We've Been a Bit Quiet… Here's Why (Plus Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Folks!)

Picture of NeuroEmpowered Team stood in the desert

Hello everyone! 👋

If you've noticed things have been a little quiet here at NeuroEmpowered recently—thank you for bearing with us! We recently stepped away for a short break to explore Jordan, and it gave us some valuable insights we want to share with you.

Travelling while neurodivergent (especially with a group!) can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. This trip reminded us of both the joy of new experiences and the importance of having the right supports in place.

So, while we're easing back into our usual routine, we wanted to share some tips, reflections, and lessons that we hope might help other neurodivergent individuals considering travel—whether it's a group trip, a solo adventure, or a staycation with structure.

✅ What Helped Us Travel More Comfortably

🧾 1. Having a Full Weekly Schedule (and Checking It Each Night)

We were given a clear itinerary before the trip that outlined what we’d be doing each day—where we’d be, what time we’d be moving, and what to expect. This really helped ease uncertainty.

Each evening, we checked in with the tour leader to confirm the next day’s plans—just to be sure nothing had changed. That regular routine helped us feel calmer and in control.

🕓 2. Taking Time Away From the Group

We love people—but too much “group energy” without breaks leads to burnout. We deliberately carved out time away from the group to reset. This included skipping optional activities, eating in quieter spaces, or just spending some solo time decompressing.

It wasn’t about missing out—it was about making the rest of the trip more manageable and enjoyable.

🌻 3. Using the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme at Airports

This was a game-changer. Wearing a sunflower lanyard in the airport signalled to staff that we had hidden disabilities and might need extra time, space, or support. We found staff to be respectful and accommodating, and it took the pressure off during busy queues and security checks.

🎧 4. Sensory Supports On Hand

Our comfort kit came with us: noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, sunglasses, familiar snacks, and soft clothing all helped reduce sensory overwhelm on long days and busy buses.

📲 5. Visual Familiarity and Pre-Trip Research

Looking at photos of hotels, checking Google Maps, and watching video tours of locations before we arrived helped us feel prepared. Reducing “unknowns” made transitions far smoother.

🧘 6. Factoring In Decompression Days

This is something we’ve learned the hard way in the past—so this time, we planned ahead. We booked quiet days both before and after the trip so we could transition more gently between routines.

That extra space to breathe helped enormously, especially as post-travel exhaustion crept in.

❌ What Was Still Tricky

🌀 Sensory Overload and Pushing Through

There were moments we pushed ourselves to “keep up”—whether in crowded places or late nights. While we wanted to be present, ignoring our needs led to shutdowns, fatigue, and some difficult sensory moments.

🧠 Lesson: Listen to your body early, and honour your limits without guilt.

🛬 Post-Trip Recovery Hit Hard

Even with decompression days, the crash came hard when we got home. The exhaustion from masking, stimulation, and social engagement caught up quickly—and exacerbated other symptoms, both physical and mental.

🧡 What helped most was kindness: lowering expectations, focusing on basics like hydration, food, and rest, and not pressuring ourselves to immediately “bounce back.”

💬 Final Thoughts

Travel when you’re neurodivergent isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. What matters most is that it works for you.

Plan supportively. Take breaks. Build in rest. Use the tools that work for your brain and body. And most importantly—be kind to yourself before, during, and after.

We’re slowly getting back into the swing of things and looking forward to sharing more soon. If you’ve travelled recently and have tips to add—we’d love to hear them! 💌

With warmth — The NeuroEmpowered Team