Tailoring Travel Experiences for Families with Hidden Disabilities in Greece

Sabine Switalla
Sep 8
3 min read

Jonas, Dana & Helmut are visiting Greece, standing on the bridge of the Corinth Canal

As we head into the summer of 2025, CareunderSun is proud to reflect on a season of growth, learning, and increased awareness surrounding the needs of travelers with hidden disabilities. Over the past few months, we’ve been working diligently to create customized itineraries for families seeking a more inclusive and stress-free vacation experience in Greece.

Jonas is standing in front of the Acropolis archeological site.

Hidden disabilities—conditions that are not immediately visible to others—can make travel challenging. Families managing conditions like autism, PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities often find it difficult to navigate bustling airports, crowded streets, or busy tourist attractions. At CareunderSun, we’ve made it our mission to change this narrative by creating personalized travel plans that allow families to explore Greece with confidence, knowing that their needs are understood and supported.

This summer, we’ve seen firsthand how small adjustments and a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities can lead to transformative travel experiences. Whether it’s a quiet museum tour, a relaxed visit to a serene beach, or a special accommodations request at a family-friendly hotel, CareunderSun has worked tirelessly to ensure that every guest feels comfortable, welcomed, and valued.

Creating Tailored Itineraries for Families with Hidden Disabilities

One of the biggest challenges for families traveling with hidden disabilities is the lack of tailored travel options. Generic itineraries often fail to take into account the unique needs of travelers who may be overwhelmed by sensory overload, need extra time for breaks, or require specific accommodations. At CareunderSun, we’ve developed itineraries that focus on:

Slower-Paced Experiences: We recognize that many families need more time to navigate through attractions, take breaks, or even avoid busy crowds. Our itineraries are designed to include quieter, off-the-beaten-path destinations, along with plenty of downtime to allow for rest and recharge.
Accessible Accommodation: We carefully select hotels and resorts that not only meet physical accessibility standards but also offer quiet rooms, sensory-friendly spaces, and supportive staff. Whether it’s a room with calming colors and natural light or a location near peaceful parks, we aim to provide the ideal environment for relaxation.
Customized Family Tours: For families with children who have autism or other sensory sensitivities, we’ve designed specialized tours with reduced crowd sizes, longer breaks, and quieter settings. We also work with local guides who are experienced in working with guests who have hidden disabilities, ensuring that the experience is educational, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Inclusive Beach and Nature Experiences: Greece’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets, and we’ve developed beach and nature itineraries that are accessible for families with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities. These experiences often include private boat tours, accessible beaches with calm waters, and visits to tranquil parks where families can connect with nature in a peaceful setting.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: A Game-Changer for Travelers

One of the most impactful tools we've integrated into our itineraries this summer is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. While still relatively new in the world of travel, this program has proven to be an invaluable resource for guests with hidden disabilities. The Sunflower lanyard serves as a discreet symbol that signals the need for additional assistance without the need for guests to explain their condition to every person they encounter.

In practice, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has become a beacon of support, particularly in busy environments such as airports, museums, and theme parks.

Here’s how it helps:

Ease of Communication: The sunflower lanyard allows travelers to communicate their need for support without having to speak. It removes the stress of constantly having to explain their condition to staff or other travelers, making it easier to receive accommodations like extra time at check-in, priority seating, or access to quieter areas.
Respectful and Discreet: The lanyard is designed to be subtle, allowing individuals to feel empowered and in control of their needs. It’s not as visible as a wheelchair or other mobility aids, but it’s immediately recognizable to staff members trained to provide extra assistance.
Access to Specialized Services: More and more locations in Greece—airports, hotels, and attractions—are adopting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. This means that families traveling with hidden disabilities can expect a higher level of understanding and care. Whether it’s a quieter waiting area, priority access to
tours, or assistance with navigating crowded spaces, the Sunflower program ensures that travelers with hidden disabilities can feel more comfortable and supported.

At CareunderSun, we include the option of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard as part of our personalized travel packages. We encourage families to opt for it as a way to signal their needs, and we work closely with our local partners to ensure that the sunflower is recognized and respected wherever they go.