CleverlyChanging Youtube: Youtube.com/CleverlyChanging Facebook: Facebook.com/CleverlyChanging Twitter: Twitter.com/CleverlyChangin Are you considering a vacation? Reach out to me and let me know how I can help you plan your next trip! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 I’m so thrilled to have on this episode a chat with a mom I’ve been following on Instagram for a while.  Marquita Arlette is a mom with a daughter with autism that didn’t let her daughter’s diagnosis stop her from traveling Southeast Asia and beyond.  Her story and her travels are inspirational to me and made me realize as a mother with a child with autism that our travels don’t have to stop, just because my son was diagnosed with autism!  Instead, we change the narrative of our travels and make accommodations for my son to give him the space to seek sensory, moments of quiet, a little electronics, and tons of fun exploring the world and getting his 1000 questions answered.   Once you hear her story and how it’s possible to travel the world you’ll be ready to get on the road with your family!   Marquita Arlette, an IBCCES Certified Autism Travel Professional, digital storyteller, photographer, and content creator for Tribe on a Quest. My mission over the past 7 years has been to show families that adventure doesn’t have to end when you enter parenthood or receive a special-needs diagnosis. I aim to inspire and empower people and families to show up authentically while navigating unfamiliar spaces that are not traditionally occupied by people of color and tell their stories!  Marquita has a passion for exploration, learning, and capturing unique stories that highlight families of color & special needs travelers. Her platform focuses on topics related to travel, parenting, Autism/SPD/ADHD, world schooling, and of August 2020 Full-time RV living!    Need help planning a trip for your special needs family?  Reach out to me here: www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact  Need to talk to my sponsor about advertising opportunities?  Head here: www.travmarketmedia.com Website: www.tribeonaquest.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tribeonaquest/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tribeonaquest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TribeonaQuest/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TribeonaQuest_ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been on Pinterest and you start pinning a lot of things but someone’s content keeps finding its way into your feed? First, it’s just one or two pins then it’s like 7-10 of their pins? Well, this is what happened when I approached Lara Sandora! In this post, I don’t talk about meeting her but we do talk about her amazing vacation home on the Big Island of Hawai'i The Piece of Mind Retreat Iand why it has many reasons you may want to work with me to book your stay there! Read more about The Peace of Mind Retreat here: https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/the-piece-of-mind-retreat The Piece of Mind Retreat is a place I want to take my boys for sure. Lara Sandora is the owner and founder of The Piece of Mind Retreat, creating special vacations for special families. The Piece of Mind Retreat is the first-ever autism-certified vacation home, located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The Sandora family achieved this certification through Autism Double Checked. She and her husband are both career public school educators who live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together they are raising two boys, the younger of whom is non-verbal autistic. The Piece of Mind Retreat is a place that creates special vacations for special families. Her family of four has been working through the puzzle of autism for almost ten years. They wanted a place to celebrate their successes, enjoy family time, and create memories. Travel is always challenging, but it is manageable when you know you have a suitable place to stay when you arrive. The Sandora family created their vacation rental home with autistic families in mind. Only only does it not have carpet, but it also home to a sand volleyball court and pool. The property is located near the very calm Magic Sands Beach Park which is fantastic for kids or for those looking to enjoy some snorkeling you can enjoy some ocean time at Kahalu’u Beach Park. For questions and advertising options reach out to my sponsor www.travmarketmedia.com To reach out to Lara at the Piece of Mind Retreat click the links below! The Piece of Mind Retreat: https://www.thepieceofmindretreat.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepieceofmindretreat/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepieceofmindretreat Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/larasandora/ The Travel Ability Summit: http://travelabilitysummit.com/ Autism Double Checked: https://autismchecked.com/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 In this episode, I explore the first city to become a certified autism city, through the IBCCES.  My family was going to go check out this city later this year but due to the global pandemic, I decided in an abundance of caution to postpone our trip until later next year.  We might go for my oldest son’s 10th birthday, I can’t believe I said that what happened to the time?!?!  Anyway, let’s take a look at this city that is paving the way for the future of special needs travel! Mesa. AZ is a destination you may want to consider visiting especially if you have a loved one on the autism spectrum or a client with a loved one on the spectrum! Need help planning your next trip?  Visit here to get started: (https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com) Follow me on IG: (https://www.instagram.com/lilyandmagnoliatravel) Follow me on FB: (https://www.facebook.com/lilyandmagnoliatravel) Learn more about Visit Mesa: (https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/visit-mesa-the-world-s-first-autism-certified-city) The Visit Mesa Website: (https://www.visitmesa.com/autism-travel/) Need to talk to my sponsor?  