Journey planning
Here you'll find guidance and useful links to help make your journey as stress-free as possible.
You can also use the information on this page to plan trips to the places you'd like to explore during your holiday.
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How to plan your journey
A great place to start is by using Google Maps.
Google Maps can help you find the quickest and easiest ways to reach your holiday destination by providing accurate routes for driving and public transport as well as walking and cycling which can also help you get around whilst you're on holiday.
Top tips...
Check route before booking
We recommend checking your travel route before booking your holiday to make sure the journey is manageable for your family.
Book tickets in advance
Once you've booked your holiday, book your travel tickets early to take advantage of lower prices.
Re-check your route
A few days before your holiday, check your route and journey plan again. This is a good reminder before you do the journey, but will also help you find out if there are any road closures or changes to public transport before you set off.
Travelling by public transport
If you're getting there by public transport, your holiday spot might not be right next to a train station. It's worth checking out local bus routes to see how you can get from the station to where you're staying.
The easiest way to plan your journey is by using Google Maps – just pop in your start and end points, and it’ll show you which train and bus routes to take, along with the service numbers and providers. If you’d rather look up a specific provider, below are some train and bus ticket websites that you might find helpful.
Trains
National Rail provides timetables, ticket options, and travel updates.
Trainline an easy way to search for train times, book tickets, and find the best deals.
Buses
Stagecoach – Operates in many regions across the UK, including Scotland, the North, South, and East of England.
First Bus – Serves various cities across the UK, including the South West, Yorkshire, and Scotland.
Arriva – Provides services in multiple regions, including the North East, North West, and parts of London.
Trentbarton – Offers local bus services in the East Midlands, particularly around Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire.
Brighton & Hove Buses – Operates local routes within Brighton and the surrounding areas.
Stagecoach Operates in many regions across the UK, including Scotland, the North, South, and East of England.
Accessible travel resources
Here are some helpful resources from organisations that specialise in supporting families with a disabled or neurodivergent family member.
Transport for All offer information to help provide, or signpost to, details of how to plan and make a journey, how to apply for a concession, how to challenge discrimination and how to complain if things go wrong.
Citizens Advice offer advice with the cost of transport for people with a disability.
Family Holiday Charity accepts no responsibility for the content of third-party websites and cannot guarantee that all the services we are signposting may be suitable for your family. We offer the information to be helpful and in good faith. Please note that our list of resources is not exhaustive; it includes services that we are aware of.