In this episode of Recipe to the Road Gordon Geraghty, sheds light on what it is like travelling the world with autism. He shares his own perspective on how autism benefited him while travelling and he shares some invaluable tips for people, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, who want to travel but might be a bit unsure. 

Understanding autism

Autism, as Gordon explains, is a condition that affects individuals differently. As the saying goes, "When you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." Each person's experience is distinct, but there are some common characteristics. People with autism often have heightened sensitivity, which can manifest in various ways. For instance, Gordon personally experiences auditory sensitivity, where he can hear all the sounds around him, when in a crowded space. Another aspect is the potential difficulty in accurately interpreting and expressing emotions, leading to a sort of "colour blindness" when it comes to emotions.

How autism impacts travel

Gordon views travelling as a great equaliser between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals. When exploring new cultures, there are no fixed cultural norms to rely on, which creates a level playing field. This environment fosters open-mindedness and direct communication, allowing Gordon to feel liberated. Socialising while travelling becomes a safe space where he can fully express himself. Additionally, Gordon's ability to adapt to changes in his schedule, a trait he attributes to his autism, proves advantageous during his travels.

Gordon's travels

Gordon embarked on an adventure that began in Perth, Australia where he surprised his sister for Christmas in 2017. After spending a month there, he decided to make the most of being on that side of the world and continued his travels. From Japan to South Korea, China to Vietnam, Thailand to Bali, and even California, Gordon explored diverse destinations. Eventually, he settled in Australia permanently. 

Travel tips from Gordon

Gordon shares some practical travel tips based on his personal experiences. To overcome language barriers, especially in China, he carried a mini whiteboard to communicate through drawings. He emphasises the importance of embracing the mantra, "It is better to have remorse than regret." This mindset helps alleviate nervousness about travelling and encourages individuals to take the leap. For those anxious about embarking on a journey, starting small by travelling within your own country or continent allows you to discover what suits you best.

Gordon mentions an Instagram travel page from someone we both know who travels everywhere by land. He has some really interesting insights, I would recommend checking him out @smallbagtravel. 

Planning and organisation

While Gordon always had a more detailed plan than most travellers, he acknowledges the need to adapt when schedules change unexpectedly. To handle such situations, he recommends having multiple plans in place. This way, when things don't go as expected, you can seamlessly switch to another option while still having the comfort of following a plan. For example, if a boat arrives on time, follow plan A; if it doesn't, switch to plan B.

Accessibility and inclusivity

Gordon noticed stark differences in accessibility and inclusivity between countries. Wealthier nations, such as Japan and Korea, excel in providing accessibility features. In Japan, they use pictures on signs, as well as signs in Braille and audio cues for blind individuals. Disneyland even offers headphones for autistic visitors. In Australia, museums have sensory-friendly times in the morning to cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities. These initiatives help create a more inclusive travel experience.

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