Travel can be a powerful tool for growth, independence, and self-discovery. At Blossom IDD, we are committed to creating accessible travel opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) so they can explore new destinations, develop important life skills, and gain confidence—without relying on parents, guardians, or other family members as chaperones. If you’re a parent or caregiver, keep reading to learn why these travel programs can be a game changer for your loved one’s development and independence!

Why Travel Matters for Adults with IDD

Travel is more than just sightseeing. It provides a chance to practice money management, improve communication skills, learn problem-solving, and strengthen flexibility in unfamiliar environments. For adults with IDD, these experiences can be life-changing. They foster independence, promote self-confidence, and offer countless opportunities for social interaction.

Key Benefits

Peer Support: Participants can travel with their peers, growing and learning together rather than relying on family.
Skill-Building: From navigating airports to budgeting for souvenirs, each step helps participants learn crucial life skills.
Adventures Near and Far: We organize trips from local day excursions and weekend getaways to national and international destinations.

How Blossom IDD Makes Travel Accessible

Thoughtful Planning: We collaborate with travel professionals to ensure each trip is inclusive, well-organized, and enriching for adults with IDD.
Support Ratio: We aim for a 1:5 staff-to-participant ratio so travelers receive the attention and assistance they need.
Preparation Sessions: We typically host an information session about six weeks before departure, giving families and participants time to ask questions and get ready.
Independence Focus: While staff are on hand for basic verbal prompting with hygiene and medication reminders, travelers are encouraged to manage these tasks on their own. This emphasis on independence helps participants gain confidence in everyday skills.

Note: Our program is best suited for individuals involved in Blossom IDD’s community-based programming who can self-manage personal hygiene, medication, and abide by our code of conduct.

Upcoming 2025 Trips and Sign-Up Details

Ready to spark your loved one’s wanderlust? Below are some of our upcoming travel experiences. Please note that your spot is not secured until the deposit is made and necessary paperwork is completed. Trip specifics—like exact departure times, costs, and packing lists—will be provided as soon as final details are available.

1. Cave of the Mounds Day Trip

When: 02/14/2025 (Friday), 9:00am–5:00pm
Where: Cave of the Mounds, Wisconsin (Day Trip)
Spots Left: 3 Participant slots, 2 Volunteer slots
Highlights: Explore a beautiful underground cave system, develop group bonding, practice budgeting for snacks and souvenirs.

2. Water Park Day Trip

When: 04/27/2025 (Sunday), 9:00am–5:00pm
Where: Local Water Park (Day Trip)
Spots Left: 1 Participant slot, 2 Volunteer slots
Highlights: Cool off in water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers—perfect for building confidence in busy, exciting environments.

3. Toronto, Canada (Passport Required)

When: 06/26/2025–06/29/2025 (Thursday–Sunday)
Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Spots Left: 6 Participant slots, 2 Volunteer slots
Highlights: International experience in a multicultural city, a chance to practice using a passport, navigate foreign currency, and explore major attractions like the CN Tower.

4. Olympic National Park Trip

When: 09/17/2025–09/22/2025 (Wednesday–Monday)
Where: Olympic National Park, Washington
Spots Left: 7 Participant slots, 2 Volunteer slots
Highlights: Majestic forests, rugged coastlines, and scenic hiking trails. A fantastic opportunity to learn about nature, conservation, and campsite living with friends.

How to Sign Up

Review the Upcoming Trips: Choose the adventure(s) that best fit your loved one’s interests and readiness level.
Express Interest: If you’ve already signed up for our mailing list, watch for updates and reply promptly to reserve a spot.
Complete Paperwork & Deposit: Once the deposit is paid and paperwork is finalized, your reservation is confirmed.
Stay Tuned: We’ll host an information session about six weeks before departure for each trip. Final details, itineraries, and travel tips will be shared then.

Learn More & Signup

Get Involved

Already Signed Up for Our Newsletter? Perfect—keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
Interested in Volunteering? We often need volunteers to help support participants. Contact Samantha Bear (SB) for more info.
Questions? Reach out to us anytime through our website or social media channels. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Citation

Inspiration for accessible travel and community-based programming drawn from:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Disability and Health

We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to comment below with any questions about our travel programs, share this article with other families, and like this post if you found it helpful. By spreading the word about Blossom IDD’s Beautifully Blossoming Travel Experiences, we can bring more inclusive travel opportunities to adults with IDD everywhere. Safe travels and see you on the next adventure!

Blossom IDD Travel Experiences: Empowering Independence on the Road