Autism-Friendly Vacation Planning
Travel Designed for Every Family
Every family deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of travel.
At Malibu Travel, we understand that planning a vacation for a child or adult on the autism spectrum often requires more than choosing a destination. It takes thoughtful preparation, the right travel partners, and an advisor who understands the importance of sensory needs, routines, communication styles, and accessibility.
As Certified Autism Travel Professionals™ (CATP) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), we have specialized training to help families confidently plan vacations that are enjoyable, comfortable, and tailored to their unique needs.
Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting cruise, or a family adventure, we're here to help you find the right fit.
Personalized Planning for Your Family
No two travelers are alike, and no two vacations should be either.
We take the time to learn about your family's preferences, travel experience, sensory considerations, and vacation goals before recommending destinations and accommodations.
Our planning services can include guidance on:
- Choosing the best destination for your family's needs
- Selecting quieter staterooms or hotel locations
- Understanding available accessibility services
- Coordinating special requests before you travel
- Planning downtime alongside activities
- Preparing for embarkation days, airports, and transfers
- Finding dining options that accommodate sensory or dietary preferences
Our goal is simple—to reduce stress before you leave home so you can spend more time making memories together.
Trusted Autism-Friendly Travel Partners
Choosing the right vacation supplier can make all the difference. We work with travel companies that have demonstrated a commitment to accessibility, staff training, and inclusive guest experiences.
Beaches Resorts
Beaches Resorts was the first resort company in the world to earn designation as an Advanced Certified Autism Center™ (ACAC) through IBCCES.
Their award-winning autism program includes:
- Team members trained in autism awareness
- Comprehensive sensory guides
- Quiet spaces throughout the resort
- Specialized Kids Camp staff
- Sesame Street® characters trained in autism sensitivity
- Flexible dining and dietary accommodations
- Resources to help families prepare before arrival
For many families, Beaches Resorts offers one of the most comprehensive autism-friendly all-inclusive vacation experiences available.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean continues to expand its accessibility initiatives to better serve neurodiverse guests and their families.
Available services may include:
- Youth staff trained in autism awareness
- Flexible Adventure Ocean programming
- Priority boarding assistance when available
- Sensory-friendly movies and activities on select sailings
- Dietary accommodations
- Assistance coordinating accessibility requests before sailing
Because we've sailed Royal Caribbean extensively, we can help you select the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom location based on your family's individual needs.
Certified Autism Destinations™
In addition to individual resorts and cruise lines, several destinations have partnered with IBCCES to become Certified Autism Destinations™ (CAD) or Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC).
These destinations have trained hotels, attractions, restaurants, and tourism professionals to better serve autistic travelers and their families.
Examples include:
- Mesa, Arizona
- Visalia, California
- Greater Palm Springs, California
- Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
These communities provide families with added confidence that accessibility and inclusion extend beyond a single hotel or attraction.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort continues to expand its accessibility resources for guests with cognitive and sensory disabilities.
Helpful features include:
- Attraction and sensory guides
- Accessibility planning resources
- Quiet areas throughout the parks
- Accommodations for guests with cognitive disabilities
- Team Members trained to assist guests with a variety of needs
With thoughtful planning, Universal can be an excellent vacation choice for families with older children, teens, and adults.
Why Work with Malibu Travel?
Planning an autism-friendly vacation isn't just about making reservations.
It's about understanding your family's unique needs and helping remove as many uncertainties as possible before you travel.
As Certified Autism Travel Professionals™, we provide personalized guidance throughout the planning process, helping you:
- Choose the vacation that's right for your family
- Understand available accessibility programs
- Coordinate accommodations whenever possible
- Navigate supplier policies and services
- Travel with greater confidence and peace of mind
Best of all, our vacation planning services are provided at no additional cost on most vacation packages.
Let's Plan Your Next Adventure
Whether you're planning your first family vacation or looking for a destination that better meets your child's needs, we're here to help.
We'll take the time to understand your family's priorities and recommend vacation options that allow everyone to relax, explore, and create lasting memories together.
Contact Malibu Travel today to begin planning an autism-friendly vacation designed with your family in mind.