For many families, an assignment overseas provided the perfect opportunity to travel and to create memories, explore somewhere new or revisit a favorite destination. Military and DoD families living overseas also have a unique opportunity to experience countries, cultures and history that many people only dream of visiting. I share my family’s journey with one hope: that no family misses those opportunities because they believe traveling with a child with autism or other special needs is impossible.

The truth is—it isn’t.

Our son, Alex, is autistic and minimally verbal. Like many autistic children, he does not always have the spoken words to tell us when he is overwhelmed, anxious or simply needs a break. Traveling requires more planning, patience and flexibility, but we have learned it is worth every extra step.

Looking back, I believe introducing Alex to travel at an early age helped shape his development. Experiencing diverse cultures, languages, foods, sounds and environments built his confidence.

Today, instead of staying home, he asks, “When’s our next trip?” He also exclaims statements such as “Let’s go on airplane ride.” Every child is different, but for our family, travel has helped Alex grow, connect with the world and strengthen his communication skills as he progressed from being nonverbal to minimally verbal.

One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that preparation is not about expecting the worst—it is about preparing for the unexpected. I have always believed that the most memorable family vacations don’t come from perfect planning. They come from the moments that help us grow, the unexpected detours, and the unforgettable memories—the true highlights of the trip!

Here are a few lessons our family has learned along the way:

• Do your homework. Research more than the major attractions. Look for playgrounds, quiet spaces, family-friendly restaurants, accessible restrooms, pharmacies and places where your child can decompress if needed.

• Pack familiar comforts. Favorite snacks, medications, comfort items, chargers, extra clothes and sensory supports such as noise-reducing headphones can make unfamiliar environments much less stressful.

• Don’t let potty training stop you. If your child is not potty trained yet, plan ahead with extra supplies and locate family restrooms before you arrive. With extra preparation, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about the unexpected.

• Leave room for flexibility. Some of the best memories happen when you slow down and let your child enjoy the moment rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.

• Celebrate every victory. Success isn’t always seeing another landmark. Sometimes it’s trying a new food, tolerating a busy environment a little longer or simply watching your child soak it all in without a meltdown.

Some of our favorite memories came from choosing activities that matched Alex’s interests. In Budapest, we discovered one of Europe’s largest indoor water parks; Alex loved the pools, waterslides and dancing with the staff. In Morocco, he rode a donkey through the mountains near Fez before climbing aboard a camel in the Sahara Desert. While we admired the scenery, Alex was fascinated by the animals. We weren’t just visiting Morocco—we were watching it through his eyes.

Other unforgettable moments were simpler: feeding pigeons in Milan, skipping rocks with Abuelo in Germany, sharing family dinners, watching Mediterranean sunsets and simply being together. Those memories stay with us long after the trip.

Mom carried Alex when his little legs grew tired. His grandparents and siblings helped navigate crowded streets and busy attractions. Sometimes my role as Dad wasn’t sightseeing—it was finding a quiet place where Alex could recharge, and truthfully, so could I. I learned that slowing down wasn’t missing out. It was simply part of our family’s journey.

Don’t let fear keep you from exploring.

Don’t let the possibility of a meltdown or the opinions of strangers prevent your family from making lifelong memories.

Travel at your own pace. Take breaks when you need them. Adjust your plans without guilt and do what works best for your family.

Looking back at our family photos, I don’t remember every stop or every detail we planned. What I do remember is the laughter, the challenges we overcame together, and the moments that brought us closer as a family.

The memories you create together may become the greatest destination of all.

Together We Can!

Editor’s Note from the Author: Those experiences inspired The Alex Collection—a series of children’s books rooted in our family’s journey—including “Spend A Day With Alex,” “Alex, His Family and Yours: Together, We Can!” and my upcoming book, “Hey Alex! Use Your Words: Every Voice Matters.” Together, these stories reflect the lessons I’ve learned along the way as both a father and autism advocate.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of War. 

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