Traveling can be an exciting adventure, especially during the holiday season of the year! However, for individuals with low vision, it often comes with a unique set of challenges. Navigating airports, managing luggage, and ensuring a smooth journey can be daunting, but with a little preparation and some handy tips, you can make your trip not only manageable but enjoyable!
We have compiled a comprehensive list of travel tips for individuals with low vision. From organizing your essentials to ensuring easy identification of your belongings, we’ve got you covered with practical advice to make your travels smoother and stress-free!
- Use a bag with compartments that can be organized with items needed first located in the most outer pocket such as flight ticket and ID. As items or documents are no longer needed, they are returned to their usual location (wallet, etc.) Print your airline ticket, passport and photo ID as back up so potential last-minute problems with a phone can be managed.
- Bring a back-up pair of filters and hat. Even cheap items can help temporarily.
- Sit by the window when flying to control the window shade if glare is an issue.
- If possible, don’t check luggage … carry on only.
- Bring a piece of shelf liner or a placemat to create contrast on a dresser or desk surface for pills, hotel key card, etc.
- Buy the brightest (typically ugliest) suitcase so they can see it easier. Everyone typically has black.
- Carry a flashlight
- Always put your boarding pass in a protective sleeve – again brightly colored so it is easier to find.
- Bring a brightly colored pouch for essentials (battery cords, gum, lipstick, meds) so they don’t have to dig throughout their purse or man bag.
- Bring a telescope or bioptic to see information at the airport
- Let the gate agent know that you have low vision and may need assistance or extra time to get to your seat.
- Use bright colored tape on the suitcase handle or on the case itself. No ribbon or anything that hangs.
Embarking on a journey with low vision may have its hurdles, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to exploring the world or enjoying travels with family and friends. By utilizing these handy travel tips, you can enhance your traveling experience and gain more confidence in your adventures. From the importance of organized bags and bright suitcases to communication with gate agents and handy tools like flashlights and telescopes, you have a toolkit to make your trips memorable for all the right reasons!
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