As a South African currently on holiday traveling through Europe I absolutely loved this video. Watched it with my (non-autistic) husband in our hotel room in Hamburg and it was so good to see that someone out there shares my anxieties over travel. I love traveling and enjoy seeing new places and we do it quite often but it comes at quite a high price on my mental wellbeing. I stress over the smallest, most insignificant things! And obviously the bigger the cultural, language and general differences there are the bigger the stress. Had a mini meltdown last week in a Dutch supermarket after a week of intense travel when I couldn't find any of my safe foods and everything just became too much... Still traveling but the anxieties becoming less and less after every destination safely reached. Will definitely not be doing any solo international travel soon though. Need a safety buffer (aka husband) by my side 😅 Such an awesome idea for a video. Keep up the good work, always looking forward to the next one!
Ah thank you for the kind words, much appreciated! The missing safety over foods was a big impact on me too. I was so busy researching everything else, I took it for granted. That was my mistake!
I totally get escapeism! I moved seven years ago and it was just a big relive to be able to go outsinde with knowing that i will not meet anybody i know. I love that feeling, it is so calming! I hate traveling so i avoid to go outside meeting someone new so i can be anonymous forever ;)
All my life I have found the things that other people find easy and take for granted really difficult and anxiety provoking but the stuff other people find hard, I really enjoy. For example, writing an essay on a specialist subject is no problem but trying to drive somewhere i have never been and park is a major issue that I have learnt over the years to manage by first trying to get out of it and secondly by having to plan in detail and if possible, get a 'normal' person to come with me on a practice run. Paul you are an autism hero for doing this trip, even though it caused you anxiety and you had to do a lot of research, you still had the balls to do it; much respect.
Thank you. I went a while without eating over there, but without going, I'd never have known there was that issue to deal with. Sometimes we have to leave our comforts👍🏻
Thanks for taking us on your vacation, Paul! Put some aloe vera on your sunburn. :-) I've only traveled abroad with a tour group. The good part is literally everything is taken care of for you. Everything is structured and scheduled so you know exactly where you're going and what you're doing at any time. Your flights and hotels are booked for you, your tour tickets are purchased for you, your restaurants are reserved for you, etc. The bad part of being in a tour group is it can be hard to find alone time. I've found myself 'running away' during the few periods of free time. Lol! I am fine taking smaller trips by myself, like going to local bed and breakfasts near hiking trails. I also research everything ahead of time - local tour spots, operating hours, fees, restaurants, directions. Everything is investigated and planned out within an inch of its life, because that's how I function. Lol
Haha, yep. Needed the Aloe Vera when I got back. My head is peeling now! Someone I know has just done something in a group and they said the same thing...the alone time was tricky. That was the upside to my trip.
I'm really happy that you had yourself this experience.. it teaches us a lot about ourselves. I recently went on a motorcycle trip for 8 days with a tour company,,we drove 8 days from Nevada , Arizona and Utah and back seeing national parks. I kept telling myself that you got this, no worries go with the flow. It's adventure and adversity. I am diagnosed ADHD and getting an ASD assessment now at age 57. That trip was eye opening for me, about my strengths and weaknesses. I'm proud of myself. I'm proud of you too. ❤
Your dry sense of humor is the best. The airport cue of ppl. Yes!! Why. In. The. World…Would I want to get on first so I can just sit there smooshed in between ppl longer??? Do ppl think that someone is gonna take their seat? Also, once they show their ticket they still walk very fast down the hallway just to WAIT to get on the plane! Like, what’s the rush?? Nothing is happening down there. Surely you’ve been down that hallway before and you know it’s a painstakingly slow process as ppl take their sweet time getting settled instead of quickly taking their seat by getting the hell out of the way by stepping out of the aisle so others can pass. No thank you. I’ll wait till all the idiots go through their mindless ramblings while I breath fresher air for 15 more minutes and not stand in a line while I roll my eyes constantly. Then the deplaning. WTH? Sit down. Then why does every row have to empty first? Why not let the first seats that are already standing and ready go first if you do not have children? Rant over lol. EVERYTHING you say is EXACTLY what I go through.
Yep. I'll be last on, so there is less waiting for me. I just don't understand the rush to stand in the aisle whilst everyone puts their baggage in the overhead lockers.
As someone who has recently been given an autism diagnosis and as someone who solo travels in UK often, I solo travelled to Iceland for the 1st time and I can relate to this video so much, especially the baggage specifications, I brought all new suitcases and bags and had screenshots of the dimensions with me to make sure they would be OK... found your channel through tiktok, thank you for sharing your experiences, it's really cool to relate to someone who knows and understands the quirks that come with autism
Really enjoyed that vicarious trip to Barcelona, it looked very much like one of mine - research the chuff out of it! I also thought I didn't like the idea of a room without windows, but I'm thinking I might ask for one next time!! 😅
Narsses Stick lol thats its name now. I know this is an older video, but we came into some extra money and went on holiday and rented a beach cabin. it was amazing. Stressful as heck because my routine was unhinged. But a better cuz it wasn't a noisy hotel. idk my 2 sick cents. I've realized that going on holiday to a new place, even a new building in the same town. It's like swimming in a new place I'm scared of the water, but once I realize the waters fine my anxiety goes down considerably. I can't go out of the house alone, but this gives me an idea for a video. A travel with my husband/caretaker. such fun! lol thanks for this. it was very nice.
I have anxiety and thank you for going out for us who struggle. I have completely fallen in love with your videos. Thank you for sharing from the deepest parts of my heart. -❤️
Awesome video, thank you for doing this! This is something that I kind of tried for the first time last year (if going to the next town over can be considered a vacation) and it was super refreshing to not be beholden to someone else’s itinerary and to be free to do whatever “boring” thing I want to do. It looks like it would be a lot of fun to do a real trip like this, and I like the idea of just going somewhere and being able to be like a background character without any expectations to live up to. Really good video, I appreciate the work you put into editing this, and I really like how quiet everything was overall. I liked how you showed the sight-seeing shots candidly and with no explanation because it felt like how I would normally view something in real life (quietly). Great job!
Thank you Sheila, your words are appreciated. And you've summed it up completely...I got to feel like a background character. No one knew me, no one needed me, I wasn't expected to do anything, and I got to hide in plain sight. It was a good feeling.
I'm glad you were able to take this trip. Nothing more beautiful than being able to travel. Going out doesn't make me anxious, in fact I love it, getting to know places, especially enjoying the many beautiful places that my country (Argentina) has, but what gives me tremendous anxiety is going out, even to the corner of my house, and finding someone I known and having to interact. My anxiety is not about unknown places or even strange people, with whom I can exchange a few words and leave , but rather it is the obligation to exchange conversations or experiences with people who already know me, neighbors, friends, family... I feel like I can't be fully me, and I have to mask and that takes away my enjoyment of the walk if I meet someone I previously know.
It's a good point as I adore nature, absolutely adore it. But I fear going to enjoy it because of other people. Hikers love small talk, climbers want to assist etc. It's all for good reasons, but I like the feeling of feeling like I'm the only person on Earth when I head out like that 👍🏻
I feel the same way...and it's so hard for people to understand. I hid it for many years. Now I dare to unmask more and more every day and say those things to the people I know, to my family, and for them to understand me, it's up to them... and if not, I choose to live my authentic self. You made me remember the first time that I went out to the street, in quarantine, to buy food and the street was deserted... I live a few blocks from the sea... seeing the streets, and that beautiful, totally deserted landscape made me feel what I've just seen to say... the last person on earth... and although it was a very sad moment and I was scared by the situation in general, despite all the drama and tragedy, for that moment I felt the privilege of being able to be isolated without the constant guilt of not being able to admit that I love that loneliness. Sorry for the long text! Thanks for being there@@AdultwithAutism
thank for your answer. It means a lot to feel understood . I was diagnosed only a coule of years ago and I am 46 years old . Quite a Journey . Greetings from Argentina!@@AdultwithAutism
I've done solo and couple travel as an autistic adult and my ability to learn quickly, good sense of direction and commitment to planning has made all my trips really wonderful. My anxiety is more related to hopefully finding someone to interact with while I'm away.
