Our Home from Home

The biggest draw of caravanning is having a consistent safe space. Whether we are parked by the coast or in the countryside, the interior stays the same. For Bodhi (who has an Autism PDA profile), River (who is on the assessment pathway for ASD and ADHD), and myself (diagnosed ASD and ADHD), this ‘home from home’ eliminates the sensory shock of new hotel rooms or rentals.

Routine: we can stick to our usual mealtimes and bedtime rituals. Nature: having the outdoors right on our doorstep allows the kids to burn off energy immediately. Regulation: the extra space provided by the awning is vital for giving everyone room to decompress.

Packing Essentials for Sensory Success

We never leave home without a curated kit to manage sensory input and transitions.

Comfort and Sensory: noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and our spinning chair — essential for regulation at service stations.

Electronics: tablets and handheld games (fully charged!) for downtime and travel.

Safe Foods: a stash of familiar snacks to avoid the stress of ‘new’ tastes while away.

Planning and Preparation

Preparation is key to reducing anxiety for both the kids and me. Managing my own ASD and ADHD alongside my physical health means that a well-planned trip reduces my overall burnout risk.

Location Research: we look for sites with plenty of space for bikes and proximity to parks.

Involving the Kids: to support Bodhi’s PDA profile, we involve her in the planning. Letting her choose activities or help pack gives her a sense of autonomy and control.

Visual Timetables: we use a visual schedule so the kids know exactly what is happening next, which is a huge help for transition periods.

Managing the Journey

The travel day is often the hardest part, so we build in flexibility.

Movement Breaks: we plan stops in open spaces where the kids can do cartwheels or stretch.

The Spinning Chair: this goes in the car for service station stops — it is a lifesaver for sensory regulation mid-journey.

Acceptance: we go into every trip accepting that meltdowns might happen. Having the caravan means we have a private, safe place to retreat to if things get overwhelming.

Caravanning has changed my life. It has turned travel from a source of anxiety into my full-time job vlogging and documenting our adventures. Seeing River and Bodhi thrive, meet new people, and explore the world on their own terms makes every mile worth it.