Traveling with Executive Function: Tips for Stress-Free Adventures

Traveling with Executive Function: Tips for Stress-Free Adventures

Traveling with Executive Function: Tips for Stress-Free Adventures

By SOS4Students Coach Marco Vieira

Traveling with Executive Function Tips for Stress-Free Adventures

Where’s My Everything? 

Love it or hate it, at one point or another, we all must pack up our essentials and venture off to far and exotic places for a bit of adventure, or to more mundane destinations for work or school. If you are anything like me, traveling with executive function issues can be stressful and expensive.

Recently on a work trip to Anaheim, I forgot to bring my debit card. I was so used to tapping my phone everywhere that I neglected to put my card back into my wallet after making some online purchases. When I got to the hotel, they informed me I needed a physical card to put on file for incidentals. So, I had to spend money and time to hire an Uber, go to a bank, and get a brand-new debit card—all so I could check into a hotel which already had all this information. (I’m not bitter … but I must admit I was a bit frustrated!)

So, what can we do to prepare teens who struggle with executive functioning from bringing unnecessary stress into travel plans? The answer is …

Lists!

For last-minute packers like me, nothing adds a little habanero to your yogurt like a good, night-before, packing frenzy. It’s stressful and a good way to forget things—so start by making a list.

Work with your teen to break down the upcoming trip into categories:

  • Travel (getting to and leaving your destination)
  • Rest (hotel necessities, toiletries, PJs)
  • Activities (swimsuits, sunblock, dinners)
  • Emergency (back up cash, second form of ID, emergency contacts)
  • Other Categories (add categories as they relate to your trip; the more you have the better prepared you will be).

The Power of Visualization

After making the list, have your teen find a quiet place in your home, eyes closed, and a piece of paper and pen in hand.

  1. Have your teen visualize parts of the trip that require items from home or things they would like to have. Think about …
    • The trip to the airport (passport, ID, snacks, neck pillow, cash)
    • The flight (a book, electronics, headphones, earplugs)
    • Checking into the hotel (debit card, confirmation number)
    • Various activities (sunscreen, going out clothes, PJs, etc.)
  1. Have your teen independently picture doing each of these things and the items needed.
  2. Ask your teen to write down everything that comes to mind and match it up with the previously made “categories” list.
  3. Finally, sit down with your teen and talk about it.

This activity is a lifesaver that can really help minimize forgotten items and undo stress.

A Few More Tips

  • If planning is hard for your teen, or your teen doesn’t have a lot of experience traveling, ask a friend for help, especially one who has done a lot of traveling. Talking with someone can help teens stay focused on planning trips and can help them add things to their list they would not think about otherwise.
  • Check the weather forecast and other travel tips for the destination! No one wants to be dressed for winter in sweltering heat (or vice versa).
  • A week prior to leaving, have your teen take out the luggage and leave it open in the room. This is a visual reminder to start packing and a convenient way to add and remove items as they come to mind.
  • Book as many activities in advance as possible. This not only helps with planning and anticipation but also keeps the trip exciting and well-organized for all.
  • Think of worst-case scenarios for everyone going. Always be prepared!
  • Have a backup plan. For example, give someone the keys to your house in the worst-case scenario you need something overnighted to you … or you forget to leave your cat with your neighbor.

One Last Thing…

All teens make mistakes. They will forget things, especially if they have executive functioning challenges. It is only human. Remind your teen to forgive any mistakes and to have a backup plan. It’s not about how many obstacles were prevented, but how those obstacles were overcome when they appeared.

And bring a bankcard!

We Are Here to Help!

SOS4Students has helped countless students navigate executive function issues and more, enabling them to reach their full potential. If you have questions about coaching, advocacy, or other ways in which we can help, contact us today at (510) 531-4767 or .

Winter Workshops 

Set your teen up for success in the spring semester with our in-person winter workshops, returning this season with dates to be announced. Designed to build essential executive functioning and learning skills, these workshops empower middle and high school students to excel in school and beyond.

🌟 Middle School Booster: Sharpen organization and time management skills for a smoother middle school experience.

🖋️ Take Note: Master the art of effective note-taking for improved study habits and test prep.

🧠 Executive Brain Bootcamp: Build advanced executive functioning skills to tackle projects, manage time, and stay motivated.

📚 Secrets of Successful Note-Taking: Learn strategies for capturing and using class content effectively.

See our workshops page for dates as they’re announced.

Got Questions?

SOS4Students is here to support students and families. Contact SOS4Students at (510) 531-4767 or to discuss the ways we can help.