FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A: Adventures Unbound is a nonprofit organization that provides supervised group travel opportunities for adults with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other special needs. Our goal is to help travelers increase independence, experience new destinations, make friends, and enjoy safe, accessible travel experiences while providing peace of mind and respite for families and caregivers.

A: Adventures Unbound offers accessible cruises, all-inclusive resort vacations, domestic and international group trips, adaptive excursions, and customized travel experiences for adults with disabilities. We carefully select destinations, accommodations, transportation, and activities that support travelers with a wide range of accessibility needs.

A: Our trips are designed for adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, including but not limited to, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, visual impairments, and other special needs. Travelers must be medically stable, able to participate in group activities, and willing to follow program guidelines.

A: Yes. The majority of our travelers participate without a parent or caregiver accompanying them. Our trained volunteers and staff provide supervision, encouragement, such as medication administration,, activities of daily living (ADL) assistance, t, and support while helping travelers experience greater independence in a safe and supportive environment.

A: Yes. Depending on the traveler's needs, Adventures Unbound assists with medication administration, personal care, ADLs, behavior support, money management, participation in activities, and general supervision throughout the trip.

A: We welcome travelers with a variety of disabilities and special needs, including but not limited to, general intellectual/developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, genetic disorders and other physical disabilities, such as, cerebral palsy, visual impairments, mobility limitations and hearing loss. Every traveler is evaluated individually to ensure we can provide the appropriate level of support.

A: Many of our trips are designed to accommodate travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices. Accessibility varies by destination, cruise line, resort, and excursion. Our team evaluates accessibility details before recommending a trip and works to match travelers with appropriate accommodations.

A: Not necessarily. The majority of our travelers participate independently of established guardians/caregivers with support from Adventures Unbound’s trained staff and volunteers. However, some travelers with extensive support needs may be required to travel with a caregiver or may need additional support arrangements.

A: Safety is our highest priority. Our staff and volunteers provide supervision, medication management, assistance with daily activities, emergency planning, and support throughout the travel experience. We carefully evaluate accommodations, transportation, and activities to ensure they are appropriate for our travelers.

A: Absolutely. One of the biggest benefits of traveling with Adventures Unbound is the opportunity to build lasting friendships. Many travelers return year after year because of the relationships they develop with fellow travelers, volunteers, and staff members.

A: Group travel provides opportunities for socialization, increased independence, confidence building, life skills development, and new experiences. Travelers often discover greater self- confidence while families enjoy peace of mind knowing their loved one is traveling in a supportive environment.

A: Trip costs vary by destination but may include accommodations, transportation during the trip, planned activities, supervision, assistance from volunteers and staff, and other travel-related services. Specific inclusions are listed on each trip page.

A: We recommend registering as early as possible, especially for cruises and popular

destinations. Early registration provides access to the best accommodations, accessibility options, transportation arrangements, and payment plans.

A: Yes. Many travelers with autism successfully participate in our programs. We work closely with families and caregivers to understand sensory, communication, behavioral, and support needs so we can provide the best possible travel experience.

A: Unlike traditional travel agencies, Adventures Unbound specializes in supervised travel experiences for adults with disabilities. Our focus extends beyond booking vacations—we provide support, supervision, accessibility planning, social opportunities, and individualized assistance to help travelers experience the world with confidence.

A: Yes. Accessible cruises are among our most popular travel options. We book, plan,

coordinate and equip travelers with accessible cabins (if needed), mobility accommodations, dining needs, onboard accessibility features and the support necessary to enjoy the never- ending entertainment offered on the ship, and shore excursions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience.

A: To register, complete the required traveler forms and provide information about support needs, medications, emergency contacts, and travel preferences. Once your paperwork is reviewed, our team will help determine the best travel opportunities based on your interests, abilities, and travel goals.

A: Travel promotes independence, confidence, social connection, life experiences, and personal growth. Adventures Unbound believes everyone deserves the opportunity to explore new places, create lasting memories, and experience the joy of travel regardless of ability.

A: Yes. We understand that families and guardians want reassurance while their loved one is traveling. Our staff provide communication updates and are available to address concerns during the trip, giving families peace of mind while travelers enjoy their adventure.

Trained volunteers accompany travelers on all trips to provide any assistance and care to the level of each travelers' needs. Adventures Unbound provides personal care, assistance in participation and general supervision. 

 Volunteers are recruited from local universities, service groups and people who have a passion working with individuals with special needs. Each volunteer completes the process which includes application forms, interviews, providing references and passing a background check. 

Day Outings- Comfortable weather appropriate clothes and shoes, medications needed, any adaptive devices, spending money (if desired), toiletries and change of clothes (if needed).

Overnight Trips- Please pack enough sets of clothes for the duration of the trip (shirts, pants, socks, and underwear), 1-2 pairs of shoes, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, face wash, & other personal necessities), camera, spending money for souvenirs, sunscreen and bug spray. 

*Each trip will be slightly different depending on the activity. A detailed email will be sent prior to each trip to explain necessary items. 

This is the traveler’s outing/trip. If they would like to use their devices they are more than welcome to do so. Electronic devices may be brought on trips at the responsibility of the traveler, but this is not encouraged. Adventures Unbound may not be held responsible for anything that is lost, stolen, broken, etc.  

The cost of each trip includes transportation, admission(s) to any activities, cost of care and meals. A traveler may bring spending money for souvenirs if desired. AU volunteers will assist the traveler with money management.

Prior to each trip, an email will be sent with specific details regarding the meeting locations for the day, and any other necessary information. 

On the day of the trip, the volunteers will meet the travelers and guardians/caregivers at a specific place in the community. Typically, there is a meeting place in Dallas and another one in Fort Worth. 

At each pick-up location, the travelers go through a brief check-in process. 

The travelers and volunteers travel together in AU's 12 -Passenger handicap bus to our destination(s) for the day for all of the fun to be had. 

At the end of the trip, we will meet back at the same location the travelers were picked up (unless otherwise noted.) There will be a brief Check-out process and everyone goes home!