Gollee Paul, I really enjoyed this video for a variety of reasons, some kind of relating on each chapter, having travelled abroad, loss and grief of loved ones (I lost my son when he was 20), and how all these situations affect me as a neurodivergent autistic 67 year old female who only found out in the past couple years. I saw the expressions on your face, and feeling all that within myself as I also experienced those "weird" things encountered on travels. Actually I can encounter VERY strange stuff just going to East Texas Small Town Walmart!!! Yikes, it's nutso. I kinda have tunnel vision when I go in public, but I will interact if I feel "safe" enough to do so. I still cannot handle rude, mean, nasty, disrespectful people though :-( Life continues to be one day at a time for me and trying to manage progressing and keeping out of severe burnout. But some days I feel "OK" which is a reprieve. I don't know if I'm ever going to get to "travel" again, but I feel like I would like to do it again if I ever get the opportunity. You said so many things that made me smile too (like "almost swearing", which I do chronically, but I try to hold it down around my grandchildren.. lol).. BTW I like your Carhartt shirt, that's a staple of everyday clothing in East Texas lol... Also, I think you did a very good job of editing the video. Thank you Paul, your videos remain the most helpful to me on my journey. I wish you a Very Glad New Year and I'm glad you have decided to remain on RUclips. I like how you always end with "keep smiling"... bless you
Hahaha the panic about the bag size was very relatable. In my experience though it's only the scummy budget airlines (talking about you Ryanair) that will actively check the size. They'll go around the boarding que asking people with larger looking bags to put it in this 40x30x20 metal frame, if you can squeeze it in you're all good, if not they'll kindly offer you to check it in for a (not so small) additional fee. The 30k+ steps is also very typical of all my solo travel experiences, avoid public transport at all costs, not only because it's smelly, noisy, might have an annoying drunkard come sit next to you, etc , but I feel your abroad to see stuff not sit in transport. Like you also said you pick on a small random,weird and interesting things when your wandering about you'd miss by taking transport. I also typically don't go for a lot of the typical tourist attractions but instead just go look at things like the highest point, the beach, the parks, etc.
80 pounds I think was the fine if you can't make the bag fit. It was good though, I've made a few solo little trips since and have a few more I want to do. Completely disappearing in a place no one knows you is quite a freeing feeling.
I know exactly how it feels to solo travel as an autistic adult. I have done 2 solo train trips to your neck of the woods (manchester) to do uni courses and really enjoyed blending in with the crowds and just doing what I want on my time and schedule which was mostly museums. Loved it. I have done the same as you did the buses with the trams in Manchester. I didn't use them the first trip. I also researched the heck out of my trips. Where I was going to go, which way I was going, what time I was going to be there. Everything. I love planning trips but it drives my family crazy. You looked more relaxed at the end of the video and I'm glad you got to do everything you wanted to do.
Feel like I should clarify, I was in Manchester before I found your channel. I'm not a crazy stalker 😅 I feel like my comment made it seem that I went to Manchester because you live there. And I've probably made things even weirder now....*slinks away in autism* 😂
Oh Paul, I'm so excited to have see a new video on your channel. I'm particularly interested in this topic, because while most of the time my job takes place in my home office, several times a year I do have to travel by myself to get to a foreign country to work with different teams of people (who are all coming from different places) for 10-14 days at a time. Usually the place I'm going to is somewhere I've never been before, and I start getting anxious about these trips months in advance of when they happen. Before I knew I was autistic, I had all these things I would do to try to lessen my anxiety about the unknown - research as much as possible about where I was going, make sure I knew everything possible about the airports along the way - from maps of the airports, to how customs would work, and even down to where I'd probably eat in these airports. How much I'm allowed to pack is important. And I'd do the same thing regarding the hotel/resort we'd be staying at and how I'm going to get from the airport and back to it. I'd be as much of an expert on every detail as I could possibly be before even arriving. I had no idea that 'normal' people did not go to these great lengths and found it kind of surprising to find out that my coworkers would barely do a thing besides throw some stuff in a suitcase and make sure they had their passports and tickets. Now that I know I'm autistic, I still do all those things, and additionally, I manage my sensory issues, too. Noise canceling headphones for waiting around the airport and flying (helps also to not have to talk to the person next to you after a brief "hello" at the beginning so you don't seem like a rude monster), some really comfy clothes for when I'm alone, some snacks I like so I'm not dealing with potentially 'weird' food ALL the time and other stuff like that. I just no longer feel like I'm over-preparing because I know that all these things I do help me tremendously, and there's nothing wrong with any of it. I no longer feel like I should just 'relax' and take everything as it comes because I know that my brain doesn't work the best like that, and that is perfectly ok! And I hope you do some more traveling by yourself, Paul. I wonder if there's a niche market for "The Austistic Traveler Guides." You could do all the research, post about what you found out - the sort of stuff we'd have to hunt down ourselves, and how autistic-friendly the destination is, etc.. And get your "patrons" to pay for it. :) I'm laughing because this probably already exists since there's nothing new under the sun. Keep smiling!
Haha, after the responses I've had in emails, this is the last video I'm doing like this. People wanted to know what it's like, but didn't tell me what exactly they wanted to know...so I go, try and answer as much as I can, and then I get emails telling me I didn't cover a single thing they wanted to know! Quite frustrating ti say the least! But all your points are exactly what I have or had in mind for myself, and will implement more of when I go again. As I will go more travel, but the phone camera will stay in my pocket! 😂
@@AdultwithAutism, people are always going on about how lucky I am to be able to travel for work because I go to interesting/luxurious places, but it is just that - work. I'm not lazing by any beaches with cocktails so I certainly get how you wouldn't want to turn your channel into a travel show because then it would be work. I was mostly kidding about that. On your next solo trip that you might feel encouraged to take now that this one was mostly a success, you'll know that food was an issue - and now you'll obsessively research not only where to eat, but how the food places work, and maybe even install one of those language apps on your phone that you can speak into, have it translate for you, so you can hold it up and show the person you're trying to communicate with. And you'll bring some snacks for yourself. As I was watching your video, and heard you talking about the research you did, I thought, yes, yes, yes! You did all the same stuff I do (including making sure you had the right equipment you'd need). I do a little debrief with myself after every trip to quite literally take a note about what could have been better so that I can 'fix' that next time and write it down so I don't forget when I'm preparing for the next one. Don't let the critics get you down. Your video was a great lesson in preparation and also what can go a little bit wrong, too. Cheers!
Ah many thanks. And critics don't get to me. When they put themselves on YT to be ridiculed by the world, then I'll listen. Until then, not so much. Yep, food is definitely a learning curve. I know what I need to do better at next time, and am already researching it based off where I want to go. Also I need to research how to order and pay too, as a lot of places have a QR code now that everything can be done from, so I'd be better at relying on those rather than the spoken interaction. It's all interesting regardless! I'll be off again soon, albeit not for the channel.
This is so recognizable. When I go on a holiday it is planned, planned and planned again. That way I know what to expect (or at least I think I do) as I know what I'll visit, when I'll visit it and when I'll have a rest day/time alone. But even then I'll get very anxious the week before leaving. My biggest friend in holidays are my earbuds, as they allow me to withdraw from public life while in full sight (next to managing the sensory input). No attempt to start chitchatting with me... (I call it shitchatting). The biggest problem after a holiday, however, is when you go back to the office and people expect you to tell them how your holiday was...
I love traveling alone abroad. I'm a woman, recently received diagnostic Autism and ADHD. I'm 51, but have traveled alone for more than 10 years. I'm married and that's ok for my husband and me. I think the fact of having to make me understood in another language (I'm Brazilian, mother tongue portuguese) puts " a mask on my face" and I become another person.
