Hidden Indulgence: The Ocean Club Brings A Luxury Experience To The The Dominican Republic's North Coast

I've Been Visiting Puerto Rico for Over 15 Years—These Are My 10 Favorite Resorts on the Island

Travel + Leisure

34 minutes ago

Travel + Leisure

I've Been Visiting Puerto Rico for Over 15 Years—These Are My 10 Favorite Resorts on the Island

I've visited Puerto Rico since I was a kid, and I'm lucky to have family here—it's a home away from home for me. But, in my humble opinion, Puerto Rico truly has something for every kind of traveler. History buffs will swoon as soon as they step onto the cobblestone streets of 500-year-old San Juan, while foodies and culture lovers will find many things to see and do in neighborhoods like Santurce and Condado that they'll need to plan a return trip. Plus, with sands ranging from inky black to white as snow, Puerto Rican beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. And no matter what kind of trip you hope to have, Puerto Rico has a hotel to match. I've regularly visited the island for 15 years now—these are the 10 best hotels in Puerto Rico, based on my experience. Carley Rojas Ávila is a bilingual journalist who specializes in writing about travel, culture, and cuisine. Though she's been to over 40 countries across the globe, she has a soft spot for the Caribbean—she's lived and worked in four different countries there and visited over 50 hotels across the region. However, she finds herself frequently returning to one island specifically: Puerto Rico. She's been going to the Isle of Enchantment for over 15 years, and has stayed in some of the country's best hotels. Exterior walkway with view of the ocean at Dorado Beach. The story of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve dates back to the 1950s, when businessman Laurance Rockefeller (yes, as in those Rockefellers) purchased 50 acres of what was once a grapefruit and coconut plantation with the intent to turn it into a posh seaside retreat. Today, this 2025 World's Best Awards-winning resort is home to 96 rooms and villas, each with ocean views and access to a long stretch of coastline that's made Dorado Beach such a coveted destination. The only thing that managed to drag me away from the palm-fringed beachfront during my time at the resort was the Spa Botánico, the property's oversized wellness haven that sprawls across five lush acres. Here, guests can check out the on-site apothecary, two treehouse-style treatment rooms, and 10 freestanding villas—it's a spa experience that rivals most that you'll find in the Caribbean. Location: Dorado Dorado Nearest Airport: 26 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 26 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Family-friendly Family-friendly Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are required at some restaurants. Reservations are required at some restaurants. Accessibility: The property has three categories of accessible rooms, accessible entrances to pools, and other resort facilities. There are also accommodations for guests with hearing and visual impairments. The property has three categories of accessible rooms, accessible entrances to pools, and other resort facilities. There are also accommodations for guests with hearing and visual impairments. Rates: $$$$ A guest room in Condado Vanderbilt. For over a century, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel has reigned supreme from its posh spot on Ashford Avenue, welcoming guests like John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and actor Errol Flynn. Its classic charm and elegance have earned it a regular spot in Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards. My first stay at the Condado Vanderbilt coincided with an unseasonably rainy weekend in San Juan, but instead of watching the waves crash from my covered oceanfront balcony, I booked a treatment at the spa instead. Just a few minutes into my hour-long treatment in the hammam, I was scrubbed, soaked, and otherwise soothed into vacation mode. I emerged to find the sun shining—just in time to dig into a lunch poolside. Location: San Juan San Juan Nearest Airport: 5 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 5 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Family-friendly Family-friendly Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are required at some restaurants. Reservations are required at some restaurants. Accessibility: Facilities and select rooms are fully wheelchair accessible. Visual and audio amenities are available for people with hearing and vision impairments are available upon request. Facilities and select rooms are fully wheelchair accessible. Visual and audio amenities are available for people with hearing and vision impairments are available upon request. Rates: $$ A guest room in Finca Victoria. Head to the island of Vieques for Finca Victoria, a wellness-focused boutique hotel that's one of the most unique stays in the entire Caribbean. This is one of my favorite places to stay in the region (and T+L's too, as it made an appearance on the 2020 It List) and you can find this property atop one of the highest hills on the island. The property has a variety of one-of-a-kind accommodations, ranging from standalone cabins and houses to breathtaking multilevel treehouses complete with outdoor showers and kitchens. There's a hidden-away garden pool with lounge space, boutique, and cafe, plus a yoga pavilion where you can listen to the sound of coquí frogs and the breeze rustling fruit trees. A small but mighty spa offers everything from Ayurvedic therapies and Western massages to Chinese traditional medicine-inspired treatments—another reason this has become such a coveted wellness destination. Location: Vieques Vieques Nearest Airport: 2 miles to Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS) 2 miles to Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Adults-only Adults-only Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are not required. Reservations are not required. Accessibility: The property has one wheelchair-accessible room, plus a removable ramp that can be added to access many facilities, though paths and unpaved areas may be challenging to navigate. The property has one wheelchair-accessible room, plus a removable ramp that can be added to access many facilities, though paths and unpaved areas may be challenging to navigate. Rates: $ Aerial view of the pool area at Caribe Hilton. In the big world