Travel Tips for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Traveling can be overwhelming to anyone but it can be especially overwhelming and stressful if you are blind or visually impaired. In this blog post, we wanted to share some of the best travel tips we have learned over the years specifically for the blind and visually impaired community.

Put tile on your luggage

Checking your luggage can be stressful when it comes to finding it at the other end. One way to find your luggage independently is by adding Tiles on your luggage. Tiles attach to your luggage and then you use an app on your phone, when triggered, creates a beeping sound on your bag. Using Tiles also ensures you have picked up the correct bag.

Use a distinguishable suitcase

If someone is helping you at the airport it can help for your bag to be very distinguishable for someone (or yourself) to identify. Everyone has a black suitcase so why not get one that is colorful and fun? It is much easier to spot a pink suitcase than it is a black suitcase that everyone else may have.

For the guide dog users, separate your dog food.

Separating your dog food will keep it fresh longer and will be easier when going through TSA at the airport. Another tip is to put your dog food in poop bags. That way, you can use the bags when you get done with the food.

Travel with a spare battery/charger

A common theme of traveling (especially when you’re visually impaired/blind) is that you never know what will happen. Having your own spare battery for your phone can be a lifesaver especially if you are dependent on ride share services like Uber! Anker makes some great chargers (they can be pricey but are worth it and have a year-long warranty!). Having your own battery can also be helpful so you don’t have to find a charger to plug in your phone or tablet.

Play the blind card and don’t be afraid to ask for help

TSA Pre-check is great if you travel a lot because you don’t have to worry about the security lines or taking your shoes off. But if you don’t want to pay extra (85$ for 5 years of TSA pre-check) ask for help when you check in. At most major airports there are separate security lines for those with disabilities, which can make getting through security a breeze!

Asking for help at airports is never a bad idea because airport staff can help you find your gate, your luggage, and where the Uber pick up points are. Oftentimes Uber pick up points are in difficult to find locations but don’t be afraid to ask airport staff to help you locate them.

For low vision users, use your camera to your advantage

If you are out of the country, you may not always have access to Wifi and data. If you depend on apps like Be My Eyes and AIRA but have some vision, you might want to use your camera on your phone to zoom in on street signs or train signs. This can be a cumbersome process but it’s effective if you’re in a bind (and are able to zoom in enough!).

Have a backup plan

This comes back to the theme of you never know what will happen you’re traveling. If you’re traveling with a dog, they might get sick. Your cane might break (or you might lose it in an Uber…) so always pack a spare cane! There are telescopic canes that are extremely portable and can help when you need it most.

Utilize navigation Apps

We talked a lot about great apps for the visually impaired and blind in our first post but they are also great for travel! Google maps allows you to download the map of the city you’re going to so you can use it even if you don’t have data or wifi! Other great apps mentioned in our post can help with finding grassy spots or pet relief areas for your guide dogs or restaurants near you.