Me and my 17 year old autistic son went to Spain last October for the first time 'on our own'. I'm undiagnosed autistic. My son coped with the travelling much better than I did. We almost missed our flight back home from Malaga airport, absolutely terrifying. My son was calm, i thought I was having a heart attack, I was that stressed. All that said, we'd had an amazing holiday. We did everything at our own pace and there were 2 nights where we didn't even leave the hotel room. It was great, it really was. But the travelling was just horrendous for me. When I've travelled before, it's been with other people who dealt with everything for me. We are going again this year, but with my eldest son and his partner. I'm dreading it. Well, the travelling anyway. I've told them that after that I'm not travelling abroad again, unless I miraculously become better at travelling. I'm just going to stay travelling in the UK in my car with my dog. Thanks for your video. I've subscribed 😊
i know this is late cause this video's a year old, but i as an autistic woman like to queue up early when I get on the plane because I often travel with a handcarry suitcase. When you're late on a plane, most of the time all the overhead compartments are full and you'd have to get a flight attendant to either find a place elsewhere for you, or they'll put it in the hold. I hate that hassle. I always travel with my computer, and I feel safer having my stuff right where I am. So, I line up early to secure my place in the overhead compartments. :)
The audio of this one is so crystal clear, even while driving, I didn't have to use headphones or full volume 👍👌 My personal top tip is always having breakfast at the hotel, so far never regretted it, even if it seems expensive. The staff usually don't mind making some scrambled eggs etc if asked. Also as for Spain, Glovo (like deliveroo) works amazing. Independent travel gives the feeling of freedom, glad you enjoyed it. Keep smiling 😊
Great video Paul. I go away myself in a couple of weeks to Benidorm, first time flying abroad for me since October 2019 but flying from Liverpool. I’m also autistic and I’m dreading everything you’ve spoken about more or less, the check in, the plane, security etc.
Just do what's within your control for as much as you can. If you've hold luggage, see if you can check it in the night before if that's possible for you. Make sure your toiletries are in your hold luggage so you don't get stopped for an age just for having a mini toothpaste in my backpack. Wear tracksuit bottoms or sweatpants so you don't have to mess taking your belt off for security etc. Board the plane last so you don't have to deal with everyone hogging the ailse putting their bag in the overhead compartment...then standing up again to get things out whilst you just stand there like waiting for everyone else to stop being inconvenient! Honestly next time, I'll be better prepared!
I’m 57 woman and have just been unofficially diagnosed with Autism, due to absolute burnout…………now I’m trying to find a way of getting official assessment, I need this for a number reasons. I’m currently living on the fringes, close to be homeless. All I need at the moment is a vehicle I can live in, as I cannot be fixed geographically anymore………..my masks are just dropping everyday Not sure how all this is going to unfold 🙃 Anyway, your videos have really informed and confirmed my inner knowing…………..btw, I’m a lot like you on many levels ♥️🔥
New title! Autistic guy goes to Spain to by a McDonalds 😆 i guess the "take away" 😆 excuse the pun is research! research! research ! and boy are we good at that. educational entertaining and inspiring you are real trooper and have really upped your game with this one. always great content. keep up the good work Paul 🍻
Really enjoyed this video, thank you for sharing your experience. Btw, they ask you to put phones on Airplane mode because it overloads the cell towers, so many phones moving so fast across them. It does nothing to the plane itself.
Nice to hear you enjoyed the skinny streets, and I very much related to the check-off-the-list feeling regarding other parts of the experience. The way you went about certain things like airport and public transport without headphones would have wrecked me for the rest of the day! I'm forced to travel often due to family being scattered around Europe and I also have a mobility issue and can't stand the heat, I always bring a foldable cane in my bag and a cotton beanie I can wet with cold water before leaving the hotel. Regarding food I try to scan the neighbourhood beforehand with a food delivery app so I can check the ingredients and still eat somewhat healthy when I want to. Also if the budget allows me I like to plan a recovery day after the flight where I'll just do nothing besides a short walk. Looking forward to your next adventure.
I've definitely learnt from the experience with things you've mentioned. Although I didn't have noise cancelling headphones, I did have my earphones in pretty much consistently in the airport when not recording! The background rabble is too much. Food wise, I just assumed it would have been easier...how wrong was I! But, I live and learn. I'll be better prepared next time...hopefully 👍🏻
PS: I liked this as a travel video way more than the professional travel videos, like those often seen on PBS in the US, perhaps some are produced by the BBC. Those are just unrealistic and kind of empty and give me no motivation to travel. Though I wouldn't travel today, yours would give me motivation if I was.
I'm very behind on your videos and enjoying the catch up. I do the same with car license plates... especially when my mind is realing or feeling stressed about something like travel. Brave soul eating Popeyes lol. Thank you for the Barcelona tour from an autism perspective.
Loved your advice about not feeling like you have to do what others do! Good advice in general, perhaps need a poster as a reminder. Your video helped me see some of how I react, in advance, to travel. The anxiety can be overwhelming and the planning take weeks for a shorter trip. I used to travel more and got in some bad situations, nearly had a major meltdown when I was stranded and the employee who was supposed to help was very dismissive and somewhat intimidating, but I contained it, knowing it would make it worse. In the US, the danger is often having to take connecting flights and having cancellations, missed connections, etc. I'm getting pressure to travel to visit family and that just makes it worse. I have traveled solo by car and liked that a lot better. I've even stayed in hostels (decades ago, I wouldn't now). I didn't love the hostels but weathered it and found it interesting. I see now I'd need my own "safe space" to retreat. I got a chuckle about the sunflower lanyard. Bureaucracy's responses to these things is so lame. I've seen them make it worse for me and other people with disabilities since their "accommodations" are so rigid and rigidly applied. Then they will pick a symbol like the sunflower and make a huge deal about it. It's just a marketing gimmick to avoid doing anything meaningful. People, especially younger generations seem to buy it. Have they been sold "branding" as the thing itself?
I'm not well up on the Sunflower thing. I just know it isn't for me! Travelling was though, I have another couple of trips planned, but I won't be recording them this time. I'll be focusing on people watching!
That's really awesome you can go that far, drive a car and everything! Honestly if I went on a trip now I'd have no idea where to go or how to get there. It's fun to think about. When my family was alive we used to go to Myrtle Beach a couple times in the 1980s. The ocean was an amazing sight.
I can't imagine going to Barcelona, without taking a look at the Sagrada Familia. It isn't 'just' another cathedral, it's way more than that. Besides that I enjoyed watching this video. I had a good laugh at things I can relate to as an autistic adult.
Tremendous video Paul! So fun to get a tour of Barcelona without having to go! Yes people are always the problem with me traveling and I do it for a living. Even when I am on a layover, sometimes I don’t even go out! Well done on the walking though maybe the bus pass would have been the ticket! Also, I kept thinking you should have worn a hat🤣. A personal think you for putting your phone in Airplane Mode😂. Can’t wait for the next travel video! A riveting 1:23:35!
That was surprisingly interesting to see someone elses perspective. The only tip for younger people I have is to take care of your needs on longer trips and group trips, since I had psychotic breakdowns on many group trips and for whatever reason only late recognized it as a pattern and it was all due to having no me time breaks from the groups, no sleeping separate and travel is stressing. I was traumatized on a group trip as a kid though so I might be different in that regard. I love to travel but I have to keep an eye on the dose, for example I can't do long times packed with to many fellows in moving metal tubes without going neurotic. I think knowing that you have a save space you can go to anytime like a hotel room makes a big difference. My secret weapon is the autistic break, meaning the moment I feel overwhelm I have to remind myself to go out of the situation and take a break. I wonder why you picked a busy city, so to test the limit I guess. A big takeaway for me is your planning. Anyways I think it was a very cool episode because it was there and fresh so to speak, thanks for sharing.
