We can all relate to this when it comes to travel. We all have places we’d love to go to but something holds us back.

But in Becca’s case, being autistic means she worries about things that neurotypical people never give a second thought to.

“Where are the gates in the airport?” she worries, “How do I get around the airport? What food is at the airport? I get sensory issues with take-off and landing but the unknown is a much bigger issue.”

One airline is trying to ease some of the obstacles that people with autism, disabilities or a fear of flying face.

Practice flights let them experience plane travel without actually going anywhere.

The programme, called ‘It’s Cool to Fly American Airlines’, may sound like a bright idea. 

But as an autistic writer and activist, I was curious to know how people like me really feel about it. So I started asking around.

American Airlines’ practice flights: Flying without the flight

Harrison is an autistic person who has never taken a flight. “[I’m] deterred by the lack of control and inability to escape from challenging sensory stimuli,” he says. 

“Simply knowing there’s a way out when everything is too much can be enough to put me at ease.”

American Airlines’ practice flights taxi around the runway for half an hour. So at least Harrison would know he only has to stay on the plane for that long. 

This can make a big difference to autistic people because they’ll feel empowered with the knowledge they need to decide whether to fly for real.

American Airlines’ practice flights taxi around the runway for half an hour.Canva

The chance to check I have everything I need to fly comfortably

The “unknown” that Becca fears could include all the steps before you actually take your seat on the plane.

For me, the unknown is contending with a busy environment full of people who often seem impatient. You get jostled about – stressful at any time but especially when I’m carrying a pile of paperwork.

Add to this the worry that security will want to pat me down – people touching me is one of my biggest sensory issues.

I then have to try and filter through the sensory stimuli of lights, announcements overhead and bright screens. Coping with this mostly relies on me packing my own aids such as ear defenders, but often these are not enough for such an overwhelming environment, and they’re also liable to be taken at security.

Taking one of these practice flights allows you to see how you respond to all of these unusual stimuli, and see if you have all the aids and comforts you need.

“Allowing a virtual walkthrough or even a physical walkthrough would really ease issues for me,” says Becca, “as I can start to memorise where the toilets are, where I can go for a meltdown, etc.”

Unexpected issues such as flight delays can be tricky for autistic people to navigate. I’m guessing these practice flights run on time, so you wouldn’t be able to practice coping with delays.

Being comfortable on a plane is key to feeling calm when taking off.Canva

A video walkthrough of taking a flight would be great

Another issue which I empathise with is that every airline doesn’t operate exactly like American Airlines. So these flights would only really prepare you for what their processes are like.

One autistic person, who prefers to remain anonymous, explains: “Every single [airline] seems to have different boarding procedures and processes from start to finish.”

They came up with a great idea to help people know what to expect, “A video that explains the step by step from check-in to leaving customs at the other end would really help me relax.”

Flying without the flight is a good idea for those who worry about being on a plane.Canva

‘A helpful part of a larger tapestry’

Although European airlines are yet to take up similar schemes to the one offered by American Airlines, and every autistic person will require their own individual support, I feel like this programme could be one helpful part of a larger tapestry of support for anxious travellers.

Other supportive measures could be allowing autistic people onto the plane before everyone else and having a sensory room available within the airport.

I hope to see more supportive measures in the future, because everyone has the right to travel.

The post View: Do practice flights really work for autistic people like me? first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

As the weather warms up, clumps of brown-tail moth caterpillars cluster together inside a spider-like web woven as a winter nest by the larvae. But the hairs on the caterpillars can irritate skin and trigger breathing problems like asthma if inhaled.

First spotted in Bournemouth, Boscombe and Christchurch in Dorset over the Easter weekend, this week caterpillars were sighted on paths close to Jaywick Sands in Essex.

Dog owners have been warned to be vigilant as the toxins released by the caterpillars can prove fatal to canines if ingested. 

Anyone who suspects their pet has come into contact with a caterpillar or even eaten one should contact their vet for advice.

What should you do if you spot the caterpillars?

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council says the caterpillars can be reported to the seafront team if they are spotted near the beach.

But a spokesperson adds: “Brown-tail moth caterpillars are a native species and one of the common prey items of the cuckoo. Members of the public are advised not to touch the caterpillars as their hairs can be a skin irritant.”

Councils will take different approaches depending on where the caterpillars are found, how many there are and how much of a hazard they might pose to humans and animals.

The spokesperson says: “The caterpillars can be left undisturbed, and a sign may be placed to warn people to not touch, or in rare cases the caterpillars are destroyed.”

The caterpillars are brown, have a white dotted line down each side, and have two red dots on the back of their tail, making them easily distinguishable.

They are usually found mostly in Southern England and Wales and in some coastal regions further north.

A brown-tail moth caterpillar munching a leafAP/Maine Forest Servic ACF

Are there more sightings of brown-tail moth caterpillars now?

Warmer autumn temperatures allow the larvae to get fatter before they hibernate for the winter, according to Eleanor Groden, professor emerita of entomology at University of Maine. 

A recent study published in journal Environmental Entomology highlighted that this gives them a better survival rate and means more caterpillars, come the spring.

