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Original poster

Holiday destination with ASD 4yo

9 replies

ReasonedToo · 27/12/2023 06:08

We (DP and I) would like to go on a holiday in 2024 with our two children. We're a blended family. My son is autistic and has only been on a plane once to France for an hour. He clung to me the entire flight. I cannot explain to him about going on holiday as he doesn't have the capacity to understand (yet!).

He loves the beach and sea so he'll be pretty pleased with anything like that.

My partner's teen daughter will want places to see and visit. She loves old buildings with a history/story. Not so fussed about beaches but might go swimming.

I'd be reluctant to fly for too long. Flights probably from LGW.

Where could we go? I'm not well travelled so struggling with ideas.

OP posts:
NSJ28 · 27/12/2023 06:13

It's nothing fancy but we took our ASD 5 year old to Benidorm and he loved it. It's a short flight, short airport transfer and if you stay in the right hotel, the beach is a stones throw away and there are shops and restaurants galore. We only went for 2 nights to test the waters with him in terms of going abroad but he wants to go back ☺️

Original poster
ReasonedToo · 27/12/2023 06:23

Amazing! Glad your DS had a great time and wants to return.

Unfortunately we can't go there as DP and his daughter have been before. They like to go to new places.

OP posts:
BakedTattie · 27/12/2023 06:24

We took our young son with ASD to Majorca. Palma nova. It was perfect. Hot sunny, nice old towns, but the best bit is the short flight time.

or would jersey work?

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MinnieMountain · 27/12/2023 06:26

Malaga? Plenty of history and a nice big beach. You can get the train there from the airport.

Brendabigbaps · 27/12/2023 06:30

I’d be more inclined to get a ferry somewhere, less restrictions on your son especially with an airport, with more for him to see and keep him occupied.
northern France (Brittany) is great for history.

Original poster
ReasonedToo · 27/12/2023 06:34

I'd happily get a ferry too. We're not far from Portsmouth so can get the ferry to France and Jersey/Guernsey. I'll be honest I'm not sure what Jersey has to offer in terms of holidays (naive much! Ha!).

I did think Majorca or Malta maybe. But I've never been so I don't know what it is like.

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 27/12/2023 07:44

I would drive and check out Belgium. Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp are all historical places and you can stay also at the coast.

If she has interest in it, the WWI trenches are also easy to get to.

The weather may not be 100% sunshine guarantee though.

Or a ferry to France and drive down the coast?

wideawakeinthemiddleofthenightagain · 27/12/2023 08:25

Barcelona?

Newuser75 · 27/12/2023 08:42

How about a cruise? You could get one from Southampton. Pools for your son , beaches at stop offs and plenty of things to look at.

Though they are busy so will depend on if your son would find that difficult.

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