It’s Not Always Smooth—But It’s Always Worth It

In the early days of using our travel trailer, everything felt like a dream. We kept pinching ourselves—was this really our new reality? We could actually travel with Max.

Pulling out of the driveway for that very first trip went more smoothly than we could’ve hoped. The trailer quickly became Max’s home away from home. No matter where we parked, he felt safe and comfortable inside. That alone was amazing.

First Stop: Bend, Oregon

Our very first destination was Bend. One of our older sons was spending the summer playing baseball for the Bend Elks before heading off to play for the University of Oregon—and there was no way we were going to miss seeing that.

We found an RV spot in a field next to someone’s house, complete with hookups. It was quiet and off by itself, which felt perfect. When you’re traveling with someone who has autism, having some space can be a lifesaver. I’ll be honest—managing one of Max’s meltdowns is so much harder with an audience. (Pro tip: when booking RV or camping spots, aim for a little isolation. It can make all the difference.)

A Lesson in White Noise

One thing I quickly learned on that trip? We needed white noise.

Sleeping just feet away from Max meant every creaky floorboard or rustling movement felt like it echoed. If I got up to use the bathroom or tried to sneak out early for coffee, I held my breath the whole time, hoping I wouldn’t wake him. Max, like many with autism, is a light sleeper—and once he’s up, he’s up. There’s no explaining “go back to sleep.”

As soon as we got home, I ordered a Hatch sound machine. Total game changer. On future trips, I could move around the trailer freely while Max slept peacefully. Eventually, we started using it at home too, so it became a familiar part of his bedtime routine. Now, it goes everywhere with us.

Real Talk: Not Everything Went Smoothly

While the trailer itself was a success, being out and about in Bend had mixed results.

Touristing around town and attending Bend Elks games introduced some tough moments for Max. There was tension, sensory overload, and some big behaviors. One standout moment? A surprise fireworks show before the Fourth of July game—complete with mortar blasts. It was terrifying for Max.

This was back before we realized how crucial noise-canceling headphones are for him in public settings. Looking back, I can’t help but wonder how differently things might have gone if we had used them.

Still Worth It

Here’s the truth: even with all the hiccups, our early trips were absolutely worth it.

There were challenges, yes. But we faced each one as it came and didn’t let a single tough moment ruin the whole experience. If you’re wondering whether you can handle traveling with your loved one with autism—YOU CAN.

It might take some adjustments to your expectations. You might need to pack a sound machine, headphones, or a few other tools. But I believe in you. If we can do it, so can you.