Sometimes our eyesight lets us down. In my case, my vision has been a challenge since I was born. For over 50 years, I’ve experienced low vision, and through extensive worldwide travel and experience, I’ve developed five tips that have helped me navigate the world. I’m confident they can assist you as well.
Is Traveling Difficult for You?
Do you find it challenging to read departure and arrival boards at airports? Are the indicator boards at train stations and bus terminals hard to decipher? Have you struggled to locate a restaurant where you’re meeting a friend or arrived late for a sporting event or concert you’ve been eagerly anticipating?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then these five tips are for you.
1. Do Your Research
Before heading to your destination, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research. Whether you’re traveling to Japan, New York, or somewhere in Europe, familiarise yourself with the area. Find out the locations of the shops, shows, or museums you want to visit, and understand the transportation options available.
For instance, during my recent trip to Japan, I wanted to buy a quality Japanese knife for cooking. I researched knife shops in Tokyo and Kyoto to find a couple of promising options. I searched their websites, located their addresses, and explored public transport routes to get there from my hotel. I noted how long it would take and their opening hours. By doing this research, I was able to easily and stress-free get to the knife shop and purchase the knife I wanted.
2. Book Meet and Assist Services
My second tip is to utilise “meet and assist” services, which many airlines and airports offer. Whenever I’m traveling to an unfamiliar airport, I always book this service, even at familiar ones. My wife, Mardi, is autistic, and mixed with low vision, airports can be overwhelming.
Consider major international airports like Frankfurt, JFK, or Heathrow, which can be particularly confusing. The meet and assist service alleviates the stress by providing an escort from check-in to your gate or on to the aircraft. Upon arrival, they can guide you through immigration, customs, and baggage claim. For example, the Quant team took wonderful care of us in New York, making our experience easy and stress-free.
3. Pre-Book Tactile Tours
The third tip is to plan ahead regarding experiences you want to enjoy, such as concerts or museum visits. Call or email ahead to inquire about accessibility features for individuals with low vision. Ask if they have audio guides, large print materials, or tactile experiences available.
When I visited Lord’s Cricket Ground in St. John’s Wood, London, I had the opportunity to feel the grass and walk on the pitch because I reached out ahead of time. A similar experience occurred at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., where I sat in the cockpit of a space shuttle. Many venues are more than willing to provide assistance to people with disabilities when you simply ask.
4. Allocate Extra Time
The fourth tip is to allocate extra time for your activities. As someone with low vision, I often find that things take longer than expected. Therefore, I make sure to build additional time into my schedule so that I don’t miss out on exhibits, experiences, or connecting transportation.
For instance, when traveling from our hotel on 44th Street to a concert at 34th Street, Google indicates it’s a 12-minute walk. In reality, navigating large crowds, traffic lights, and locating concert hall entrances can extend this time significantly. By allowing 10 to 15 extra minutes in your itinerary, you reduce the chances of disappointment and give yourself flexibility to enjoy your surroundings even if you arrive a bit early.
5. Bring Your Accessibility Tools
Finally, my fifth tip is to pack your accessibility tools. At home, I use various magnifiers, but on the road, I prefer more portable options. I carry handheld and pocket magnifiers to assist me while traveling, especially when I need to read a menu on a train or airplane.
In addition, I always have a monocular handy to help me spot landmarks if I get lost. For example, if I find myself stuck in a grid like New York City and need to identify street signs, my monocular serves as a useful tool. I recommend visiting websites of vision agencies to discover accessible magnifiers that suit your needs and to pack several for your travels.
Here’s my favourite: www.visionstore.com.au
Bonus Tip: Don’t Underestimate the Cognitive Load of Travel
Travel can add significant cognitive load, especially when navigating airports with low vision. It’s essential to be aware of the extra stress that comes with travel and to adopt at least one of these tips to reduce that burden. By preparing properly, you’re more likely to have enjoyable and rewarding travel experiences.
I’ve travelled the world and enjoyed countless opportunities, many of which are enhanced by my commitment to preparation and accessibility.
I’d love to hear your tips on traveling with low vision or any other disabilities. What strategies have you found effective in making your travels easier? Drop a comment below!
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