Plan Your Blind and Low Vision Holiday
Type “low vision holiday” or “travelling the world blind” into your search bar and you will likely be bombarded with a world’s worth of information, but how useful is it? Tips like, “pack light” and “travel with a partner” can be restrictive and unhelpful to your travel experience.
We’ve compiled some of our best tips and things to consider at all stages of your journey for an independent travel experience, so you can enjoy your holiday in peace!
Before you travel
The most important step to get the most out of any holiday is always preparing for your trip. Whether you’re planning months in advance or spontaneously winging it the night before, there are some things you need to do to make sure you can get the most out of your vacation.
Accessibility claims
When making travel and accommodation arrangements, always check what accessibility features are available with each option. Airlines, for example, offer varying levels of service for people that are blind or have low vision. Consider how easily flights can be booked online, services available at the airport, in-flight accommodations and services available at your destination airport. Also consider the accessibility options offered by accommodation venues. Some of this information is available online, however for more specific information you may need to call before booking. Consider how easily the reception can be identified and accessed on entering the premises, if the accommodation suite is accessible, sufficient orientation cues at the accommodation venue and safety features to identify hazards.
Our Aussie airline picks:
Qantas has a great range of services available for the whole process. Bookings can be made online, although considerations such as guide dogs require a phone booking through Qantas Special Handling (02 8222 2651). Kerbside assistance is dependent on staff availability, but can be useful in navigating unfamiliar airports. Passengers that are blind or have low vision are boarded first, with their mobility aid if it can fit in the overhead compartment, and assistance with arrivals or linking flights is available at the destination airport.
Virgin offers both online or phone bookings for those requiring extra assistance or guide dogs. You can arrange for someone to meet you inside the airport and assist you if needed. In-flight accommodations include an individual pre-flight safety briefing and a more accessible safety instruction manual. Some destination services can be arranged including baggage collection and short-haul connections.
Check reviews
Don’t always trust what you read on a website! The business you’re booking with will always show themselves in the best light, and might exaggerate their accessibility claims or lie about the condition of the accommodations. Always check an independent third party review website to get a better idea of what you’re really paying for, before you commit to it. We’ve included a link to make finding accessible accommodation easier Australia-wide: Accessible Accommodation Guide.
Travel-friendly mobility aids
If you’re looking to make a habit of traveling, you’re going to need to invest in the right equipment. Specifically, you need travel-friendly orientation and mobility aids that you’ll be able to keep with you all the way through the airport and onto the plane! It is also a great idea to invest in good quality travel luggage that lets you pack in an organised way and find what you need quickly. The Nomatic range of bags is worth checking out, and there are many other available options that a little online research will uncover.
If you carry a cane, be aware that aluminium canes cannot be carried through the security scanners with you and will have to be separately processed through the x-ray machine. Try opting for fiberglass or graphite as a non-metal option. Using a folding or telescoping white is always more convenient than a straight cane for storage on-board, where it must be stowed under the seat in front of you or under the window next to you. We also recommend packing along a spare… just in case of unforeseen events.
If you require a service dog, make sure you are aware of any restrictions that apply to service animals in your destination.
Useful tech
Before setting off on your travels, have a look at what accessibility technology is available to help you travel safely and independently. Navigation apps on the market use real-time GPS and bluetooth technology to help you orient yourself within unfamiliar surroundings, either indoors or outdoors, and can even be used to plan a route through a crowded airport. Some apps allow local community members to provide information on accessibility features in destination regions, allowing you to plan around potential barriers you might face. There’s also tools that can help you identify personally significant objects in your surroundings, like an electronic bag tag that alerts you when your luggage is nearby.
Destination research
This may sound obvious, but once you’ve decided on your dream destination, make sure you do your research! Of course you can always ask friends and family for recommendations, but these can be frustratingly targeted towards sighted experiences. We recommend searching online to find some of the region’s hidden gems. Whether you want to hit the tourist hotspots, jet off on an adventure holiday or live like the locals, you can plan your dream holiday online.
We know that one of the biggest challenges for people that are blind or have low vision, in planning their holidays, is being certain that their planned activities are not only physically accessible but actually provide valuable experiences and memories. This is where Vacayit can help! Rather than experiencing a disappointing trip full of sight-targeted ‘attractions’, you can use the Vacayit app to discover accessible destinations within your search region. Better still, the audio stories attached to each attraction offer a vibrant sensory experience complete with delightful facts - it’s like having your own personal tour guide!
Join the waitlist to download the Vacayit accessible tourism app as soon as it launches! https://www.vacayit.com/#register-waitlist
Destination support
Don’t be afraid to reach out to support services at your destination! Support workers may be able to help facilitate your independence by helping to navigate new and unfamiliar terrain. The type of services that may be useful to your experience will vary depending on what activities you plan to do. If you’re planning a more active holiday in unfamiliar terrain, such as a hiking trip, asking for an additional guide can add value to your experience! Support services at your destination may also be able to help you navigate local transport services or discover enriching experiences.
Collaborative Authors: Erinn Cash and Henry Macphillamy
Information sourced from:
Arslanian, S. (2017, Jan 23). 6 innovative tools that make travel more accessible. Epicure and Culture. https://epicureandculture.com/traveling-with-a-disability/
DaniMarieAUC. (2020, Oct 12). Choosing a white cane: Style and material. Albinism Up Close. https://albinismupclose.com/choosing-a-white-cane-style-material/
Vision Aware. (2022). Air travel after vision loss. https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/transportation/air-travel/
Morrison, J. (2019, Nov 8). Accessible travel with digital technology. LinkedIn Pulse. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/accessible-travel-digital-technology-dr-jo-morrison/
Qantas. (2022). Blind or vision impaired passengers. https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs/blind-or-vision-impaired-passengers.html
Virgin Australia. (2022). Vision and hearing impairments. https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-travel/specific-needs-assistance/vision-hearing-impairments/