Inspiring new show reveals transformative power of travel 

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Visit Myrtle Beach announces its groundbreaking new series, “Traveling the Spectrum,” will make its nationwide debut on Dec. 12, 2024, premiering on the Peacock streaming network. Created in partnership with The WorkShop Content Studios, the unscripted show follows the inspiring stories of three families with members on the autism spectrum as they take sensory-friendly vacations to the Myrtle Beach area, highlighting the transformative power of travel.

Visit Myrtle Beach selected Peacock and its worldwide audience of 33 million subscribers as a way to showcase how the Myrtle Beach area’s sensory-friendly accommodations and welcoming spirit are creating unforgettable experiences for families.

“Traveling the Spectrum has the potential to change the world by helping families on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable exploring new destinations,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach. “By following along on their vacations and hearing their personal stories, we see the unique challenges each family faces and how our community steps up to provide a welcoming, inclusive experience.”

Watch the trailer, meet the cast members and learn more about how you can watch full episodes at www.TravelingTheSpectrumShow.com. 

Recognized as an autism-friendly destination since 2016, Myrtle Beach and the communities along the region’s 60 miles of coastline are committed to creating a sensory-friendly environment through numerous initiatives, including a sensory-friendly pledge that encourages inclusivity. Along with the television show, Visit Myrtle Beach partnered with author and illustrator Lynda Farrington Wilson to create the children’s book “Splish, Splash, Squawk! Finding Joy in a Sensory Friendly Vacation.” This valuable resource helps families prepare for a beach vacation by introducing tools and techniques to navigate new experiences they may encounter. 

Additional information on sensory-friendly services and programs available throughout the Grand Strand can be found at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/autism.

New TV show aims to change stigmas about travel for those with autism, highlight accessibility across Myrtle Beach area

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Visit Myrtle Beach is pleased to unveil the long-awaited trailer for the heartwarming unscripted series “Traveling the Spectrum,” which follows three extraordinary families as they travel to Myrtle Beach with a family member on the autism spectrum.

Despite increased autism awareness and improved accessibility, 87 percent of families with children on the spectrum rarely embark on family vacations, according to a survey by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

“Traveling the Spectrum” challenges the misconception that individuals with autism cannot travel. Throughout the six-episode series, the audience gains insight into the challenges these families face as they step out of their comfort zones and confront the daily stigmas of autism to experience a much-needed family beach vacation.

Myrtle Beach and the surrounding coastal communities have been working to alleviate the anxieties of travel for those with autism since 2016 by working with Champion Autism Network to become the first autism-friendly certified destination.

The show will take viewers behind-the-scenes into the world of sensory-friendly travel and showcase the unique experiences of the Tilk family from Michigan, the Hill family from Texas and the Gielink family from Ohio as they explore Myrtle Beach.

“We’re looking forward to the upcoming release of ’Traveling the Spectrum’ as we believe it represents a step forward in inclusivity and understanding,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach. “As the trailer reveals, the show will give viewers a new perspective as these inspiring families discover the joys of Myrtle Beach, a destination where any family of any persuasion can have a great time and be their best self.”

The three-minute trailer can be viewed on the “Traveling the Spectrum” website, TravelingTheSpectrumShow.com, social media channels, Facebook.com/travelingthespectrumshow and Instagram.com/travelingthespectrumshow, as well as Visit Myrtle Beach’s Beach Easy YouTube page.

The full series will air on a streaming service in the near future.

Editor’s Note: Find media assets on the “Traveling the Spectrum” Media Kit.

About Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau:

Since 1938, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community — serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Loris, Atlantic Beach, Carolina Forest, Conway, Aynor, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded MBACC its five-star accreditation — one of only a few chambers in South Carolina to earn this distinction. The Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and its destination marketing arm Visit Myrtle Beach promote tourism through various partnerships and initiatives to advance the economic success of the Grand Strand. For more information, visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com, MyrtleBeachAreaCVB.com and VisitMyrtleBeach.com.