It seems likely that more outbreaks will be spotted along the coast and inland as we head towards summer.

The post ‘Toxic caterpillars’ are taking over beaches in the UK first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.

Travel rules for every country in Europe are available here.

Czech Republic

After tightening testing requirements again for foreign arrivals back in December at the height of omicron, the Czech Republic removed all covid-related entry requirements for international arrivals on 9 April, 2022. It’s no longer necessary to wear a face mask in most public places – the main exceptions are public transport and taxis.

Denmark

Thanks to the country’s high vaccination rate, Denmark became the first EU country to lift all domestic covid restrictions at the beginning of February. All entry requirements for international arrivals were then abolished on 29 March, 2022 (before that, testing rules only applied for arrivals from outside the EU and Schengen).

Greece is lifting all restrictions on 1 MayCanva

Greece

After much to-ing and fro-ing, Greece officially confirmed that it would remove all covid-related entry measures on 1 May, 2022. Mask-wearing will remain compulsory indoors, but for many tourists to the Greek islands this will be virtually unnoticeable as so much dining, drinking and socialising takes place outdoors.

Hungary

City breaks to Budapest are back on thanks to the removal of all covid-related entry requirements for travel to Hungary. There are also no social distancing measures in place anymore, and it’s no longer compulsory to wear a face mask on public transport or in indoor public places.

Summer is the perfect time to road trip in IcelandCanva

Iceland

All of Iceland’s covid-related restrictions were lifted on 25 February, 2022, both for international arrivals and within the country itself. The wearing of masks is no longer mandatory anywhere and there are no social distancing measures in place. However the country still encourages testing and self-isolation to control the spread of covid.

Ireland

Guinness-lovers rejoiced when Ireland dropped all covid-related entry requirements on 6 March, 2022. This includes proof of vaccination, pre-arrival testing and the passenger locator form. Mask-wearing became optional a couple of weeks before that, on 28 February, 2022.

Latvia

As it stands, visitors from the EU, EEA, Switzerland or the UK can all enter Latvia without the need to take a test, show proof of vaccination or quarantining. However there are some hoops to jump through if you’re travelling to Latvia from third countries, which still requires proof of vaccination or a negative test result. FFP2 masks remain mandatory on public transport.

The Lithuanian capital Vilnius is an increasingly popular budget city breakCanva

Lithuania

Vilnius became one of Europe’s most hassle-free city breaks in mid-February when Lithuania announced that it was dropping all entry requirements for travellers from EU/EEA countries, as well as a number of others including the UK, US and New Zealand. However, you’re still required to wear a face mask on public transport.

Madeira

Although part of Portugal (which still requires testing or proof of vaccination), the popular holiday island of Madeira has removed all covid-related entry requirements for tourists. However, it’s not quite back to total normality.

The territory does still recommend that international visitors register on the Madeira Safe digital platform. And once you’re there, it’s still compulsory to wear a face mask at indoor public venues and carry proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars and other venues.

Montenegro

This lesser-known Balkan gem dropped all entry restrictions in mid-March, 2022. It’s also no longer necessary to carry a vaccine passport to enter social settings here, though Montenegro has kept its mask mandate for indoor public settings. This includes restaurants, bars and hotels.

Norway

“No testing, no quarantining, no registration!” – that’s been Norway’s entry policy since 12 February, 2022, when the Nordic country dropped all covid entry requirements for international arrivals. There’s also no testing requirements if you fall ill, which may raise some eyebrows among cautious travellers. All social distancing and face mask rules have been dropped in Norway, too.

Poland is back to business as usualCanva

Poland

In one fell swoop, Poland dropped on-arrival quarantining, proof of vaccination and pre-arrival testing requirements on 28 March, 2022. The new business-as-usual status applies to all arrivals from non-Schengen countries, as well as those from the EU. Poland has also removed all rules about wearing face masks in public.

Romania

This eastern European country dropped all quarantining, testing and passenger tracking requirements for international visitors on 9 March, 2022. At the same time, Romania declared that it was ditching the digital pass that had previously been required to enter certain institutions and made face masks non-compulsory in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Slovenia’s Lake Bled is a fairytale destination year-roundCanva

Slovenia

Travel to this Balkan nation became much easier from 19 February, 2022, when it removed all covid-related entry requirements for visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Most covid restrictions within Slovenia ended on 13 April, 2022, though you’ll still need to wear a face mask on public transport and in enclosed public spaces.

Sweden

On 1 April, 2022, Sweden dropped all covid-related entry requirements for visitors from the UK or outside the EU/EEA. This followed a temporary ban on third-country arrivals in March due to the omicron variant. Regardless of where you’re arriving from, it means you’ll no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative covid test.

Switzerland

Just in time for the summer hiking season, Switzerland announced that it would drop all covid-related entry requirements for international visitors from 2 May, 2022. Before then, travellers needed to show proof of vaccination. The Alpine country also got rid of face masks on 1 April, 2022, and at the same time mandated that people who have tested positive for covid no longer need to isolate.

The post A full list of European countries with no travel restrictions first appeared on Magazin Haber Ajansı.