Magical Storybook Travels is honored for Innovation and Excellence at the 2018 Family Travel Association Summit in Bermuda

Last week, I traveled to Bermuda to attend the 2018 Family Travel Association Summit. Here, Travel Agents, Travel Suppliers and Destinations, and Travel Media Members spent three days collaborating about and celebrating efforts for family travel.

Monday evening, the Family Travel Association announced the FTA Honors, celebrating the dedication and innovation of FTA members who are helping families discover the power of travel and making travel more accessible to families all around the world. I was so proud to be counted among those honored that night.

I was honored for my work with Autism Travel, and for starting Spectrum Travel Social Story Videos, a production company that creates destination-specific autism travel social story videos. These social story videos help reduce anxiety for travelers with Autism going to a new destination, and help prep them for their upcoming trip.

Kristin Karst of AMA Waterways and Nicole Thibault of Magical Storybook Travels and Spectrum Travel Social Story Videos

Kelli Carpenter and Gregg Kaminsky were honored for their pioneering work in the L.G.B.T market at R Family Vacations.

Kelli Carpenter and Gregg Kaminsky of R Vacations

Erin Kirkland, author of AKontheGO.com, was recognized for her work on a program called “Read on the Fly.” Because of her initiative, there are 14 bookshelves in 7 Alaska airports, making travel easier for families, while also promoting childhood literacy.

Erin Kirkland of AKontheGO.com

Kristin Karst of AMA Waterways was selected as the 2018 FTA Person of the Year. AMA Waterways has been leading the charge of family-friendly river cruising, and Kristin has had a key role in developing those family-related initiatives.

Rainer Jenns, founder of the Family Travel Association, and Kristin Karst of AMA Waterways

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo: An Autism-Friendly Destination

While on vacation with my three boys, I'm always looking to explore new destinations that are autism-friendly. One of my sons has Autism, and I'm a Special Needs Travel Agent, so finding places that are accommodating to sensory sensitivity and autism challenges are key to both my family and my clients. On a recent trip to Florida, my family went to the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo.

Prior to the visit, I went to the Zoo's website to review their Autism policies. Their website states, "The Zoo has established a partnership with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF to improve our capacity to serve children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. As a result, the Zoo has been designated an “autism friendly business.” Knowing this, I was very excited to see what the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo had to offer guests with Autism.

When we arrive for the day, after a short line in the security, we proceeded to the Guest Services booth. Here, we were able to check out the Autism "tool kit" and ask questions about the Zoo before heading into the exhibits. The first item in the Autism tool kit is a laminated social story that's available to borrow for the duration of your visit.

Tampa Lowry Park Zoo's laminated social story

The zoo's social story has many great pages that prepare guests with Autism for the activities they will be participating in on their visit, as well as some "housekeeping" subjects like safety rules and what to do if you get separated from your group.

Safety rules

In case you get separated from your group...

Planning your visit

This social story can be borrowed from the Guest Services booth, but it can also be downloaded from their website ahead of your visit, so it can be reviewed several times before you come to the zoo, for maximum familiarity.

In addition to the social story, you can also borrow:

A selection of fidget toys to borrow

A wristband for quicker access to some of the Zoo's attractions; a wristband is provided to all guests in your party.

After visiting the Guest Services booth, we set out on our day at the Zoo. We had an amazing day, seeing the animals. My kids loved the penguins, bears, giraffes, rhinos, and so many more animals.

We especially loved the new Dinosaur exhibit!

After a full morning of visiting animal exhibits, we decided on lunch at Africa's Safari Lounge. This dining area was very spacious, and had several offerings that are kid-friendly. Even my son with extreme food aversions found something he would eat, so it was a success all around!

After lunch, we continued on to the Wallaroo Station area. In this section of the Zoo, there are several rides and attractions for the kids. Do be aware that most of the rides in this section are for smaller children. The Tasmanian Tiger Coaster is the only "ride" that is built for older children and adults. To access this ride, we entered through the Exit.

We also visited the Carousel Circle, where the kids can ride all sorts of Zoo animals on the merry-go-round. 

Our day at the Tampa Lowry Park Zoo was a great success and I recommend it for ALL families. Children, adults, and guests with disabilities will love the attractions, dining options, and of course, above all, the amazing animals.