No problem at all, and thanks for adding tips. I've learnt that the simple things like getting food, I shouldn't have just expected to be easy...as it wasn't unless it was a big named place like McDonalds. I should have planned much better for that 👍🏻
It's amazing that Manchester Airport is still exactly the same as when I was last there in 2017. 😂 Great job going out to see the world on your own! I've done that for 20 years now, and it really is massively helpful. Barcelona looks like a nice place.
9:05 You make me laugh😂 Feels kinda weird to brag about this, but i managed to fly all the way across the country once and realize after i got there that i left my whole suitcase at home (yes, the suitcase that i meticulously packed in a perfect tetris over the course of a week leading up to the trip)…eye roll.
I really enjoyed this video Paul and after watching this I feel like I’ve been on a little holiday myself. Like yourself I research everything sometimes too the extreme’s hoping that this will reduce my anxiety to certain situations, but then I can get a bit obsessive about looking things up that can cause it’s own anxiety a bit like looking up symptoms on DR Google, and what I thought was a cold has me looking at lots of information about the Black Death.
Dr Google is the worst Doctor! Well, aside from mine who just don't see you until your head is hanging off. I know what you mean though with the research, I give myself a limit but got paranoid about the pickpockets because I watched too many videos about them...but when I was there, the pickpockets couldn't have been more obvious and they were only in the heavy tourist areas, so I got bothered more than I needed to.
Great (insightful & supportive) stuff matey! I have the same issue with the transit portion.. even at home! Absolute nightmare! But still managed to travel the world somehow! I also have a destroyed meniscus- one thing that helps me is to straighten leg in front of you with toes curled back towards you and pulse the whole leg up and down gently.. has saved me many a time stuck in many different places! Building the muscle around will help too. Also there are many foods I have removed from my diet as it prevents the ‘regrowth’ of the meniscus (things like nightshades, beans, legumes etc plus sugars, salts and oils can flare up inflammation) Feel free to shout me if you want support.. I’ve got loads of severe health issues I’ve had to figure out away from the liars ahem doctors, or I’d be riddled in pain or dead! Real talk. Keep up the good work bruv!
Many thanks. I've since seen the surgeon about my meniscus, and it turns out mine blew up. I don't have one anymore. So I have to have a high tibial osteotomy to take the pressure of the knee now. The joys!
Hell yeah, if you're into spicy food (I think my version of autism makes me seek the sensory input of ridiculously spicy food), Popeyes is good. Now, it isn't ridiculously spicy, but some folks that thing mild salsa is too spicy would cry. EDIT: Oh, do you ask for accommodations when boarding flights? I was a bit anxious about doing it, but I filled out the form and did it the last time that I traveled and it was quite helpful being able to board before everybody... just getting enough time to get settled. Haha. If I just would have waited. I saw your bit about the queues. That was exactly my approach. Getting on minutes before everyone else is a bit useful though... as long as it isn't hot on the plane. I am the same though... I HATE waiting in lines (or queues). I will turn around an leave and come back just to time things right so I am not waiting. The room looks nice. I wouldn't mind having something like that as where I live. Just get rid of everything and arrange to have monthly accommodations at the hotel, all inclusive. It wouldn't be too bad. Cheers Mike! And to anybody else's Mikes out there. It is super rough... having people that get on with suffer and leave you. This life is tough without so many other issues. I don't like stringing these things together... but... my youngest daughter's boyfriend's younger brother took his life a few weeks ago... the day before my daughter's boyfriend's birthday. It will forever be a day he likely carries some guilt. I carry a lot of my own about it because we have done a lot of the boyfriend due to issues they've both gone through and we've even brought his brother along several times. So many times I wanted to say something to their father. He has really not been there for them in any way at all. I can appreciate not being a perfect father... I have a real hard time being their emotionally for my kids, but I at least do everything I can with what I am good at... which is ensuring that they're provided for. He has done nothing and he was warned repeatedly about this exact event potentially happening. I bit my tongue and didn't say anything... because I know how I am. It is either say nothing... or I am going to take it all the way if there is any antagonism returned. So, I usually just keep it to myself even though I get physical pain from it... and now this boy who just turned 16 is gone. I lifetime of struggle... only to end up as nothing but a memory for a few people. Sorry, I am kicking myself all over again... and it won't be that last. Probably the rest of my life. One of my good friends did the same after we graduated from high school and it never seems to dull. We carry burdens like this more deeply, as I understand it... I wouldn't know... it is just the way it is in my brain. About the bread... I thought they stay up late because they avoid the mid-day and nap. Maybe I have that wrong.
I think you're doing outstanding work for all of us out here. Why not wrap your knee with a support bandage & give it a bit of a rest? Love that room they've given you- Looks like an "EnSuite" of some sort Comes with Two separate Loos inside...woow.. ....fancy stuff!! I have never in my life ever gone to any Popeyes chicken fast food here in the USA. I've seen them here & there on my travels ....just never stopped in ... Barcelona looks amazing ...you are so BRAVE to go there ...woow😮 God Bless You & ALWAYS SAFE TRAVELS, MY Friend!!😅
Thank you. The staff did look bored. If they are not invested in their work, they won't take pride in it. Which is also scary as the people at security were half asleep.
Not having windows in a room for sleeping is a violation of international building codes. Fire safety requirements need TWO ways to get out of the room. Door and window or 2 doors.
Not in England. It is reliant on the correct measures of passive and active fire protection. Obviously not sure about Spain, but the layout of the premises had a compartment break allowing access to a secondary protected route 👍🏻
Hey Paul , havent listened or watched this ep yet because I'm starting from the begining *half way thru now* but was trying to find your email to shoot you a message do you not do that anymore? * You might of said it in an earlier video but tism brain*, thank you for sharing your brain with the world! I've been listening to you on spotify while working and you've helped me out tremendously! Trying to seek an offical diagnosis but its super expensive..😅.
@@AdultwithAutism I completely forgot that aspect of driving a UK car. Perhaps try out a lap on Nurnburgring (with Lewis Hamilton?), it has some circuit days for non professionals. You can check video's about that. And get used to slips and crashes ...🏎
As a South African currently on holiday traveling through Europe I absolutely loved this video. Watched it with my (non-autistic) husband in our hotel room in Hamburg and it was so good to see that someone out there shares my anxieties over travel. I love traveling and enjoy seeing new places and we do it quite often but it comes at quite a high price on my mental wellbeing. I stress over the smallest, most insignificant things! And obviously the bigger the cultural, language and general differences there are the bigger the stress. Had a mini meltdown last week in a Dutch supermarket after a week of intense travel when I couldn't find any of my safe foods and everything just became too much... Still traveling but the anxieties becoming less and less after every destination safely reached. Will definitely not be doing any solo international travel soon though. Need a safety buffer (aka husband) by my side 😅
Such an awesome idea for a video. Keep up the good work, always looking forward to the next one!
Ah thank you for the kind words, much appreciated! The missing safety over foods was a big impact on me too. I was so busy researching everything else, I took it for granted. That was my mistake!
Thanks Paul, I feel like I have been on holiday without even leaving my living room, ( the best kind of holiday for me 😂 )
Haha, no worries. You were the best type of guest to come along 😂
I totally get escapeism! I moved seven years ago and it was just a big relive to be able to go outsinde with knowing that i will not meet anybody i know. I love that feeling, it is so calming! I hate traveling so i avoid to go outside meeting someone new so i can be anonymous forever ;)
Anonymous forever, that's the dream!
100%
All my life I have found the things that other people find easy and take for granted really difficult and anxiety provoking but the stuff other people find hard, I really enjoy. For example, writing an essay on a specialist subject is no problem but trying to drive somewhere i have never been and park is a major issue that I have learnt over the years to manage by first trying to get out of it and secondly by having to plan in detail and if possible, get a 'normal' person to come with me on a practice run. Paul you are an autism hero for doing this trip, even though it caused you anxiety and you had to do a lot of research, you still had the balls to do it; much respect.
