Resources for Blind and Low Vision Travelers

Traveling the world without sight is not only possible, it can be extraordinary. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the difference between a stressful trip and a confident adventure often comes down to having the right tools, services, and information before you leave home.

This page brings together the most useful organizations, apps, tools, and travel resources for blind and low vision travelers.

Some of these are organizations doing incredible advocacy work. Others are technologies that make navigating airports, hotels, and cities dramatically easier.

Many of them are tools I personally use when traveling with my guide dog Fauna.

Bookmark this page and come back whenever you’re planning your next adventure.

Navigation Apps for Blind Travelers

Modern smartphones have changed everything for blind travelers. These apps can help with navigation, reading text, describing surroundings, and even connecting you with live human assistance.

Aira
https://aira.io

Be My Eyes
https://www.bemyeyes.com

Seeing AI
https://www.microsoft.com/seeing-ai

BlindSquare
https://www.blindsquare.com

GoodMaps
https://goodmaps.com

Soundscape (Community version)
https://soundscape.community

Lazarillo GPS
https://lazarillo.app

TripIt (accessible itinerary manager)
https://www.tripit.com

Flighty (flight tracking app with good VoiceOver support)
https://flighty.com

Aira is one of the services I rely on most when traveling solo, especially in airports and unfamiliar environments. I wrote about my experience with it here:

Aira review

Travel Tools and Gear I Use

Over time I’ve built a small kit of travel tools that make navigating the world easier.

Here are some of the tools I’ve personally tested or rely on when traveling.

All Terrain Cane – Awarewolf Gear
All Terrain Cane Review

Kanega Watch – UnaliWear
Kanega Watch Review

Bluetooth Luggage Trackers

Apple AirTag
https://www.apple.com/airtag

Tile Tracker
https://www.tile.com

Tactile packing labels and travel organization tools

LED dining signal light for restaurants
My Review

Small tech tools and tactile systems can dramatically improve independence when traveling.

For example, I use Bluetooth trackers to know exactly when my luggage reaches baggage claim and tactile packing systems so I can find everything in my suitcase by touch.

Guide Dog Travel Resources

Traveling with a guide dog adds a layer of logistics, but with preparation it becomes routine.

These organizations provide training, advocacy, and travel guidance for guide dog handlers.

Guide Dogs for the Blind
https://www.guidedogs.com

The Seeing Eye
https://www.seeingeye.org

International Guide Dog Federation
https://www.igdf.org.uk

Guide Dog Users Inc
https://gdui.org

When booking flights, I always notify the airline ahead of time that I’m traveling with my guide dog so assistance teams are ready at the airport.

Accessible Transportation Resources

Understanding your rights and the services available through airlines and airports can make travel dramatically smoother.

TSA Cares
https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares

U.S. Department of Transportation Disability Travel Rights
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disability

Air Carrier Access Act information
https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/passengers-disabilities

Amtrak accessibility information
https://www.amtrak.com/accessibility

Uber accessibility information
https://www.uber.com/us/en/about/accessibility

Lyft accessibility information
https://www.lyft.com/accessibility

Blindness and Low Vision Organizations

These organizations provide education, advocacy, and support for blind and low vision individuals.

American Foundation for the Blind
https://www.afb.org

American Council of the Blind
https://www.acb.org

National Federation of the Blind
https://www.nfb.org

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired
https://hadley.edu

VisionAware
https://visionaware.org

Helen Keller National Center
https://helenkeller.org/hknc

Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
https://aerbvi.org

National Eye Institute
https://nei.nih.gov

Society for the Blind
https://societyfortheblind.org

Accessible Travel Companies

If you prefer traveling with organized tours or guided experiences, these companies specialize in accessible travel.

AccessibleGO
https://accessiblego.com

Wheel the World
https://wheeltheworld.com

Traveleyes (blind and sighted group travel)
https://www.traveleyes-international.com

Accessible Travel Online
https://accessibletravel.online

Blind Travel Communities

Connecting with other blind travelers is one of the best ways to learn about accessible destinations and travel strategies.

Reddit r/blind
https://www.reddit.com/r/blind

American Council of the Blind Travel Community
https://www.acb.org

Hadley Travel Talk discussions
https://hadley.edu/workshops

Facebook blind travel groups

Planning Your Trip

If you’re new to traveling with vision loss, these guides from Blind Travels can help.

INTERNAL LINKS:

The Blind Traveler’s Guide to Air Travel

Hotel Hacks for Blind Travelers

Packing Like a Pro (Blind Travel Packing Guide)

A Living Resource

The world of accessible travel is evolving rapidly.

New technology, better accessibility laws, and improved awareness are opening doors that didn’t exist even a decade ago.

If you know of a tool, service, or organization that should be added to this page, reach out through the contact page on Blind Travels.

We’re building this together.

See you at the gate.

Ted and Fauna