We traveled the Alaska Canadian Highway several times. AKA the Alcan. My autistic child taught himself to read by being provided with lots of brochures and finding them along the roadway along with the places in the towns that we passed through. He asked lots of questions like any 5 year old would do. Another activity that worked well was while he was in second grade, an ASL or American Sign Language book was puchased and used along the way to keep all 3 boys busy. During stops at McDonald's especially, they enjoyed ordering their cheesegurgers, etc. using their new ASL skills. Also the autistic son didn't like taking showers which are at most of the campgrounds along the way, so we learned to stay at hotels along the way about every three days. Definately in Dawson Creek and Seattle area as we headed toward California.

Does she like crafts? You say she'll be seeing her brother. If she likes crafts maybe during your time at the airport you can bring along the supplies needed to create a scrapbook that she can present to her brother about family life back at home. OR bring a few pictures of family members and make frames for them and give that to her brother. OR play makeup and nails (the new adhesive nail strips...don't smell) bring lots of wipes so she can try new looks over and over again. A locker mirror placed in front her would be great so she check herself out. I can go on and on...lol I hope you have a great trip!! Poking and stepping on feet...that made me laugh. She sounds like fun!!

We just flew my daughter draws to relax or to focus.It worked well to bring her drawing My suggestion is to inform and inform what to expect from her and what is going to happen next, and build some down time into the trip