Thank you. I went a while without eating over there, but without going, I'd never have known there was that issue to deal with. Sometimes we have to leave our comforts👍🏻
Thanks for taking us on your vacation, Paul! Put some aloe vera on your sunburn. :-)
I've only traveled abroad with a tour group. The good part is literally everything is taken care of for you. Everything is structured and scheduled so you know exactly where you're going and what you're doing at any time. Your flights and hotels are booked for you, your tour tickets are purchased for you, your restaurants are reserved for you, etc.
The bad part of being in a tour group is it can be hard to find alone time. I've found myself 'running away' during the few periods of free time. Lol!
I am fine taking smaller trips by myself, like going to local bed and breakfasts near hiking trails. I also research everything ahead of time - local tour spots, operating hours, fees, restaurants, directions. Everything is investigated and planned out within an inch of its life, because that's how I function. Lol
Haha, yep. Needed the Aloe Vera when I got back. My head is peeling now!
Someone I know has just done something in a group and they said the same thing...the alone time was tricky.
That was the upside to my trip.
I'm really happy that you had yourself this experience.. it teaches us a lot about ourselves. I recently went on a motorcycle trip for 8 days with a tour company,,we drove 8 days from Nevada , Arizona and Utah and back seeing national parks. I kept telling myself that you got this, no worries go with the flow. It's adventure and adversity. I am diagnosed ADHD and getting an ASD assessment now at age 57. That trip was eye opening for me, about my strengths and weaknesses. I'm proud of myself. I'm proud of you too. ❤
Your dry sense of humor is the best. The airport cue of ppl. Yes!! Why. In. The. World…Would I want to get on first so I can just sit there smooshed in between ppl longer??? Do ppl think that someone is gonna take their seat? Also, once they show their ticket they still walk very fast down the hallway just to WAIT to get on the plane! Like, what’s the rush?? Nothing is happening down there. Surely you’ve been down that hallway before and you know it’s a painstakingly slow process as ppl take their sweet time getting settled instead of quickly taking their seat by getting the hell out of the way by stepping out of the aisle so others can pass. No thank you. I’ll wait till all the idiots go through their mindless ramblings while I breath fresher air for 15 more minutes and not stand in a line while I roll my eyes constantly. Then the deplaning. WTH? Sit down. Then why does every row have to empty first? Why not let the first seats that are already standing and ready go first if you do not have children?
Rant over lol. EVERYTHING you say is EXACTLY what I go through.
Yep. I'll be last on, so there is less waiting for me. I just don't understand the rush to stand in the aisle whilst everyone puts their baggage in the overhead lockers.
As someone who has recently been given an autism diagnosis and as someone who solo travels in UK often, I solo travelled to Iceland for the 1st time and I can relate to this video so much, especially the baggage specifications, I brought all new suitcases and bags and had screenshots of the dimensions with me to make sure they would be OK... found your channel through tiktok, thank you for sharing your experiences, it's really cool to relate to someone who knows and understands the quirks that come with autism
Tiktok? How did you find me on there? Only curious as I've never posted a thing on there. Thanks
Really enjoyed that vicarious trip to Barcelona, it looked very much like one of mine - research the chuff out of it! I also thought I didn't like the idea of a room without windows, but I'm thinking I might ask for one next time!! 😅
Haha, it worked for me 👍🏻
Narsses Stick lol thats its name now. I know this is an older video, but we came into some extra money and went on holiday and rented a beach cabin. it was amazing. Stressful as heck because my routine was unhinged. But a better cuz it wasn't a noisy hotel. idk my 2 sick cents.
I've realized that going on holiday to a new place, even a new building in the same town. It's like swimming in a new place I'm scared of the water, but once I realize the waters fine my anxiety goes down considerably.
I can't go out of the house alone, but this gives me an idea for a video. A travel with my husband/caretaker. such fun! lol thanks for this. it was very nice.
I have anxiety and thank you for going out for us who struggle. I have completely fallen in love with your videos. Thank you for sharing from the deepest parts of my heart. -❤️
Thank you
Awesome video, thank you for doing this! This is something that I kind of tried for the first time last year (if going to the next town over can be considered a vacation) and it was super refreshing to not be beholden to someone else’s itinerary and to be free to do whatever “boring” thing I want to do. It looks like it would be a lot of fun to do a real trip like this, and I like the idea of just going somewhere and being able to be like a background character without any expectations to live up to. Really good video, I appreciate the work you put into editing this, and I really like how quiet everything was overall. I liked how you showed the sight-seeing shots candidly and with no explanation because it felt like how I would normally view something in real life (quietly). Great job!
Thank you Sheila, your words are appreciated. And you've summed it up completely...I got to feel like a background character. No one knew me, no one needed me, I wasn't expected to do anything, and I got to hide in plain sight.
It was a good feeling.
I'm glad you were able to take this trip. Nothing more beautiful than being able to travel. Going out doesn't make me anxious, in fact I love it, getting to know places, especially enjoying the many beautiful places that my country (Argentina) has, but what gives me tremendous anxiety is going out, even to the corner of my house, and finding someone I known and having to interact. My anxiety is not about unknown places or even strange people, with whom I can exchange a few words and leave , but rather it is the obligation to exchange conversations or experiences with people who already know me, neighbors, friends, family... I feel like I can't be fully me, and I have to mask and that takes away my enjoyment of the walk if I meet someone I previously know.
It's a good point as I adore nature, absolutely adore it. But I fear going to enjoy it because of other people. Hikers love small talk, climbers want to assist etc. It's all for good reasons, but I like the feeling of feeling like I'm the only person on Earth when I head out like that 👍🏻
I feel the same way...and it's so hard for people to understand. I hid it for many years. Now I dare to unmask more and more every day and say those things to the people I know, to my family, and for them to understand me, it's up to them... and if not, I choose to live my authentic self. You made me remember the first time that I went out to the street, in quarantine, to buy food and the street was deserted... I live a few blocks from the sea... seeing the streets, and that beautiful, totally deserted landscape made me feel what I've just seen to say... the last person on earth... and although it was a very sad moment and I was scared by the situation in general, despite all the drama and tragedy, for that moment I felt the privilege of being able to be isolated without the constant guilt of not being able to admit that I love that loneliness. Sorry for the long text! Thanks for being there@@AdultwithAutism
I felt exactly the same in lockdown, I really did. It was a bad time for lots, but it was the only time I felt like me, but outside
thank for your answer. It means a lot to feel understood . I was diagnosed only a coule of years ago and I am 46 years old . Quite a Journey . Greetings from Argentina!@@AdultwithAutism
I've done solo and couple travel as an autistic adult and my ability to learn quickly, good sense of direction and commitment to planning has made all my trips really wonderful. My anxiety is more related to hopefully finding someone to interact with while I'm away.
It's good to hear you've benefitted from travel👍🏻
Hi Paul! This is my first visit to your channel, and I enjoyed this video very much! Thank you, and I'll be checking out more videos. 😊
Thank you. Hope there is some sense made in my 'waffles' 👍🏻
Gollee Paul, I really enjoyed this video for a variety of reasons, some kind of relating on each chapter, having travelled abroad, loss and grief of loved ones (I lost my son when he was 20), and how all these situations affect me as a neurodivergent autistic 67 year old female who only found out in the past couple years. I saw the expressions on your face, and feeling all that within myself as I also experienced those "weird" things encountered on travels. Actually I can encounter VERY strange stuff just going to East Texas Small Town Walmart!!! Yikes, it's nutso. I kinda have tunnel vision when I go in public, but I will interact if I feel "safe" enough to do so. I still cannot handle rude, mean, nasty, disrespectful people though :-( Life continues to be one day at a time for me and trying to manage progressing and keeping out of severe burnout. But some days I feel "OK" which is a reprieve. I don't know if I'm ever going to get to "travel" again, but I feel like I would like to do it again if I ever get the opportunity. You said so many things that made me smile too (like "almost swearing", which I do chronically, but I try to hold it down around my grandchildren.. lol).. BTW I like your Carhartt shirt, that's a staple of everyday clothing in East Texas lol... Also, I think you did a very good job of editing the video. Thank you Paul, your videos remain the most helpful to me on my journey. I wish you a Very Glad New Year and I'm glad you have decided to remain on RUclips. I like how you always end with "keep smiling"... bless you
Thank you, I always appreciate your kind words.
