Travelling With a Sensory Child – What I’m Packing

Travelling With a Sensory Child – What I’m Packing

Going on holiday with a sensory child isn’t just packing.

It’s a full-blown logistical operation involving noise, snacks, tears (theirs and yours), and enough sensory tools to fill an extra suitcase.

We’re heading off soon, and I thought I’d share exactly what I’m packing for my son — plus a few things I know I’ll probably forget. Because let’s be honest, this isn’t your average “beach towel and sun cream” checklist.



A Bit of Backstory…

The last time we went on holiday, he caught a bug right before we left.
He was throwing up the night before, the morning of the flight, and during the actual flight.
Then again on the first day of the holiday.

So now? Just hearing the word “airplane” triggers full-blown panic.

“I HATE PLANES. THEY MAKE ME SICK.”

Understandably, he associates flying with feeling awful. So getting him on a plane this time is going to be... let’s say... character-building.
Hence the Calm Kit. And the calculator. And probably wine for me too.

🎒 What I’m Packing for My Sensory Child:

  • Noise-Cancelling Headphones? Not a chance.  He hates them.  Wont have anything on his ears. 
    But we’re trying regular headphones for the iPad — I’m calling it an experiment and praying it works for at least one episode of Washer Races on YouTube. (Yes its an actual channel dedicated to washing machine lovers where by there are two washing machines side by side and they're doing their thang -  washing and spinning and yep - he just watches them!)

  • Snacks – Only the safe ones. Not broken. And lots of them.  (Bribery at its finest.) 

  • Henry the Hoover. Not the actual vacuum (that wouldn’t fit in my carry-on), but his Henry screen cleaner teddy, which he treats like an emotional support legend. He doesn’t know it’s for wiping screens, and I’m not about to tell him.

  • See Henry here for reference!

  • A Calculator. Because nothing calms my child down like a pretend tax return. If numbers = regulation, I’m packing it.

  • Visual Printables. I printed our Calm Kit to use on the plane — Colouring sheets. Anything that can keep him regulated at 30,000 feet is worth its weight in printer ink.

👉 You can grab the exact Calm Kit we’re using here: Activity Calm Space Kit



😬 What I’ll Probably Forget:

  • Something totally obvious

  • The spare tablet charger

  • A non-glittery colouring pencil

  • My own sense of calm, I will be the biggest stresser out of all of us probably.

✨ Final Thoughts:

Travelling with a sensory child isn’t easy — but it is possible when you plan ahead, stay flexible, and give yourself a massive break.

If you’re heading off soon, I’m sending you all the calm vibes — and if you see me filming TikToks in the airport toilets... just keep walking. 😂


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💬 Got a funny or chaotic travel moment to share?

Comment below! I’d love to hear your real-life wins, fails, and what your child insisted on packing last-minute 😂✈️

📝 Affiliate Disclaimer:

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you make a purchase through them. I only share products I genuinely love and use myself — chaos-tested and mum-approved 💜


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