As much as we love it, traveling can be stressful for anyone. But when you’re traveling with blindness or a visual impairment, it can add additional challenges.
However, with some careful planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you plan an enjoyable trip with your visually impaired companion:
1. Plan ahead
The first and most general tip is to plan ahead. Sight is such an integral part of the traveling experience. Folks who have vision impairments will need lots of information and vivid descriptions of the places they’re visiting.
If you’re visiting the south of Spain, for example, a blind person might want to know about the history of the place, the smells to expect, the cuisine, descriptions of the cities and the buildings that can be found there, as well as the countryside and character of the land.
On a practical level, it’s important to also plan ahead by giving your blind companion as much notice as possible and to provide descriptive details about their direct environment. This means letting them know when you are entering or exiting a building, what steps they may have to take and describing any obstacles that might be in their path. When traveling by car, let the person know each time you turn or make a stop.
2. Choose accessible accommodations
When you travel with the visually impaired, it’s especially important to take their accessibility needs into account. You should look for hotels and other lodgings that are wheelchair-accessible or have features such as tactile signage, assistive listening devices and Braille menus in restaurants. This will help to make the trip more enjoyable and comfortable. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for other accessible amenities, such as elevators or ramp access for wheelchair users. Consider looking for hotels that have an audio description service available, offering narration of what’s in each room or area.
3. Take extra caution during each moment in transport
Things tend to go wrong at critical moments in travel, i.e., when you’re loading a car, taking a taxi or searching the city streets for your hotel. These are the times when you’re most vulnerable, in between your origin and your destination. And that’s why it’s important to take extra caution at these junctures of your trip – especially when traveling while blind or with someone who has a visual impairment.
Book your car service in advance so you’re not vulnerable on city streets trying to hail a cab. If you’re going on a road trip, make sure the car is loaded in advance and things are packed in such a way that they’re accessible.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance
You should never hesitate to ask for assistance if you’re visually impaired or with someone who is. There are a variety of organizations and services available that can provide support and assistance with the challenges that come up in unfamiliar places. This could include anything from providing tactile maps or Braille information about locations to helping with directions or other logistical tasks. Additionally, many airlines offer special services to accommodate passengers with vision impairments, such as providing additional time for boarding and additional assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out to these organizations and services for help, as they can be invaluable in making travel easier and more enjoyable.
On the flip side, also don’t hesitate to ask individual bystanders for help when needed. We all need to look out for one another – especially those who have impairments.
5. Stay connected
Modern technology can make even the most unpredictable journeys easier by keeping you connected with friends and family back home and can also help you access maps and travel information in real-time. Additionally, there are tons of apps for blind travelers, like Blindsquare, that can make the experience way more manageable.
6. Pack a bag full of bright or reflective clothing
Having bright or reflective clothing options is a great idea for those with visual impairments.
There are several types of materials that can be used to make your clothes reflective. For starters, you could opt for clothing that has a bright neon color. Neon colors are great because they will stand out even in the dark. Or you might want to consider investing in fabric that uses reflective material such as 3M Scotchlite Reflective Tape or 3M Thinsulate Reflective Material.
7. Choose a AAA Vacations® Tour
Traveling with a blind companion becomes enjoyable and much less stressful when you choose a AAA Vacations tour. The thoughtfully designed itineraries, descriptive narration, and accessible accommodations create a seamless and enriching adventure for everyone. The tour guide will provide information on the area’s culture, history and attractions while ensuring the traveler’s safety throughout their trip. A AAA Travel Agent will ensure the AAA Vacations® tour you choose caters to visually impaired travelers and their companions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
8. Learn a bit of the language
If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you learn a bit of the language. Having the ability to communicate in the language of your chosen destination can make all the difference when traveling abroad. Knowing key phrases such as “How do I get…” or “What is this?” can be very useful for getting around, finding attractions and asking for help if needed. Memorizing some common words and phrases prior to journeying can give you the confidence to navigate unfamiliar places and also provide a deeper understanding of the culture and people. Additionally, having some conversational language knowledge can help form connections with locals and make your experience even more enjoyable.
AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel — before, during and after your vacation! Members enjoy the advantages of membership including exclusive benefits, savings, map routing and travel planning, plus additional travel needs such as AAA Travel Guides, the Digital TourBook®, passport photos, International Driving Permits and travel insurance. Your next vacation starts with AAA — your complete travel solution. Visit AAA.com/Travel.