Hahaha the panic about the bag size was very relatable. In my experience though it's only the scummy budget airlines (talking about you Ryanair) that will actively check the size. They'll go around the boarding que asking people with larger looking bags to put it in this 40x30x20 metal frame, if you can squeeze it in you're all good, if not they'll kindly offer you to check it in for a (not so small) additional fee. The 30k+ steps is also very typical of all my solo travel experiences, avoid public transport at all costs, not only because it's smelly, noisy, might have an annoying drunkard come sit next to you, etc , but I feel your abroad to see stuff not sit in transport. Like you also said you pick on a small random,weird and interesting things when your wandering about you'd miss by taking transport. I also typically don't go for a lot of the typical tourist attractions but instead just go look at things like the highest point, the beach, the parks, etc.
80 pounds I think was the fine if you can't make the bag fit. It was good though, I've made a few solo little trips since and have a few more I want to do. Completely disappearing in a place no one knows you is quite a freeing feeling.
I know exactly how it feels to solo travel as an autistic adult. I have done 2 solo train trips to your neck of the woods (manchester) to do uni courses and really enjoyed blending in with the crowds and just doing what I want on my time and schedule which was mostly museums. Loved it. I have done the same as you did the buses with the trams in Manchester. I didn't use them the first trip. I also researched the heck out of my trips. Where I was going to go, which way I was going, what time I was going to be there. Everything. I love planning trips but it drives my family crazy.
You looked more relaxed at the end of the video and I'm glad you got to do everything you wanted to do.
Feel like I should clarify, I was in Manchester before I found your channel. I'm not a crazy stalker 😅 I feel like my comment made it seem that I went to Manchester because you live there. And I've probably made things even weirder now....*slinks away in autism* 😂
Haha, I am rarely in Manchester these days, so that would make stalking even more difficult I think 😂
Oh Paul, I'm so excited to have see a new video on your channel. I'm particularly interested in this topic, because while most of the time my job takes place in my home office, several times a year I do have to travel by myself to get to a foreign country to work with different teams of people (who are all coming from different places) for 10-14 days at a time. Usually the place I'm going to is somewhere I've never been before, and I start getting anxious about these trips months in advance of when they happen. Before I knew I was autistic, I had all these things I would do to try to lessen my anxiety about the unknown - research as much as possible about where I was going, make sure I knew everything possible about the airports along the way - from maps of the airports, to how customs would work, and even down to where I'd probably eat in these airports. How much I'm allowed to pack is important. And I'd do the same thing regarding the hotel/resort we'd be staying at and how I'm going to get from the airport and back to it. I'd be as much of an expert on every detail as I could possibly be before even arriving. I had no idea that 'normal' people did not go to these great lengths and found it kind of surprising to find out that my coworkers would barely do a thing besides throw some stuff in a suitcase and make sure they had their passports and tickets.
Now that I know I'm autistic, I still do all those things, and additionally, I manage my sensory issues, too. Noise canceling headphones for waiting around the airport and flying (helps also to not have to talk to the person next to you after a brief "hello" at the beginning so you don't seem like a rude monster), some really comfy clothes for when I'm alone, some snacks I like so I'm not dealing with potentially 'weird' food ALL the time and other stuff like that. I just no longer feel like I'm over-preparing because I know that all these things I do help me tremendously, and there's nothing wrong with any of it. I no longer feel like I should just 'relax' and take everything as it comes because I know that my brain doesn't work the best like that, and that is perfectly ok!
And I hope you do some more traveling by yourself, Paul. I wonder if there's a niche market for "The Austistic Traveler Guides." You could do all the research, post about what you found out - the sort of stuff we'd have to hunt down ourselves, and how autistic-friendly the destination is, etc.. And get your "patrons" to pay for it. :) I'm laughing because this probably already exists since there's nothing new under the sun. Keep smiling!
Haha, after the responses I've had in emails, this is the last video I'm doing like this. People wanted to know what it's like, but didn't tell me what exactly they wanted to know...so I go, try and answer as much as I can, and then I get emails telling me I didn't cover a single thing they wanted to know! Quite frustrating ti say the least!
But all your points are exactly what I have or had in mind for myself, and will implement more of when I go again. As I will go more travel, but the phone camera will stay in my pocket! 😂
@@AdultwithAutism, people are always going on about how lucky I am to be able to travel for work because I go to interesting/luxurious places, but it is just that - work. I'm not lazing by any beaches with cocktails so I certainly get how you wouldn't want to turn your channel into a travel show because then it would be work. I was mostly kidding about that.
On your next solo trip that you might feel encouraged to take now that this one was mostly a success, you'll know that food was an issue - and now you'll obsessively research not only where to eat, but how the food places work, and maybe even install one of those language apps on your phone that you can speak into, have it translate for you, so you can hold it up and show the person you're trying to communicate with. And you'll bring some snacks for yourself. As I was watching your video, and heard you talking about the research you did, I thought, yes, yes, yes! You did all the same stuff I do (including making sure you had the right equipment you'd need). I do a little debrief with myself after every trip to quite literally take a note about what could have been better so that I can 'fix' that next time and write it down so I don't forget when I'm preparing for the next one.
Don't let the critics get you down. Your video was a great lesson in preparation and also what can go a little bit wrong, too. Cheers!
Ah many thanks. And critics don't get to me. When they put themselves on YT to be ridiculed by the world, then I'll listen. Until then, not so much.
Yep, food is definitely a learning curve. I know what I need to do better at next time, and am already researching it based off where I want to go.
Also I need to research how to order and pay too, as a lot of places have a QR code now that everything can be done from, so I'd be better at relying on those rather than the spoken interaction.
It's all interesting regardless! I'll be off again soon, albeit not for the channel.
This is so recognizable. When I go on a holiday it is planned, planned and planned again. That way I know what to expect (or at least I think I do) as I know what I'll visit, when I'll visit it and when I'll have a rest day/time alone. But even then I'll get very anxious the week before leaving.
My biggest friend in holidays are my earbuds, as they allow me to withdraw from public life while in full sight (next to managing the sensory input). No attempt to start chitchatting with me... (I call it shitchatting).
The biggest problem after a holiday, however, is when you go back to the office and people expect you to tell them how your holiday was...
Returning to work is definitely the hardest thing. It's like we need another week off after returning just to get over it 👍🏻
"I forgot kids existed" I totally laughed out loud!!! I feel ya! 🤣
I love traveling alone abroad. I'm a woman, recently received diagnostic Autism and ADHD. I'm 51, but have traveled alone for more than 10 years. I'm married and that's ok for my husband and me. I think the fact of having to make me understood in another language (I'm Brazilian, mother tongue portuguese) puts " a mask on my face" and I become another person.
Great video. Loved the pace and the detail. Well done you. And sending love in regards to the passing of your friend.
Thank you, much appreciated 👍🏻
Me and my 17 year old autistic son went to Spain last October for the first time 'on our own'. I'm undiagnosed autistic. My son coped with the travelling much better than I did. We almost missed our flight back home from Malaga airport, absolutely terrifying. My son was calm, i thought I was having a heart attack, I was that stressed. All that said, we'd had an amazing holiday. We did everything at our own pace and there were 2 nights where we didn't even leave the hotel room. It was great, it really was. But the travelling was just horrendous for me. When I've travelled before, it's been with other people who dealt with everything for me.
