FAMILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISM PROVIDED WITH NEW HOLIDAY SERVICE

TRAVELLING on holiday can often be a challenging experience for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Children with ASD can become anxious when their every day routine is broken and travelling to another city or country can sometimes cause distress which can in turn affect the whole family.

One mother who knows all about the difficulties associated with going on holiday with an autistic child is Julie Magill whose day job is as Operations Director for local holiday company Travel Solutions and whose son Corey was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.

In fact, Julie’s personal experience has been a key factor in the company’s decision to provide a range of family holiday breaks dedicated specifically to families affected by this condition.

“Speaking as a mum who has an autistic son, I know how stressful a holiday can be for parents who worry that people may not understand the difficult behaviour that their child is expressing,” said Julie Magill.

“With first-hand experience of this, and working in the holiday business, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss with our managing director Peter McMinn a dedicated service for families affected by ASD and happily he agreed that this would be a really good idea.

“I believe that this service will make a huge difference to many families across Northern Ireland and allow them to leave the worry and stress behind and experience an enjoyable and fun holiday - knowing that everyone travelling with them is in a similar circumstance,” she added.

A choice of dedicated air and coach packages are available to a variety of popular family theme parks including the Legoland Windsor Resort, Peppa Pig World and West Midland Safari Park, Drayton Manor (home to Thomas Land), Cadbury World, Chessington World of Adventure and Blackpool (including Nickelodeon Land).

Travel Solutions managing director Peter McMinn said:  “After speaking with Julie, who has a son with ASD, It became clear that a service like this would really benefit and make a difference to a lot of people’s lives.  A family holiday should be something to look forward to, rather than something to dread and we want to make this possible for families who have come to fear the concept of a mainstream break away.

“Everyone who travels on these dates will be accompanied by other families who can relate to and understand their needs ensuring that they can support and help each other out,” continued Peter.

“This is the first time that we have provided a service of this kind and we really hope that it will make a difference to parents and children who are affected by ASD,” he concluded.

All trips include a tour manager, who is on hand from the moment your holiday starts to offer advice and assistance and to ensure that you get the most from your holiday.

For more information on the Travel Solutions breaks which are specifically aimed at families affected by ASD, please call 028 9045 5030. Family Fund vouchers can be used in association with these trips. Please contact Family Fund for details of your nearest booking agent.

Established in 1996, Travel Solutions is Northern Ireland’s leading independent tour operator, carrying around 30,000 customers per year.  Working with well established, professional transport and accommodation suppliers, the award winning tour operator offers a wide range of air and coach holidays and short breaks to an ever growing portfolio of destinations and events throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Holiday packages available for families affected by ASD include:

Funtastic Four (Departing August 5) – from only £299 per adult and £189 per child, families can enjoy five days of nonstop fun with a visit to West Midland Safari Park, Drayton Manor Theme Park (home to Thomas Land), Cadbury World and Legoland. The price includes return ferry with Stena Line, coaches throughout and two nights’ accommodation at the 3* Jurys Inn in Birimingham.

Legoland Windsor Resort (Departing July 15) – this is a guaranteed fun filled break for all the family  and children can enjoy over 55 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions. Prices start at £299 per adult and £189 per child for three days and includes ferry crossings with Stena Line, coaching throughout and accommodation at the 4* Novotel Hotel in Reading as well as entrance to the theme park and Cadbury World.

Chessington World of Adventure (Departing July 31) - with ten different themed lands and over forty rides and attractions, families will not be stuck for something to entertain them for days on end. From only £379 per adult and £279 per child, families will enjoy fun days at Legoland and  Chessington World of Adventures, as well as return flights from Belfast City Airport to London Gatwick and two night’s accommodation at the 4* Crowne Plaza at London Heathrow.

Peppa Pig World & West Midland Safari Park (Departing August 10) – this will be a holiday to remember for all the family with fun rides, lots of animated attractions and an indoor and outdoor play area. Visitors can also experience an action packed visit to West Midland Safari and Leisure Park which is home to over 165 species of exotic animals. Prices start at only £299 per adult and £169 per child for five days and includes ferry travel with Stena Line,  coaching throughout, entrance to Peppa Pig World and West Midlands Safari Park as well as two night’s accommodation at the 4* Novotel Hotel in Reading.

Blackpool including Nickelodeon Land (Departing July 3) – from only £299 per adult and £199 per child for four days, families can enjoy all that Blackpool has to offer including Madame Tussauds, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon and Blackpool Zoo. The price includes return ferry crossing with Stena Line, three night’s accommodation at the Big Blue Hotel and entry to the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool.

All trips include a Tour Manager from Belfast.  

ATOL 9078