Hosted By Alex Stratikis, written for Divergent Adventures, June 11, 2024
Meet Alex Stratikis, the Autistic Traveler
Join Alex on his journey of self-discovery as he travels the world, finding himself and what it means to be human, while also understanding more about his autism and about the needs of neurodivergent individuals more generally.
My name is Alex Stratikis, I’m a 20-something autistic travel writer, blogger and photographer of Scottish/Greek heritage . I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 6. I identify as “houseless not homeless” as I travel the world in a bid to understand myself and this vast, interesting planet we live on. My work focusses on the travel experience for autistic individuals, probably one of the largest under-represented sections of society within the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors – a massive untapped customer base. To date, I have worked with a diverse range of UK and US companies and organisations. I use these experiences to identify the barriers that exist for neurodivergent travelers, and work with travel, tourism and hospitality companies and organisations supporting them to understand what they need to do to remove these barriers and increase their autistic customer base.
Having graduated with an Honours degree in Japanese in 2019, and previously living in Tokyo before starting university, my dream was to live and work in Japan as a Japanese to English translator. When COVID and the international lockdowns put the final nails in the coffins in my attempts to establish a professional career – which was already presenting major challenges as an autistic adult – I realized I had a lot of reevaluating to do.
A year back at my family home during the lockdowns and international travel bans enabled me to come up with the idea of exploring in more detail the idea of writing about how travel had helped me to come to terms with and understand how my autism intersected with my travel experiences to date. I came up with the idea of establishing Autism Adventures Abroad with the aim of using my personal travel history to encourage more autistic people to travel with confidence, whilst also working with the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors to explore how their services could accommodate the needs of autistic people – to provide truly accessible and inclusive experiences.
THIS ISN’T TRAVEL AS YOU KNOW IT
Discover the Ultimate Adventure Experience for Neurodiverse Individuals!
At Divergent Adventures, we didn’t just invent travel adventures for students, adults, and families affected by neurodiversity – we perfected them! As the first and one of the only companies worldwide to create and operate adventure travel trips designed specifically for adult neurodiverse individuals, we’re breaking barriers and opening up a world of possibilities.
Autism Adventures Abroad, owned and operated by an autistic adult, is leading the charge to encourage young autistic adults to live and travel independently. Founder Alex Stratikis shares his personal journey, insights, hints, tips, and practical advice, offering a unique perspective from the spectrum.
Join us on an epic adventure to Arizona and The Grand Canyon, specially designed for autistic adult travelers. Our program focuses on support, mentoring, confidence-building, and self-reliance. We teach, you learn. We organize, you participate. We tell bad jokes, you laugh anyway. We provide the fun adventure, you explore!
Experience the thrill of adventure travel like never before. “Come Adventure With Us!”
Red Rock Country, Walnut Canyon, Route 66 & Arizona High Country
Adult and University Students’ Adventure
On this 6-Day/5-Night adventure, Mesa, AZ is the starting point. We’ll journey through the Sonoran Desert on the Beeline to Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Winding our way back to “The Valley,” we’ll hit some famous and not-so-famous sites and experience Arizona in a way that few visitors do. Walk, hike, explore, sightsee, eat, and share life skills-building experiences with like-minded neurodiverse adults. Alex Knows The Way!
1. Travel with Alex Stratikis and forge bonds with a tight-knit group of like-minded individuals. Only 8 spots are available, so secure your place now to virtually train and bond with your soon-to-be adventure buddies before diving into the wonders of Arizona together.
2. Brace yourself for an expedition to three natural wonders boasting jaw-dropping geological marvels and ancient historical treasures. From the rugged red rocks of Sedona to conquering the legendary South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon, and exploring the enigmatic ruins of Wupatki, every step promises thrills and discovery.
3. Immerse yourself in a sensory feast as you traverse vast landscapes, listen to the symphony of rushing waters, bask in the warmth of the desert sun, and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors and shapes around you.
4. Amidst the hustle and bustle of college and adult life, find solace in the serenity of quiet corners for moments of introspection and rejuvenation. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge and realign.