We are going again this year, but with my eldest son and his partner. I'm dreading it. Well, the travelling anyway. I've told them that after that I'm not travelling abroad again, unless I miraculously become better at travelling. I'm just going to stay travelling in the UK in my car with my dog.
Thanks for your video. I've subscribed 😊
UK, car, dog...twice this year for me. It's a must.
i know this is late cause this video's a year old, but i as an autistic woman like to queue up early when I get on the plane because I often travel with a handcarry suitcase. When you're late on a plane, most of the time all the overhead compartments are full and you'd have to get a flight attendant to either find a place elsewhere for you, or they'll put it in the hold. I hate that hassle. I always travel with my computer, and I feel safer having my stuff right where I am. So, I line up early to secure my place in the overhead compartments. :)
The audio of this one is so crystal clear, even while driving, I didn't have to use headphones or full volume 👍👌
My personal top tip is always having breakfast at the hotel, so far never regretted it, even if it seems expensive. The staff usually don't mind making some scrambled eggs etc if asked. Also as for Spain, Glovo (like deliveroo) works amazing.
Independent travel gives the feeling of freedom, glad you enjoyed it. Keep smiling 😊
Yep. I've learned a few things from the trip, to come in handy the next time 👍🏻
Great video Paul. I go away myself in a couple of weeks to Benidorm, first time flying abroad for me since October 2019 but flying from Liverpool. I’m also autistic and I’m dreading everything you’ve spoken about more or less, the check in, the plane, security etc.
Just do what's within your control for as much as you can. If you've hold luggage, see if you can check it in the night before if that's possible for you. Make sure your toiletries are in your hold luggage so you don't get stopped for an age just for having a mini toothpaste in my backpack. Wear tracksuit bottoms or sweatpants so you don't have to mess taking your belt off for security etc. Board the plane last so you don't have to deal with everyone hogging the ailse putting their bag in the overhead compartment...then standing up again to get things out whilst you just stand there like waiting for everyone else to stop being inconvenient! Honestly next time, I'll be better prepared!
I’m 57 woman and have just been unofficially diagnosed with Autism, due to absolute burnout…………now I’m trying to find a way of getting official assessment, I need this for a number reasons. I’m currently living on the fringes, close to be homeless. All I need at the moment is a vehicle I can live in, as I cannot be fixed geographically anymore………..my masks are just dropping everyday
Not sure how all this is going to unfold 🙃
Anyway, your videos have really informed and confirmed my inner knowing…………..btw, I’m a lot like you on many levels ♥️🔥
New title! Autistic guy goes to Spain to by a McDonalds 😆 i guess the "take away" 😆 excuse the pun is research! research! research ! and boy are we good at that. educational entertaining and inspiring you are real trooper and have really upped your game with this one. always great content. keep up the good work Paul 🍻
Haha, cheers Neil. It wasn't even a good McDonalds either 😂
Hahah yes😊
Really enjoyed this video, thank you for sharing your experience. Btw, they ask you to put phones on Airplane mode because it overloads the cell towers, so many phones moving so fast across them. It does nothing to the plane itself.
Really? Didn't know that.
Nice to hear you enjoyed the skinny streets, and I very much related to the check-off-the-list feeling regarding other parts of the experience. The way you went about certain things like airport and public transport without headphones would have wrecked me for the rest of the day! I'm forced to travel often due to family being scattered around Europe and I also have a mobility issue and can't stand the heat, I always bring a foldable cane in my bag and a cotton beanie I can wet with cold water before leaving the hotel. Regarding food I try to scan the neighbourhood beforehand with a food delivery app so I can check the ingredients and still eat somewhat healthy when I want to. Also if the budget allows me I like to plan a recovery day after the flight where I'll just do nothing besides a short walk. Looking forward to your next adventure.
I've definitely learnt from the experience with things you've mentioned. Although I didn't have noise cancelling headphones, I did have my earphones in pretty much consistently in the airport when not recording! The background rabble is too much. Food wise, I just assumed it would have been easier...how wrong was I!
But, I live and learn. I'll be better prepared next time...hopefully 👍🏻
PS: I liked this as a travel video way more than the professional travel videos, like those often seen on PBS in the US, perhaps some are produced by the BBC. Those are just unrealistic and kind of empty and give me no motivation to travel. Though I wouldn't travel today, yours would give me motivation if I was.
Thanks, nice of you to say so 👍🏻
I'm very behind on your videos and enjoying the catch up. I do the same with car license plates... especially when my mind is realing or feeling stressed about something like travel. Brave soul eating Popeyes lol. Thank you for the Barcelona tour from an autism perspective.
It wasn't bad...but not really craved another one since 👍🏻
Loved your advice about not feeling like you have to do what others do! Good advice in general, perhaps need a poster as a reminder.
Your video helped me see some of how I react, in advance, to travel. The anxiety can be overwhelming and the planning take weeks for a shorter trip. I used to travel more and got in some bad situations, nearly had a major meltdown when I was stranded and the employee who was supposed to help was very dismissive and somewhat intimidating, but I contained it, knowing it would make it worse. In the US, the danger is often having to take connecting flights and having cancellations, missed connections, etc. I'm getting pressure to travel to visit family and that just makes it worse.
I have traveled solo by car and liked that a lot better. I've even stayed in hostels (decades ago, I wouldn't now). I didn't love the hostels but weathered it and found it interesting. I see now I'd need my own "safe space" to retreat.
I got a chuckle about the sunflower lanyard. Bureaucracy's responses to these things is so lame. I've seen them make it worse for me and other people with disabilities since their "accommodations" are so rigid and rigidly applied. Then they will pick a symbol like the sunflower and make a huge deal about it. It's just a marketing gimmick to avoid doing anything meaningful. People, especially younger generations seem to buy it. Have they been sold "branding" as the thing itself?
I'm not well up on the Sunflower thing. I just know it isn't for me! Travelling was though, I have another couple of trips planned, but I won't be recording them this time. I'll be focusing on people watching!
That's really awesome you can go that far, drive a car and everything! Honestly if I went on a trip now I'd have no idea where to go or how to get there. It's fun to think about. When my family was alive we used to go to Myrtle Beach a couple times in the 1980s. The ocean was an amazing sight.
I absolutely adore the ocean. The only thing that can calm my racing mind.
🏆 Great Video. Very well done. Thank you.
I can't imagine going to Barcelona, without taking a look at the Sagrada Familia. It isn't 'just' another cathedral, it's way more than that.
Besides that I enjoyed watching this video. I had a good laugh at things I can relate to as an autistic adult.
I've been back since and looked at it. But not for long as it was so busy, so I went and got eggs instead in a quiet place for lunch!
Tremendous video Paul! So fun to get a tour of Barcelona without having to go! Yes people are always the problem with me traveling and I do it for a living. Even when I am on a layover, sometimes I don’t even go out! Well done on the walking though maybe the bus pass would have been the ticket! Also, I kept thinking you should have worn a hat🤣. A personal think you for putting your phone in Airplane Mode😂. Can’t wait for the next travel video! A riveting 1:23:35!
Hi Bryan. A hat (or suncream) is definitely going to be at the forefront on future trips 😂
That was surprisingly interesting to see someone elses perspective. The only tip for younger people I have is to take care of your needs on longer trips and group trips, since I had psychotic breakdowns on many group trips and for whatever reason only late recognized it as a pattern and it was all due to having no me time breaks from the groups, no sleeping separate and travel is stressing. I was traumatized on a group trip as a kid though so I might be different in that regard. I love to travel but I have to keep an eye on the dose, for example I can't do long times packed with to many fellows in moving metal tubes without going neurotic. I think knowing that you have a save space you can go to anytime like a hotel room makes a big difference. My secret weapon is the autistic break, meaning the moment I feel overwhelm I have to remind myself to go out of the situation and take a break. I wonder why you picked a busy city, so to test the limit I guess. A big takeaway for me is your planning. Anyways I think it was a very cool episode because it was there and fresh so to speak, thanks for sharing.
