One summer several years ago, our toaster traveled with us wherever we went, whether it was an overnight or a week's vacation. 

Luckily, everywhere we went that summer, we drove.  (Imagine explaining THAT one to the airport security agents!)

Funny?  Yes!  Weird?  Definitely!  But we did it anyway, for my son, for my sanity, and for the sake of our fellow hotel guests.

When he was younger, my son used to wake up absolutely ravenous.  He had to eat first thing, before doing anything else.  To complicate matters, my son is completely deaf first thing in the morning, before he gets his cochlear implant processors on -- so back then, when his hearing was off,  he didn't care how loud he yelled, it didn't bother him!  On top of that, the only thing he would eat for breakfast was toast and fruit.  And waiting for anything - especially to get breakfast -- was NOT his strong suit.  All of this was a perfect set-up for some very difficult mornings while staying in a hotel, where people might actually want to sleep a bit later than 6:00 am!

Bringing the toaster along with us turned out to be one of the best parenting strategies I ever used.  Those vacation mornings, my son and I would wake up early, make some toast, spread the jelly, and munch happily, hardly making a peep.  Potential tantrums averted!  It was a great way to start the day.  Our faithful toaster came with us to Sturbridge, MA, the Shenandoahs in VA, and Cape Cod, MA, as well as to the homes of friends and family with whom we stayed that summer. 

Since then, now that my son is 8, mornings have gotten easier.  He often sleeps a little later than 6:00 am, and he's learned to use a softer voice when he doesn't have his sound on.  He's made some progress in the art of waiting patiently.  He likes a lot more kinds of breakfast foods, some of which he can even serve himself.   

Since that summer, we've been able to leave the toaster at home when we go away.  It still sits on our counter, and still gets plenty of use.  It's probably one of the few small appliances in existence that's so well-traveled and has so many fond memories attached to it!   Now, as my son makes toast some mornings for both himself and the family, he barely remembers our early morning vacation toast fests, but I will never forget them.

What strategies have you used for great vacations with your child with special needs?  Let us know - post a comment!