Visit www.travmarketmedia.com to chat!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’ve got a special guest Ashley Onadele of Flyy Family Travel.  In this episode, we talk about travel with infants and some tips and tricks to travel with an infant and toddler.  Ashely has first-hand experience with traveling with two under two.  I have been, at least I’d like to say we are friends, with Ashely for almost 2 or 3 years.  I met her on Instagram and we have talked about planning group family trips before she took the task on herself.  She shares about traveling with her small children and I think when planning a trip for clients this is a special consideration for travel agents and travelers. Ashley Onadale is the owner of Flyy Family Travel (https://www.flyyfamily.com) a family retreat travel agency.  She creates family retreats to connect families from all over the world.  She also documents her family's world travel over on her website From my World, with Love! (https://www.frommyworld.com) To read her book head here to learn more about how you can in fact travel with your toddler!  Your Baby Can Travel: (and it’s easier than you think!) (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085WG5SWQ) You can find Ashely on Social Media Instragram: (https://www.instagram.com/ashleyonadele) Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/frommyworldwithlove) Need to talk to my sponsor?  Visit www.travmarketmedia.com to chat!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many clients ask me if it's feasible to travel while pregnant. Travel at any time can present some challenges, but pregnancy presents challenges that can be met with a little extra planning.  This is a special time and you can absolutely have an amazing time with your family or spouse as long as you take some things into consideration before you go!   If you’ve never traveled pregnant you’d be surprised to learn that especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy there are a few things to consider before going on a trip while pregnant.  Join me as I share some insight on things to consider before you go on a trip while pregnant!  Babymoons are a fantastic way to get away before a couple welcomes a new baby into the world.  I’ll talk about my own pregnancies and experiences while traveling and maybe during this amazing travel experience travel agents should consider going light on the itinerary planning!   Thinking about planning a babymoon?  Head on over to www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com to get started planning.  Need to talk to my sponsor?  Visit www.travmarketmedia.com to chat!  Learn more about Traveling while Pregnant: (https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/post/traveling-while-pregnant)   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m Dina Farmer, Founder of  Lily and Magnolia Travel and the Special Needs Travel Podcast. And I’m here to introduce you to my podcast.  Traveling with kids of any age can be difficult, and traveling with special needs adds even more challenges.  With those challenges comes frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed thinking about all that travel planning.  Very often work, school, therapy appointments, and swim lessons suck up all of our time in planning family vacations.  By the time we start our vacation, we’re absolutely exhausted! We might even feel a little guilty to miss a therapy or two!  This is why I started Special Needs Travel, to help special needs families travel the world more easily.  As the mother of a child with autism, I understand the unique challenges make traveling a bit tricky.  It shouldn’t be stressful to plan a vacation and with my help, it won’t be.  I’m a Certified Autism Travel Professional and I help families with special needs and travel agents navigate the unique challenges of traveling with special needs so they can best support their clients and so that these same clients have an amazing time on their vacation.  This means that I will be talking about a variety of special needs that travel agents should consider when working with a client with special needs.  I have guests coming up on this podcast that will share their experiences as travelers and discuss how a travel agent can meet their needs when they work together to plan a vacation.   I believe travel is for learning, exploring, and strengthening family bonds, but sometimes it can do quite the opposite. On this podcast, I will be exploring these challenges and talking about how to help reduce stress during planning a family vacation, especially for a family with special needs. I want you to help your clients to solidify family bonds and create joy-filled memories that minimize the stress of traveling.  Travel is for everyone no matter their ability and with just a few considerations anyone should be able to get out of their normal everyday life and explore the world as a family.   Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and I’ll see you real soon. www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com for questions or planning your next trip!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thank you so much for listening to the 1st season of the Lily and Magnolia Travel Podcast.  We talked a lot about Disney a bit about different places around the world you can travel with a loved one with special needs.  I have so many exciting things coming to the podcast in season 2 and I can't wait to share with you!    It's been a fun couple of months and as always if you are ready to book be sure to visit my website and reach out to me so I can help you plan your next amazing family vacation!   