No problem at all, and thanks for adding tips. I've learnt that the simple things like getting food, I shouldn't have just expected to be easy...as it wasn't unless it was a big named place like McDonalds. I should have planned much better for that 👍🏻
It's amazing that Manchester Airport is still exactly the same as when I was last there in 2017. 😂
Great job going out to see the world on your own! I've done that for 20 years now, and it really is massively helpful. Barcelona looks like a nice place.
I didn't mind Barcelona the more I look back on it. Might end up there again someday 👍🏻
9:05 You make me laugh😂
Feels kinda weird to brag about this, but i managed to fly all the way across the country once and realize after i got there that i left my whole suitcase at home (yes, the suitcase that i meticulously packed in a perfect tetris over the course of a week leading up to the trip)…eye roll.
Oh wow. That shows how much we can overthink the little things... and then overlook the main things because of it!
You sound a little bit like Tyson Fury. Found you through Woodshed theory. I'm a Mancunion autist. Subscribed 👍
I really enjoyed this video Paul and after watching this I feel like I’ve been on a little holiday myself. Like yourself I research everything sometimes too the extreme’s hoping that this will reduce my anxiety to certain situations, but then I can get a bit obsessive about looking things up that can cause it’s own anxiety a bit like looking up symptoms on DR Google, and what I thought was a cold has me looking at lots of information about the Black Death.
Dr Google is the worst Doctor! Well, aside from mine who just don't see you until your head is hanging off.
I know what you mean though with the research, I give myself a limit but got paranoid about the pickpockets because I watched too many videos about them...but when I was there, the pickpockets couldn't have been more obvious and they were only in the heavy tourist areas, so I got bothered more than I needed to.
Great (insightful & supportive) stuff matey! I have the same issue with the transit portion.. even at home! Absolute nightmare! But still managed to travel the world somehow!
I also have a destroyed meniscus- one thing that helps me is to straighten leg in front of you with toes curled back towards you and pulse the whole leg up and down gently.. has saved me many a time stuck in many different places! Building the muscle around will help too. Also there are many foods I have removed from my diet as it prevents the ‘regrowth’ of the meniscus (things like nightshades, beans, legumes etc plus sugars, salts and oils can flare up inflammation) Feel free to shout me if you want support.. I’ve got loads of severe health issues I’ve had to figure out away from the liars ahem doctors, or I’d be riddled in pain or dead! Real talk.
Keep up the good work bruv!
Many thanks. I've since seen the surgeon about my meniscus, and it turns out mine blew up. I don't have one anymore. So I have to have a high tibial osteotomy to take the pressure of the knee now. The joys!
Hell yeah, if you're into spicy food (I think my version of autism makes me seek the sensory input of ridiculously spicy food), Popeyes is good. Now, it isn't ridiculously spicy, but some folks that thing mild salsa is too spicy would cry.
EDIT: Oh, do you ask for accommodations when boarding flights? I was a bit anxious about doing it, but I filled out the form and did it the last time that I traveled and it was quite helpful being able to board before everybody... just getting enough time to get settled.
Haha. If I just would have waited. I saw your bit about the queues. That was exactly my approach. Getting on minutes before everyone else is a bit useful though... as long as it isn't hot on the plane. I am the same though... I HATE waiting in lines (or queues). I will turn around an leave and come back just to time things right so I am not waiting.
The room looks nice. I wouldn't mind having something like that as where I live. Just get rid of everything and arrange to have monthly accommodations at the hotel, all inclusive. It wouldn't be too bad.
Cheers Mike! And to anybody else's Mikes out there. It is super rough... having people that get on with suffer and leave you. This life is tough without so many other issues. I don't like stringing these things together... but... my youngest daughter's boyfriend's younger brother took his life a few weeks ago... the day before my daughter's boyfriend's birthday. It will forever be a day he likely carries some guilt. I carry a lot of my own about it because we have done a lot of the boyfriend due to issues they've both gone through and we've even brought his brother along several times. So many times I wanted to say something to their father. He has really not been there for them in any way at all. I can appreciate not being a perfect father... I have a real hard time being their emotionally for my kids, but I at least do everything I can with what I am good at... which is ensuring that they're provided for. He has done nothing and he was warned repeatedly about this exact event potentially happening. I bit my tongue and didn't say anything... because I know how I am. It is either say nothing... or I am going to take it all the way if there is any antagonism returned. So, I usually just keep it to myself even though I get physical pain from it... and now this boy who just turned 16 is gone. I lifetime of struggle... only to end up as nothing but a memory for a few people. Sorry, I am kicking myself all over again... and it won't be that last. Probably the rest of my life. One of my good friends did the same after we graduated from high school and it never seems to dull. We carry burdens like this more deeply, as I understand it... I wouldn't know... it is just the way it is in my brain.
About the bread... I thought they stay up late because they avoid the mid-day and nap. Maybe I have that wrong.
The midday nap is more of a myth in Spain these days.
I'm glad it went well for the most part.
Thanks you 👍🏻
Was the guitar music in this video your music? I see the link for your Soundcloud in the description - but I didn't want to assume.
No, it was off a royalty free website 👍🏻
I think you're doing outstanding work for all of us out here.
Why not wrap your knee with a support bandage & give it a bit of a rest?
Love that room they've given you-
Looks like an "EnSuite" of some sort
Comes with Two separate Loos inside...woow..
....fancy stuff!!
I have never in my life ever gone to any Popeyes chicken fast food here in the USA. I've seen them here & there on my travels ....just never stopped in ...
Barcelona looks amazing ...you are so BRAVE to go there ...woow😮
God Bless You & ALWAYS SAFE TRAVELS, MY Friend!!😅
Haha, many thanks. I'd definitely go again. Great place to disappear 👍🏻
Great video Paul. Manchester airport is good for plane spotting but rubbish for people with disabilities (I found them really unhelpful).
Thank you. The staff did look bored. If they are not invested in their work, they won't take pride in it. Which is also scary as the people at security were half asleep.
Oh so cool😊
👍🏻
Not having windows in a room for sleeping is a violation of international building codes. Fire safety requirements need TWO ways to get out of the room. Door and window or 2 doors.
Not in England. It is reliant on the correct measures of passive and active fire protection. Obviously not sure about Spain, but the layout of the premises had a compartment break allowing access to a secondary protected route 👍🏻
@@AdultwithAutism good to know. Nobody could break in from outside the window. I still think I would want to see daylight
Good video. Reminds me of Karl Pilkington
He's a good lad. I've been called much worse 👍🏻
Wonderful 😊
Thank you 👍🏻
Hey Paul , havent listened or watched this ep yet because I'm starting from the begining *half way thru now* but was trying to find your email to shoot you a message do you not do that anymore? * You might of said it in an earlier video but tism brain*, thank you for sharing your brain with the world! I've been listening to you on spotify while working and you've helped me out tremendously! Trying to seek an offical diagnosis but its super expensive..😅.
Hi, my email is at the bottom of every description write up in the videos. It doesn't let me put it in comments for some reason 👍🏻
@@AdultwithAutism thanks!
WHy not driving whole the way from UK to Barca? Way more fun and more to see than flying. Or did Brexit break the eurotunnel?
Driving on the other side of the road is far more of a terrifying thought that flying.
@@AdultwithAutism I completely forgot that aspect of driving a UK car.
Perhaps try out a lap on Nurnburgring (with Lewis Hamilton?), it has some circuit days for non professionals. You can check video's about that. And get used to slips and crashes ...🏎
Your Spanish sounds really well.
Gracias
People buy fresh bread at 8p.m. to take it to the party
Haha, they must be new. People took beer in my day!