5. Answer the call of the wild and seize the chance to explore the great outdoors on foot. Embrace the challenges, push your limits, and revel in the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering nature’s playground. Adventure beckons – are you ready to answer?
Eligible participants are required to participate in the
Divergent Adventures virtual pre-trip virtual Adventure Learning Center & Prep Course.
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Adventure Dates
Nov. 5 – 10, 2024
8 Adult Guests/Participants
$2998 a person
SAVE $300 if booked by June 30th
Final Price: $2698 a person
6-Day/5-Night Adventure
No Special Equipment or Gear
Fully Guided. All-Inclusive. No Extra Fees
$500/Person Deposit Required With Acceptance. Airfare Not Included.
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2024 Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona Adventure
Divergent Adventure Course – Arizona Itinerary
Please note that We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
Adventure Itinerary
Tuesday
Nov. 5 – Phoenix Sky Harbor/Mesa (After 4:00 pm). Arrive in Phoenix, Transfer to hotel. Welcome Pizza Party & Orientation, Overnight Mesa
Wednesday, Nov. 6 – Mesa – Beeline to Sedona – Grand Canyon
- Breakfast
- Depart Phoenix for Montezuma Castle National Monument.
- Sedona Heritage Museum. (Time Permitting).
- Lunch in Sedona.
- Grand Canyon Park Visitor’s Center, Mather Point Orientation.
- Dinner – Welcome Dinner – Grand Canyon.
Overnight Grand Canyon
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Grand Canyon – Northern AZ
- Breakfast
- Grand Canyon Hike – 3.1 miles.
Fewer than 1% of all Grand Canyon visitors ever set foot on a trail below its rim. You’ll become a member of the 1% Club!
- Trail & Travel Lunches.
- Wupatki National Monument.
- Sunset Crater. (Time Permitting).
- Dinner – Flagstaff
Overnight Flagstaff
Friday, Nov. 8 – Flagstaff – Walnut Canyon – Sedona
- Breakfast
- Geocaching
- Lunch Flagstaff
- Buffalo Park – Free Time To Explore. Geocaching
- Sightseeing Red Rock Country.
- Dinner – Sedona.
Overnight Sedona – (1 Night of 2)
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Sedona – Red Rock State Park
- Breakfast
- Red Rock State Park – Up to a 3-mile self-guided walk.
- Visit Cathedral Rock – Picnic Lunch
- Afternoon Sightseeing.
- Tlaquepaque Visit, Farewell Dinner – Sedona
Overnight Sedona (2 Night of 2)
Sunday, Nov. 10 – Sedona – Arcosanti – Airport
- Breakfast.
- Travel Lunch – On Own.
- Visit Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, Arcosanti Commune
- Arrive at Sky Harbor International (2:00 pm).
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2024 Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona Adventure
Divergent Adventure Course – Arizona Itinerary
Your Adventure Includes:
Pre-Adventure Virtual Adventure Learning Center Course. (1.5 hours X 4 Sessions).
While in Arizona, Your Adventure Includes:
- Adventure Host and Guide. Divergent Adventures hosts and guides are seasoned educators and Divergent Adventure travel professionals trained to lead each trip. They stay with the group throughout the itinerary.
- Special Adventure Courses throughout the itinerary include Geocaching, Trail Map Navigation, and Physical Activities.
- 6-Day/5-Night Guided Adventure.
- 5-Nights Hotel Accommodations per the itinerary. (2-Participants Per Room)*
- Meals per the itinerary: Breakfast-5, Lunch-4, Dinner-5. +Travel Snacks, Selected Beverages.
- Group Transportation throughout the itinerary.
- Access and entrance fees to museums, historical and cultural sites, and parks as listed in the day-to-day itinerary.
- Detailed “Know Before You Go” information includes recommended websites, reading lists, packing lists, what to bring, weather, and more.
- 4 Virtual Adventure Preparation Courses to get you ready for your experience.
*Single Rooms Available (extra charge) | Airfare NOT included.