www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I speak with Nathalie Lim of Tokyo Disneyland Style and we discuss visiting the Tokyo Disneyland Resort and how I can help you plan a vacation of a lifetime to Tokyo and the Tokyo Disneyland Resort. You can find Natalie on all the major social media networks! Natalie Lim American, from Orange County, CA Living in Japan since 2016 Came here for husband's work 2 kids Photography- Tokyo, Portraits, Disney, Vacations (www.nathalieaprilphotography.com)  Instagram: @tokyodisneystyle - Disney @thewanderlustingmama - Japan / travel @nathalieaprilphotography - photography Website: www.nathalieaprilphotography.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at how the DAS (Disability Access Service) works at Tokyo Disneyland.  This basic concept is the same at the U.S. Parks but there are a couple of things you should know.  This works the same for Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland. Do you need help planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort or other Disney Parks?  Follow my link below and let's get started planning your next trip! www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast I interview LaShawn Wilks of Everyday Eyecandy!  In this episode, we talk about what Disney can do to accommodate a gluten allergy and even a nut allergy.  This explores options for gluten-free and what happens in the case that they don't have gluten-free options and even what to do if your allergy is so severe.  Surprise, Disney does let you bring in your own food!   Need help planning a vacation to Disney and beyond?  Send me a message or send me an email and I'm happy to help you plan your next vacation!  I'm offering 10% off my service fee for new clients till Jan 2021!  Let's get started planning your trip!  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact Find LaShawn here: Social media: Instagram: @lashawnwiltz Twitter: @lashawnwiltz Facebook: @everydayeyecandyblog --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When my oldest son was diagnosed with autism.  I was simply unaware that the behaviors he was presenting were different from his neurotypical brother.  I didn’t know how much sensory overload and how scared of new things he was until he was diagnosed.  I thought our travels were over once I realized how difficult it was becoming to travel with him.  It wasn’t until my son came home from school one day and said he wanted to visit the National Mall. I realized that our travels didn’t have to stop because of the diagnosis, instead, they just needed to be modified to make traveling easier for him. At this point, I realized if I as a parent of a child with autism was struggling to travel and find the right accommodations for my child other families with special needs might be facing this same struggle.   ​ This is why I founded Lily and Magnolia Travel to help remove the stress and effort that comes with planning a vacation, especially if your family requires special considerations.  I want to help make your trip smooth and as painless as possible. I will help you find the right travel suppliers, airline carriers to fit your needs and travel destinations that are a good fit for your family. I’ll make sure you are able to enjoy the travel destination to the fullest because travel is for everyone.  Curious to learn how I can help you?    Head over to my website to learn how I can help you!  https://www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/contact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela created her website to help people with disabilities and special needs (like herself) plan and achieve the best Disneyland trip possible. After all, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth! However, if you have some sort of “disability”, you may feel as though much of the world around you is not equipped or prepared to handle your unique needs. Well, in this episode Angela shares valuable information about traveling to Disneyland to ease your worries and provide insight into the inclusive environment Disneyland offers for your magical vacationing needs and pleasure! You can find more information on Angela's website: https://allaccessdisneyland.com/ You can also find Angela on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/AllAccessDisneyland/ And IG:  https://www.instagram.com/allaccessdisneyland/ If you are ready to plan a trip to Disneyland or elsewhere head on over to my website and let's chat about planning your next family vacation!  I've got you covered to make sure all your accessibility needs are as met as they can be! www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samantha Drew of JSA Creations joins me on this episode as we talk about her first experience of going to the Disney Parks with her son with autism.     Check out Samantha's Etsy Shop here: https://etsy.me/2XeohWN   Do you need help planning a vacation with a loved one with special needs or just need help planning a family vacation?  Visit my site to learn more about planning: www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/plan-a-trip --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My on my podcast today is Beth Roberts owner of Sensory Kids Guide.     Visit her website here:  www.sensorykidsguide.com   If you need help planning your vacation visit my website and let's get started planning your trip:  www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/plan-a-trip  Beth Roberts started Sensory Kids Guide after a particularly difficult visit to Disney World with her children, one being diagnosed with Asperger's/High Functioning Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder.   Since the diagnosis, they have navigated the new world of occupational therapy, neuropsychologists, help within schools, and home behavioral therapy.  After that specific family vacation, Beth knew she couldn't be the only one needing a little extra help with traveling with a sensory child, especially in the happiest place on earth! What should have been a fun and exciting vacation, turned into a heartbreaking account of a sensory child's overstimulation and break down. Beth is passionate about helping others overcome roadblocks in travel and everyday life, all based on trial and error! This journey has started specifically with Disney but will be expanding to travel to other parks, locations, and international adventures! