Where to take daughter on her first holiday abroad, to get her used to flying?

[Rainbowsandrascals]

DD is 11 years old and has autism. We’ve never taken her on a plane yet but want to try somewhere in Europe for a city break, possibly in October half term. Can anyone suggest places that will be a shortish flight and somewhere nice to explore once there. Not bothered about a beach / hot weather. She likes sightseeing/ history/ animals.
Thanks.

Pisa?

Amsterdam? Ever such a short flight, from Gatwick it's about 45 minutes, everyone speaks English so it's easy, but it feels very foreign. Don't stay anywhere near the red light district. I went with DD14 last year and it was brilliant.

Edinburgh?

Which is your local airport and where can you easily get to? You might like to check landing approaches to get a typically smooth one (Salzburg is tight and crosswind prone for example) and for reliable flights (CI seem to get cancelled a lot) . Maybe Dublin to avoid some of the customs palaver?

Scotland or Ireland - less to deal with at the other end when people speak English! Ds has autism and has been fine with flights (except for one where his new magazine didn't meet expectations... that was grim...), but holiday in France was stressful for him not being able to communicate.

Last couple flights he hasn't even bothered with ear defenders on the plane, though did get a bit agitated in long security queues.

What about Dublin with a visit to the zoo ,Dublin castle, the Book of Kells in Trinity College, Museums, some food and shopping . Very short cheap flight. Everyone speaking English. And a short visit is possible. Then on to far flung places next time.

Berlin. here

Easy. Jersey.

Rome?

Does it have to be abroad? Belfast is good, especially if you can fly into George Best Airport. And it's overseas.

Copenhagen
Amsterdam
Jersey
Edinburgh
Paris
Have a lovely time.

I second Edinburgh and Belfast - fantastic cities, loads to do, no language barrier

Thanks everyone. Some great suggestions that I will look into. 😁

I took DD to Scotland for her first flight this August.

Flew into Edinburgh then got a bus to Glasgow where we stayed for a few days as we were watching the gymnastics and synchro swimming at the european championships and visited the Science centre which was brilliant and Intu Braehead where we went sledging at Snow Factor, did a chocolate making workshop and climbing. We then got a train to Edinburgh to watch the diving, we climbed Arthurs seat and the next day went to Edinburgh zoo which was brilliant before flying back home.

We had a brilliant time, with the local accent, different style money, architecture and hills we could have been in a different country but without a language barrier. The people were really friendly and public transport was really good and free for chidren on some journeys.

Obviously doesnt work if you already live in Scotland.

If you have a SN child you can board early or late and there will be other accommodations. Just contact the airline, most are very good.

Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Took my two dc on a flight to Prague (one asd) They loved it!

Why do you want her to get used to flying? A lot of the destinations here can be reached with just as much convenience - and a much nicer journey - by rail. And you won't be fucking up the planet quite so much.

Dublin is a reallllly short flight, lots to do/see and the zoo is great. It is expensive once over there though, and can be quite "lively" at times, plus your sightseeing will be at the mercy of the weather! It is a great place to visit though.

Valencia is another option. Flight 2 hours ish, its a small city meaning everything is pretty close by, has l'oceangraphic rated 2nd best aquarium in the world, bioparc zoo, beaches, lots of beautiful architecture, and plenty to see/do all within short drives and walking distances.

I agree with jersey. Small, English speaking, plenty of things to do and still feels exotic! We had a wonderful trip there

Kids had never flown and I did a fear of flying course so booked a cheap return to Lyon from Southend which was perfect. Southend is a teeny airport so really gentle - they couldn't believe how big Gatwick was when we flew from there last summer.

Lyon is a lovely city too - lots to see, great public transport (trams and metro) and good walking too. And there's a great quick tram from the airport to the city center.

As it's so close to the Alps it's an amazing flight, and took about 1hr 10 in the air if I remember correctly. Airline was Flybe

Thanks everyone. I’ve just seen all of these extra suggestions. I will have a look.

Paris?
Then if the worst happens and she point blank refuses to get in the plane for the journey home you have the easy Eurostar option?

I would go Edinburgh. No language barrier. Lots of history and a great zoo. Perfect for a first flight.

Keep in mind that some U.K. airports are using a special lanyard system that alerts staff to the fact that the traveler has hidden disabilities and they may be more helpful and understanding if the need arose. This may make the traveling experience more pleasant for your DD.