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If you are new here, WELCOME! If you've been with us for a while, welcome back! Here we share real stories, travel tips, and resources to help you dream bigger, explore the world, and discover what's possible while walking the autism journey. We are so happy you are here!

A couple of months ago, my husband and I officially became empty nesters.

And naturally, our first question was: What do we do with the empty room?

Then I saw a social media post from a young man who needed a place to stay while attending firefighter school. I wondered, Would it be crazy to open our home to a stranger?

Apparently, we are not the only ones who have asked that question.

Years ago, a creative young man inspired by Leonardo da Vinci grew up to become a toy maker—and also made guitars and medical equipment. Eventually, he moved to a new city and lived with an old classmate. When money became tight and rent was difficult to cover, the roommates opened their home to travelers.

Their offer was simple: an air mattress and Pop-Tarts for breakfast.

That creative young man was Brian Chesky. And that little arrangement eventually became Airbed & Breakfast, which grew into Airbnb—the world’s largest booking platform for private short-term rentals.

Our home was too far from the firefighter school, so that opportunity did not work out. But since 2019, we have been welcoming families to our short-term rental.

I am especially grateful to one of my wonderful friends, who coached me through becoming an Airbnb Superhost. That experience eventually helped me become a VRBO Premier Host, too.

We also welcome longer-term guests, and our rental is currently booked through next summer.

As for our personal home, I’ll keep my eyes open for the right guest. Who knows? Maybe one day we will open that empty room after all.

And I promise, I’ll do better than an air mattress and Pop-Tarts.

Although, honestly, who could refuse my delicious Mexican food? and a comfy bed?

Your family deserves the chance to travel, enjoy new experiences, and create meaningful memories. But unfamiliar environments, unpredictable sounds, lighting, transitions, and limited information can make choosing a rental feel overwhelming.

The goal is not to find a perfect or completely sensory-free home. The goal is to gather enough accurate information to decide whether a property is a reasonable fit for your family.

Look beyond attractive photographs and general descriptions. Pay attention to details that may affect how the home feels, sounds, and functions.

You do not need to send a long list of requests. Start with the questions most relevant to your family:

You can copy and personalize this message:

If needed, you can also ask for photos of the entrance, parking area, bedroom, and main living spaces.

If someone in your family may move quickly toward an exit or outdoor area, ask specific questions before booking:

You do not need to explain more than you are comfortable sharing. Clear information helps you make a safer choice, and it helps the host understand what the property can and cannot provide.

A good host may not be able to change the property. That does not automatically make the rental unsuitable. The important thing is receiving an honest answer before you commit.

Ask yourself:

Informed families can make confident choices, and thoughtful questions can create better conversations with hosts.

You do not need to create a perfect or sensory-free property to welcome families impacted by autism. Small, thoughtful changes can help families feel more informed, prepared, and welcome.

The most valuable place to begin is not with expensive equipment. It is with clear information, respectful communication, and thoughtful preparation.

Families often need to understand what a property will feel like before booking. Vague descriptions may sound appealing, but specific details are much more useful.

Specific information allows families to plan, prepare, and decide whether your property is right for them.

Consider including details about:

Mention traffic, nightlife, construction, neighbors, elevators, shared spaces, restaurants, and household sounds.

Explain whether the property has bright overhead lights, fluorescent bulbs, lamps, dimmers, natural light, curtains, or blinds.

Describe floor levels, stairs, elevators, room locations, open spaces, entryways, shared spaces, balconies, and outdoor areas.

List bed types, bedroom locations, sofa beds, crib availability, and whether guests will share a room.

Identify HVAC systems, refrigerators, ceiling fans, alarms, appliances, smart-home devices, and automatic doors that may be noticeable or unexpected.

Explain parking, keyless entry, stairs, waiting areas, check-in steps, and what guests should expect when they arrive.

You can also share information about nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, attractions, beaches, parks, and quiet areas.

You do not need to purchase expensive equipment or redesign the entire property. When possible:

These details may help many guests—not only guests with autism—feel more comfortable and independent during their stay.

A few clear messages before check-in can make the arrival experience more predictable.

That question opens the door without assuming that every autistic guest has the same preferences or support needs.

Use clear, respectful, direct language. Do not assume what a guest needs based only on an autism diagnosis.

A host does not need to know everything about autism. A willingness to listen, learn, and communicate honestly is an important beginning.

A property should not be described as autism-friendly simply because it has a quiet room, neutral colors, or a few sensory items.

An autism-ready property is not a medical facility or a one-size-fits-all space. It is a home that thoughtfully considers what it may feel like for a guest to walk through the front door for the first time.

Gathering Memories Travel is building a thoughtfully reviewed collection of vacation rentals and hospitality partners committed to creating more informed, welcoming experiences for families impacted by autism.

If you are a vacation rental owner or property manager interested in:

Email [email protected] to request the Autism-Inclusive Vacation Rental Host Intake Form and begin the consideration process for the growing referral collection.

At Gathering Memories Travel, we design sensory and autism-friendly travel experiences that honor your family exactly as you are.

Because this isn't just my business. It's personal — because I'm a mom who gets it.

Ready to start planning the adventure your family deserves? Let's talk about what's possible for you. Book a complimentary discovery call and let's dream bigger together.

We’d love your feedback! Let Us Know What You Think! Email [email protected]