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know there are plenty of travel suppliers that are certified by the IBCCES as a Certified Autism Specialist? Like me!   Need more information about the IBCCES?  https://bit.ly/2WJfqxp   Are you thinking about planning a vacation with a special needs loved on but not sure where to get started?   Well, head on over here: www.lilyandmagnoliatravel/plan-a-trip to get started, and let's start a conversation about planning your trip.   I'd love to help you! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've said time and again Disney understands very well that they have guests that visit their parks with so many different levels of accessibility.  Each guest experience is unique and Disney, in particular, is very accommodating when help guests with special needs to enjoy the parks just like anyone else.    With this in mind, Disney did have to make some changes to their original Disability Access Service.  Guests were, unfortunately, taking advantage of the original service, which acted in essence like a front of the line pass for DAS guests.  Due to the fraudulent misuse of the service, Disney had to step in and make changes that made this service fair for everyone.    In this podcast episode, I wanted to share information about the DAS service and how it can make everyone in your party's day that little more magical.  If you are considering a vacation to Disney please let me know in advance about any special needs or disabilities so that I can address it with Disney and ensure I book you an accessible room if you need it and guide you more in-depth on what to do at Disney to make your day a little more magical. Lily and Magnolia Travel  Disney's Offical Statement for the DAS.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Lily and Magnolia Travel Podcast!   I’m Dina Farmer and I help families with special needs navigate the unique challenges presented when traveling so they can experience a memorable and magical vacation. I know all too well the countless hours of research we, as parents, put into molding our vacations to fit our needs.  Sending email after email, phone call after phone call, my youngest son pulling my hand to grab a snack and my oldest son melting down because his time limit was up on Minecraft.  Once all is planned, our journey is everything but smooth due to autism meltdowns, toddler temper tantrums, fumbling with strollers and probably way too much luggage, our destination became all that more difficult to get to.   When my oldest son was diagnosed with autism.  I was simply unaware that the behaviors he was presenting were different than his neurotypical brother.  I didn’t know how much sensory overload and how scared of new things he was until he was diagnosed.  I thought our travels were over once I realized how difficult it was becoming to travel with him.  It wasn’t until my son came home from school one day and said he wanted to visit the National Mall, that our travels didn’t have to stop because of the diagnosis instead they just needed to be modified to make traveling easier for him. At this point, I realized if I as a parent of a child with autism was struggling to travel and find the right accommodations for my child other families with special needs might be facing this same struggle.   This is why I opened Lily and Magnolia Travel to help remove the stress and effort that comes with planning a vacation, especially if your family requires special considerations.  I want to help make your trip smooth and as painless as possible.  I will help you find the right travel suppliers, airline carriers to fit your needs and travel destinations that are a good fit for your family. I’ll make sure you are able to enjoy the travel destination to the fullest because travel is for everyone.  Click here to book!   Vacation planning can be overwhelming, and sometimes scary if you’re planning a visit to a place you’ve never been to.   And I’ve been to quite a few places!   I grew up as a military child, I enlisted in the Air Force when I graduated high school and now travel the world as a military spouse.  My youth was spent in Japan, learning the culture and language and met my husband.  My truest nature came forth during my time in Hawaii. Sun, sand and tank tops are what make my heartbeat!  My extended family lives in Turkey and visiting them brings my back to my roots and fuels my wanderlust.  And as a mother of two and wife of an active duty service member, I understand how life can put your travel plans on the back burner or make traveling financially difficult.  Let me help you create memories with your family that are long-lasting and worthy of your very precious family time.   If all this sounds good to you fill out my trip planning form and let’s get started planning you an unforgettable trip for your family.     Ready to plan your next trip?   www.lilyandmagnoliatravel.com/plan-a-trip --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traveling with kids of any age can be difficult, and traveling with special needs adds even more challenges.  With those challenges comes frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed thinking about all that travel planning.  Very often work, school, therapy appointments, and swim lessons suck up all of our time in planning family vacations.  By the time we start our vacation, we’re absolutely exhausted! We might even feel a little guilty to miss a therapy or two!  This is why I started Lily and Magnolia Travel, to help special needs families travel the world more easily. Visit www.lilyandmangnoliatravel.com to learn more about planning your next vacation with a loved one with special needs!   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dina-farmer/support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.