of rum-related experiences to be had in Puerto Rico, there is one thing that tops my list every time: cozying up to Caribar in the Caribe Hilton, the birthplace of the piña colada. Since its start in 1949, this tropical yet cosmopolitan San Juan institution has welcomed everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren to Barack Obama. The hustle and bustle of the city seems to melt away at this 17-acre property, which is surrounded by pristine beaches and covered with tropical gardens that are peppered with a collection of swimming pools. You can catch me here, lounging in a hammock under a palm tree after the piña colada kicks in—it's an obligatory stop every time I'm on the island. Location: San Juan San Juan Nearest Airport: 6 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 6 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Family-friendly Family-friendly Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are required at some restaurants. Reservations are required at some restaurants. Accessibility: Seven different categories of rooms and suites are fully wheelchair accessible, and the grounds feature wheelchair-accessible paths of travel and pool lifts. A beach wheelchair is available to borrow. Seven different categories of rooms and suites are fully wheelchair accessible, and the grounds feature wheelchair-accessible paths of travel and pool lifts. A beach wheelchair is available to borrow. Rates: $ Aerial view of the beach at La Concha. Since its 1958 debut, La Concha Resort has stopped guests in their tracks with its eye-catching, seashell-shaped structure that you can spot from the beach. In 2023, the resort went through a $45 million renovation and entered a new era. That seashell? It's now home to a dining destination that's the talk of San Juan: Levant, helmed by award-winning chef Michael White. Amidst the debut of Levant, La Concha Resort also unveiled 238 renovated rooms and suites, as well as the sushi and sake-centric Tekka Bar by Takashi Segawa. Location: San Juan San Juan Nearest Airport: 5 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 5 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Family-friendly Family-friendly Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are required at some restaurants. Reservations are required at some restaurants. Accessibility: The resort is fully ADA compliant throughout rooms and facilities, with lifts at every pool and beach wheelchairs available to borrow. The resort is fully ADA compliant throughout rooms and facilities, with lifts at every pool and beach wheelchairs available to borrow. Rates: $ Interior bar area in St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. The second you pull through the gates at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, just a short drive from San Juan, you'll feel the stress rolling off of you. What awaits at this World's Best Awards-winning resort feels like a remote tropical escape. Oceanfront buildings, connected by winding paths hidden by lush tropical foliage, house a collection of 139 luxe rooms and suites. Somehow, they seem like beach bungalows rather than traditional hotel rooms. I spent a long weekend couples trip cocooned in the pure Caribbean bliss of what is easily one of the island's most luxurious resorts, snuggled up under an umbrella with a pitcher of mojitos on the resort's long, luscious beach, and chatting for hours on a private oceanfront terrace under moonlight. The food at the hotel's signature restaurant, Paros, was so good that we joked about going back every night and ordering the same thing. I wonder, could there be a more well-rounded place to stay in Puerto Rico than the St. Regis? Location: Rio Grande Rio Grande Nearest Airport: 22 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 22 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Family-friendly Family-friendly Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are required at some restaurants. Reservations are required at some restaurants. Accessibility: There are two room categories with accessible rooms. The grounds have ramps, pool lifts, and wheelchairs are available to borrow. There are two room categories with accessible rooms. The grounds have ramps, pool lifts, and wheelchairs are available to borrow. Rates: $$ A bar inside Fairmont El San Juan. Fairmont El San Juan was named the best resort in Puerto Rico by T+L readers in the 2025 World's Best Awards, and it's no surprise why. Your recurring daydream of spending unending hours splayed out on the beach should take place right here, on the beaches of Isla Verde, located on the edge of San Juan. I gave into the daydream and booked a stay this summer with my three-year-old son—parents, take note, there are few better places to stay on the island than this. Beyond the beach, this 388-room resort embodies that "the best-is-at-your-fingertips" feeling that makes it such a dreamy destination for a fly-and-flop style getaway. 13 drinking and dining venues offer everything from fresh Italian pasta and pizza to elevated Puerto Rican cuisine at Caña, while a casino, cabaret, and jam-packed schedule of live entertainment ensures that you'll never get bored. Location: San Juan San Juan Nearest Airport: 1 mile to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 1 mile to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Family-friendly Family-friendly Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are required at some restaurants. Reservations are required at some restaurants. Accessibility: Several different room categories have fully accessible rooms. Most facilities, including the pool, are wheelchair accessible. Several different room categories have fully accessible rooms. Most facilities, including the pool, are wheelchair accessible. Rates: $$ A guest room in Aire De O:live. Named one of the best new hotels in the world by T+L when it debuted in 2023, Aire de O:live is the third San Juan property of the growing O:live collection, a brand known for its beachy boutique hotels packed with personality. Sites along a gorgeous stretch of sand, Aire de O:live marries elements of a typical Caribbean resort with a pared-down, connection-focused boutique experience. There's a subtle South Beach vibe to this soaring white building that sits almost directly on bluffs of white sand, though the muted interiors are serene and earthy. The rooftop has a pool with a view, but trust me, splurging for the suites with