Marketing tips
Creating an Inclusive Haven for Neurodivergent Travellers
22 Jul 2024
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By Amanda Sanders
Travelling should be enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. But for neurodivergent individuals, it can often be challenging and overwhelming. As a vacation rental host, it’s important to ensure that all your guests have a comfortable and pleasant stay. In the UK alone, around 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent. This means they might experience differences in brain function, which can impact memory, speech, eye contact, and more. For vacation rental hosts, this calls for thoughtful consideration and accommodations. This guide will help you understand how to cater to neurodivergent travellers, ensuring you’re providing an inclusive and welcoming environment. Adding the following information to your listing can make the difference between securing a booking!
The Importance of Structure and Routine
Set Clear Arrival and Departure Times
Neurodivergent guests often thrive on routine and structure. Providing a specific date and time for arrival and departure can make their travel experience much smoother. Make sure to communicate these details clearly in advance, so your guests know what to expect.
Offer Detailed Local Information
Include information about local businesses, pubs, and restaurants, specifying their operating hours and peak times. This helps neurodivergent travellers plan their schedules and reduce the anxiety of the unknown. A well-detailed welcome pack with this information can offer immense relief.
Be ‘Present’ for Check-In and Check-Out
If you like to welcome your guests at the door, aim to be present at least five minutes before your guests arrive and be there for check-out as well. This personal touch can help alleviate any last-minute anxieties or questions they might have. If you like to leave them to it, we recommend sending them a message shortly before check-in and shortly after check-out to ensure that everything went smoothly.
Clear and Concise Communication
Repeat Information if Necessary
When communicating with neurodivergent guests, repetition can be incredibly helpful. Don’t hesitate to reiterate important details to ensure they’re understood. This could include house rules, Wi-Fi passwords, or emergency contacts.
Keep Communication Short and Simple
Avoid overwhelming your guests with too much information in one go. Instead, keep emails and messages short and to the point. This makes it easier for neurodivergent travellers to process and absorb the information.
Use Multiple Communication Channels
For guests with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, verbal communication can be more effective. Consider following up important emails with a phone call or an in-person discussion to ensure they have all the necessary information.
Offer Clear and Predictable House Rules
Clearly outline your house rules in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. This reduces ambiguity and helps neurodivergent guests feel more secure during their stay.
Provide Social Stories
Social stories are short descriptions of a particular situation, event, or activity, which include specific information about what to expect. These can be incredibly helpful for neurodivergent guests. Include social stories in your vacation rental welcome pack to help them navigate their stay with confidence.
Managing Textures and Sensory Overload
Offer a Variety of Textures
Sensory issues can be a significant concern for neurodivergent individuals. Providing different textures for blankets, towels, and cleaning cloths can make a big difference. Allow guests to swap out items that make them uncomfortable, and ensure there is space to store these items safely.
Provide Adjustable Lighting Options
Lighting can greatly affect someone with sensory processing disorder. Where possible, equip your property with light dimmers, overhead lights, and lamps, especially in bedrooms. This allows guests to adjust the lighting to their comfort level.
Alert Guests to Potential Noise Issues
If your property has appliances that make loud or unusual noises, or if there is external noise from the street or neighbors, inform your guests ahead of time. This allows them to prepare mentally or bring any equipment they need to manage sensory overload.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Sensory overload can greatly impact a guest’s comfort. Aim to create an environment that minimizes overwhelming stimuli. This could involve offering noise-canceling headphones, or providing blackout curtains.
Preparing for All Guests
Make Neurodivergent-Friendly Accommodations Standard Practice
By preparing your property as if any guest might be neurodivergent, you create a more inclusive and comfortable environment for everyone. Neurotypical guests likely won’t even notice these adjustments, but for neurodivergent guests, it can make all the difference.
Prioritise Accessibility
Accessibility doesn’t just mean physical access. It includes creating an environment that accommodates different cognitive and sensory needs. Consider how you can make your property more accessible in a variety of ways.
Continually Seek Feedback
Always ask for feedback from your guests about their stay. This can provide valuable insights into further improvements you can make to better accommodate neurodivergent travellers.
Conclusion
Creating a welcoming and accommodating environment for neurodivergent travellers is not just about being a good host; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity. By taking the time to understand and meet the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals, you enhance their travel experience and set your property apart as a truly inclusive destination.
Remember, small changes can make a big difference. By implementing the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can create a space where all guests, regardless of neurotypicality, feel comfortable, respected, and valued.
