Sensory Processing Differences and Hotel Stays
Up to 16.5% of the population may have sensory processing differences. For most of us, when we experience delays in checking into hotels, disappointment with the brand or scent of toiletries in a hotel room, or last-minute changes in travel expectations, these inconveniences may cause annoyance. Still, they do not affect us the way a severe allergy may affect some travellers or neglect of dietary requirements may cause distress and harm for other travellers. However, a failure to understand and accommodate sensory processing differences may trigger devastating consequences for some travellers. While autism is perhaps the most well-known condition of people with sensory processing differences, sensory processing differences can affect neurodivergent travellers in ways we are only beginning to understand. Airlines, hotels, and other travel companies are to be applauded for their strides in accommodating travellers with specific dietary and other needs. Yet, one gaping gap in the travel industry remains the need for more understanding and failure to consider this important sector of the population.
What are sensory processing differences? Sensory processing differences refer to differences in receiving, interpreting, and responding to information from the senses. Whilst all individuals experience and interpret the sensory world differently for some people, how their body and brain process sensory information can make the world difficult to navigate, particularly if their environment does not meet their needs or presents challenges for them. Some examples included being over-sensitive to certain smells or textures. For other their difficulties with processing sensory information can impact on their ability to coordinate their movements.
What impact may this have on travelling? Through personal and clinical experience I have seen families not taking family holidays together as they are not confident that travel providers will adequately look after the needs of those with sensory processing differences in their family. One family stated that they have not had a family holiday in two decades as one parent must remain behind with their autistic son when they take their other child on holiday! Besides families with children, this also impacts adults with sensory processing differences who must travel for work and stay in hotels.
What can be done? First, hotels and resorts need to increase their understanding of the issue in the travel industry. Luxury is not synonymous with sensory friendly. For example, luxurious, expensive toiletries may have a scent that can trigger distress in someone with sensory processing differences. Or a stylish designer blanket in a fabric perceived as uncomfortable by an individual with tactile sensory processing differences could ruin their travel experience. This also extends to customer care. If an individual with sensory processing differences finds checking in at a busy time overwhelming, an option of checking in a quieter time can make the world of difference.
Second, the travel industry needs to increase their understanding of the importance of sensory processing differences and that simple modifications can have a substantial impact that not only improves the guest's stay but also prevents them from stress or mental breakdown. Further actions by hotels or resorts that can enhance the experience of those with sensory processing differences include giving options for toiletries and bedding and a sensory kit which could include noise-cancelling earplugs. For example, unscented toiletries and different bedding choices are some options that can significantly contribute to a guest with sensory processing differences’ well-being but will not require substantial renovations from the hotel or require them to compromise on their style or brand. Activities that involve heavy muscle work can also be very calming for neurodivergent individuals; however, many hotel gyms or swimming pools have limited opening hours, which means that they are not able to meet the needs of business travellers with sensory needs.
Third, the travel industry provides meaningful engagement with those associated with sensory processing differences. This engagement includes training for staff to increase their understanding of sensory processing and to provide guests with the option to specify their sensory needs. For example, individuals with sensory processing differences often have difficulties following directions or understandings maps. To enhance the stay of customers with these differences, a tour of facilities and showing them to their room would be a great start. Or giving them the option to have breakfast in a quieter space would enhance the stay of customers who struggle with noisy environments.
While the travel industry is increasingly committed to diversity and inclusivity, it would be wonderful to greater recognition and accommodations for those affected by sensory processing differences. Embracing sensory friendly travel represents an opportunity for inclusive, forward-thinking travel stakeholders to distinguish themselves in leading the way for greater inclusivity and diversity.