private plunge pools is well worth it. A tip I almost hesitate to share? The rooftop offers day passes for non-guests. Location: San Juan San Juan Nearest Airport: 2 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 2 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Adults-only Adults-only Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are recommended, not required. Reservations are recommended, not required. Accessibility: There are wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities here, but getting to the pool and beach may be a challenge. There are wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities here, but getting to the pool and beach may be a challenge. Rates: $ Even with 500 years of history under its belt, Old San Juan bursts with vibrancy and vigor, an ever-exciting place to stay even if the beach isn't within view. With a slew of new boutique hotels popping up along cobblestone streets, let Plaza Colón-facing Alma San Juan be at the top of your list. Historic hotels sometimes have cramped, stuffy rooms, but here, spacious spaces feature fresh, modern decor and little luxuries like Molton Brown amenities—everything you'll crave after a day spent exploring the old city. Alma San Juan has a darling lobby cafe and a delicious signature restaurant, but the real star is the rooftop eatery, Mar y Rosa. Its raw bar menu features ceviche and spicy aguachile accompanying tapas-style dishes like mouthwatering mofongo and pork belly pinchos made for sharing. Location: San Juan San Juan Nearest Airport: 8 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 8 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Adults-only Adults-only Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are recommended, not required. Reservations are recommended, not required. Accessibility: Facilities are wheelchair accessible throughout and include features like braille signage and strobe lights. Fully ADA-compliant guest rooms available. Facilities are wheelchair accessible throughout and include features like braille signage and strobe lights. Fully ADA-compliant guest rooms available. Rates: $ In his chart-topping song 'El Apagón,' Bad Bunny says, "Forget the Maldives, I'll stay in Palomino." What he's referring to is the private island extension of this World's Best Award-winning resort, located just outside the small town of Fajardo. And the singer is certainly not exaggerating: hopping onto the guests-only ferry out to Palomino Island feels like moving from paradise to heaven itself. Here, you'll find a 100-acre stretch of fine white sands, crystal-clear water, and palapa-shaded lounge chairs scattered around a beachside eatery. Back on the mainland, El Conquistador Resort is much more than just its private island. This 677-room, family-friendly property gives you access to waterslides, a lazy river, and a lagoon pool, plus an array of restaurants and bars that will keep you full throughout your stay. Its location in Fajardo also makes it an easy jumping -ff point for day trips to the pristine Cayo Icacos or to nearby Ceiba, where you can catch the ferry to the islands of Culebra or Vieques. Location: Fajardo Fajardo Nearest Airport: 34 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) 34 miles to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) Family-friendly or Adults-only: Family-friendly Family-friendly Restaurant Reservations: Reservations are required at some restaurants. Reservations are required at some restaurants. Accessibility: Facilities and select rooms are wheelchair accessible, including a pool entry lift and accommodations for visual and hearing impairments. Palomino Island is fully ADA-compliant and has a beach wheelchair with oversized wheels available for guests to borrow. Facilities and select rooms are wheelchair accessible, including a pool entry lift and accommodations for visual and hearing impairments. Palomino Island is fully ADA-compliant and has a beach wheelchair with oversized wheels available for guests to borrow. Rates: $ Aerial view of a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Yes, you read that right. While some hotels and resorts in Puerto Rico offer modified dining plans as add-ons to standard hotel rates, Puerto Rico has no true all-inclusive resorts. However, while this should definitely factor into your decision-making, keep in mind that the island is still rich in cuisine, activities, and attractions—and you might not want to feel trapped inside a resort, anyways. U.S. travelers do not need a passport to enter Puerto Rico and do not have to pass through customs and immigration when entering or exiting the island. For non-U.S. travelers, the same entry and exit requirements apply for Puerto Rico as they do when traveling anywhere else in the mainland United States. English is widely spoken across Puerto Rico, but travelers should keep in mind that Spanish is the island's universal language. Don't assume that everyone you meet will speak English. Making an effort to speak even a little Spanish will go a long way here. With that being said, travelers should feel comfortable knowing they'll get by even if their Spanish is rusty.

How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned

Yahoo

3 hours ago

Yahoo

How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned

What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space 7 kid-friendly European river cruises for the whole family 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect

Yahoo

4 hours ago

Yahoo

How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned

What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space 7 kid-friendly European river cruises for the whole family 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect Solve the daily Crossword

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I've Been Visiting Puerto Rico for Over 15 Years—These Are My 10 Favorite Resorts on the Island

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How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned

Hidden Indulgence: The Ocean Club Brings A Luxury Experience To The The Dominican Republic's North Coast

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I've Been Visiting Puerto Rico for Over 15 Years—These Are My 10 Favorite Resorts on the Island

How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned

How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned

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