Language
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swedish

Insurance Funding Request

Did you know Firefly products may be funded by your insurance?

Learn More
Back to Firefly Blog

Special needs parenting: Oh the places you can go!

Special needs parenting: Oh the places you can go!

Any parent that decides to take on the task of traveling knows how tough it is.

Kids have so much stuff!

Combine that with all the things they need for entertainment during the road trip or flight, throw in headache meds for you and headphones for all to help curb the “Are we there yet?” question every 5 minutes.

It is EXHAUSTING!

Now, imagine traveling halfway across the country with a special needs child and all their “things” for 3 full weeks.

It’s a monumental task in and of itself.

The planning ahead isn't for the faint of heart.

Many special needs parents just don’t do it.

It’s a huge undertaking and takes weeks of planning, not to mention the risk involved leaving all their regular doctors in case of an emergency.

We have found that we are happier when we get family vacations or we travel.

It’s very stressful leading up to it and we always have a contingency plan for emergencies but we come home feeling refreshed.

We have been to visit family in Oklahoma several times, travelled to Virginia Beach and most recently we travelled to Cleveland, Ohio for intensive therapy.

We knew this therapy could be life changing so we began planning 4 months before.

I am no expert but I do have some tips and tricks I have learned along the way.

List, list, list!!!!!

Use lists to keep track of every possible item you may or may not bring.

Narrow things down as you pack but for peace of mind, write it down.

If you are driving:

Rent a roof rack if possible and if not, use vacuum bags to make clothing smaller.

Pretend you are an expert at Tetris and use every available inch.

If there is space, I find something to put in it.

Overpack entertainment for the car

Pack overnight bags if you are staying overnight so you don’t have to take everything in.

Pack extra supplies (diapers, chucks, wipes, clothes) in a small bag or in your overnight bag so it’s accessible.

Order your supplies about a week ahead of time and keep them in the box to load up.

I actually opened the box, took out the filler paper and found more space for other supplies in it. 

If you are flying:

Travel on the plane with the least amount of baggage possible.

Trust me, having hands free is worth every penny of checking your bag.

Have a small bag of emergency supplies, all meds and entertainment.

Ship supplies to your destination if possible.

We have done both, we shipped supplies ahead of time and we had a suitcase dedicated to supplies.

It’s much easier going to and from the airport with less in your hands.

Lastly, don’t be afraid.

It may be daunting at first and there will be hiccups but just because your child has special needs, doesn’t mean you should skip those important family vacations.

Firefly Blog

Real life stories, issues and experiences of day to day life by special needs parents and
healthcare professionals.

Francie Khalaf

Meet Our Blogger

I am a wife and mother of two children with cerebral palsy. I believe in making lemonade out of lemons.

View Francie’s Profile

Become a Firefly Blogger

Would you like to write for Firefly? Join our blogger network of parents, therapists and professionals.

Get In Touch

Become a subscriber today

Join over 40,000 subscribers to our weekly newsletter with insightful articles just when you need them.

Join Mailing List

By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Click here for more info.

Accept & Close

No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on

Purchases on $99+

US Customers only. Subject to credit approval. See terms below

Paypal Credit

Pay now or pay over time with PayPal Credit. Just use PayPal Credit in PayPal checkout.

Subject to credit approval.

Purchases of $99+:

No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on purchases of $99 or more.

  • A minimum monthly payment is required and may or may not pay off the promotional purchase by the end of the 6 month period.
  • No interest will be charged on the purchase if you pay it off in full within 6 months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the purchase from the purchase date at the Purchase APR applicable to your account.
  • For New Accounts: Variable Purchase APR is 25.49%. The APR is accurate as of 6/1/2018 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate (as defined in your credit card agreement). Minimum interest charge is $2.00.
  • Individual items that are less than $99 qualify for special financing when combined for a total of $99 or more in a single transaction.
  • Multiple separate transactions of less than $99 per transaction cannot be combined to meet the minimum purchase amount.

Purchases of $98.99 or less:

Buy now and pay over time with PayPal Credit when you spend $98.99 or less.

  • If you pay your balance in full each month by the payment due date that is on your statement, you can avoid paying interest.
  • Or, make minimum monthly payments, or any additional amount of your choosing, until you've paid off your balance according to your standard account terms. Please note, interest charges may apply.
  • We'll send you email reminders when your payments are due. You can also keep track of your account and view your statements online at any time.

About PayPal Credit

  • PayPal Credit is a reusable credit line available on purchases at thousands of stores that accept PayPal. It's also available for purchases on eBay and exclusively at thousands of other online stores. Plus, it comes with the same security and flexibility you trust from PayPal.
  • If approved, we start you off with a minimum credit line of at least $250. See FAQs for more info.
  • For New Accounts: Variable Purchase APR is 25.49%. The APR is accurate as of 6/1/2018 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate (as defined in your credit card agreement). Minimum interest charge is $2.00. See Terms and Conditions tab for more info.
  • If you miss a payment your late fee could be up to $38, even less if it's your first time. See FAQs for more info.

Please wait...