Traveling with AuDHD: My Honest Experience

(and Why I Overpack Every Single Time)

If you've ever seen someone sitting on their suitcase trying to zip it closed...

Hi. It's me.

Every. Single. Trip.

I start every vacation with the absolute best intentions.

"This time I'm packing light."

Then my brain starts talking.

"What if it gets cold?"

"What if it rains?"

"What if we decide to go hiking?"

"What if we go somewhere fancy?"

"What if I spill coffee on my only hoodie?"

"What if..."

Before I know it, I've packed enough clothes for a three-week vacation when we're only leaving for five days.

If you're AuDHD like me, you might already be smiling because you've had these exact conversations with yourself.

And honestly?

I've stopped beating myself up about it.

Because overpacking isn't really about clothes.

It's about trying to prepare for every possibility.

My Brain Loves Adventure ...and Contingency Plans

One of the things I've learned about myself is that my brain loves two things equally:

Adventure.

Being prepared.

Unfortunately, those two don't always agree.

Part of me wants to wake up and decide on a whim to kayak through mangroves, explore a hidden trail, or spend the day wandering a town I've never visited before.

The other part wants to have exactly the right shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, rain jacket, portable charger, first-aid kit, snacks, backup snacks, and a backup charger...just in case.

It's a constant tug-of-war.

Hyper-Focus Is My Secret Travel Superpower

While AuDHD can make everyday life feel overwhelming at times, it's also given me one incredible advantage as a travel advisor.

Research.

When I get excited about a destination, I dive in headfirst.

I'll spend hours learning about the best excursions, hidden gems, family-friendly activities, accessibility options, and local restaurants.

I genuinely enjoy it.

To me, planning isn't a chore.

It's part of the adventure.

That same curiosity helps me create vacations that are thoughtful, personalized, and full of experiences people might never have found on their own.

Airports Can Be Overwhelming...and That's Okay

Let's be honest.

Airports are sensory overload.

Bright lights.

Crowds.

Announcements.

Rolling suitcases.

Long security lines.

Constant noise.

Even as someone who loves traveling, there are moments when it all feels like a little too much.

I've learned that giving myself extra time, wearing comfortable clothes, bringing noise-canceling headphones, and keeping a few favorite snacks in my carry-on can make a huge difference.

There's no prize for making travel harder than it needs to be.

Why I Still Choose Adventure Every Time

Even with the overpacking.

The overthinking.

The endless lists.

The occasional "Did I remember to lock the front door?" moment halfway to the airport...

I'd choose travel again tomorrow.

Because nothing compares to watching a sunset somewhere new.

Trying food you've never tasted before.

Watching your children discover something for the first time.

Standing somewhere you've dreamed about for years and realizing...

"I'm actually here."

Those moments quiet all the mental noise.

For a little while, my brain stops racing ahead.

It simply enjoys the present.

I've Learned to Laugh at Myself

There was a time when I thought I needed to travel perfectly.

Pack perfectly.

Plan perfectly.

Remember everything perfectly.

Now?

I laugh when I realize I packed four pairs of sneakers but forgot pajamas.

I smile when I find three phone chargers in my suitcase because apparently I didn't trust myself to remember one.

I've accepted that my brain works differently.

And honestly...

I wouldn't trade it.

Because it's the same brain that notices tiny details other people miss, dreams up incredible adventures, and gets genuinely excited about helping families create memories together.

My Personal Story

Living with AuDHD has taught me a lot about self-acceptance.

For years, I wondered why certain things felt harder for me than they seemed to for everyone else.

Why I overprepared.

Why I overpacked.

Why I researched every little detail.

Now I understand that these aren't flaws.

They're simply part of how my brain works.

Travel has actually helped me embrace those differences.

It's given me opportunities to grow, adapt, and trust myself in unfamiliar situations.

More importantly, it's reminded me that some of life's greatest adventures begin the moment we're willing to step outside our comfort zone.

Even if we're carrying a suitcase that's a little heavier than it needs to be.

How Ever After Escapes Can Help

At Ever After Escapes, we know that every traveler approaches vacation differently.

Some people love spontaneity.

Others feel most comfortable with a detailed plan.

Some families need slower-paced itineraries or sensory-friendly options.

Others are looking for nonstop adventure.

There's no right or wrong way to travel.

Our goal is to help create vacations that fit your personality, your family, and your needs, because the best trips are the ones where you can simply enjoy the experience without worrying about every little detail.

And if you happen to overpack?

I promise I won't judge.

I've probably done the same thing.

Conclusion

Traveling with AuDHD isn't always easy.

There are moments of overstimulation.

Moments of overthinking.

Moments when I realize I've packed enough snacks to survive a small expedition.

But there are also moments of:

Wonder.

Joy.

Connection.

Adventure.

Those moments are why I keep exploring.

Because the world is too beautiful to let fear (or an overstuffed suitcase) keep me from experiencing it.

So if you've been waiting for everything to feel perfectly planned before taking that dream vacation...

Consider this your reminder that "good enough" is more than enough.

Pack the bag.

Book the trip.

Make the memories.

♥️My Travel Take♥️

For a long time, I thought I needed to change the way my brain worked in order to make life easier.

I thought I needed to stop overthinking.

Stop making endless lists.

Stop researching every tiny detail.

Stop packing for every possible scenario.

But I've learned something important...

The same brain that makes me pack three backup outfits is also the brain that gets excited about discovering hidden gems, creating unforgettable itineraries, noticing little details others might miss, and dreaming up incredible adventures.

My AuDHD isn't something I have to work around. It’s part of who I am.

And honestly?

I think it's one of the reasons I love travel so much.

Travel gives my curiosity somewhere to go.

It gives my imagination room to grow.

It reminds me that seeing the world isn't about doing things perfectly.

It's about experiencing them fully.

So yes...I might still overpack.

I might still double-check my suitcase five times before leaving the house.

I might still bring things I absolutely do not need "just in case."

But I'll also keep chasing adventures, making memories, and encouraging others to do the same.

Because the world is too beautiful to miss simply because our journey looks a little different.

Different doesn't mean less.
Different means we experience the world in our own amazing way

Ready to Plan Your Next Adventure?

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with your whole family, Ever After Escapes is here to help make the planning easier and the memories even sweeter.

We'll handle the details, help you find the perfect destination, and create a vacation that fits your unique travel style....extra suitcase and all.

Adventure doesn't look the same for every traveler, and that's exactly what makes it beautiful.