Embarking on your first solo trip can feel both thrilling and intimidating, especially for blind or low vision travelers. But with careful planning, thorough preparation, and a positive mindset, traveling independently is not only possible but deeply rewarding.

1. Booking Your Trip

Begin by selecting airlines and hotels with strong reputations for accessibility and inclusivity. Clearly communicate your needs when booking, specifying any particular accommodations required, such as priority boarding, guided assistance, or accessible hotel rooms. Websites and apps like Expedia’s accessibility filter or specialized platforms for travelers with disabilities can streamline this process.

#NotSponsored, but I personally choose United or Southwest for my airline travel because of their continued commitment to making travel easier for those of us who are in the blind and low vision community. I’ve had a lot of great experiences flying United, and I’m happy to mention that here. Guide Dogs for the Blind use United because of their willingness to work with blind and low vision passengers and guide dogs obviously.  

2. Packing for Your Trip

Create a personalized packing checklist, including crucial items like mobility aids, braille labels, audio recorders, and chargers for assistive devices. Utilize packing cubes to organize your belongings neatly and efficiently. Incorporate tactile identifiers or audio tags to easily locate specific items in your suitcase. Always pack extras of critical items like batteries and chargers.

We have lots of tutorials and travel hacks in our blog section here on Blind Travels if you are looking to up your game when it comes to packing more effectively.  

3. Researching Your Destination and Planning Outings

Thoroughly research your destination, utilizing descriptive reviews from sources like our destinations section here on Blind Travels. Identify accessible transportation options, dining, attractions, and entertainment. Planning activities in advance ensures you confidently navigate your environment and maximizes enjoyment of your destination.

Consider calling or emailing ahead to see what a property or restaurant offers in terms of accessibility for blind or low vision travelers. You never know what they are willing to provide until you ask.  

4. Learning to Ask for Help at the Airport

Airport assistance is widely available but requires clear communication. Inform the airline ahead of time about your assistance needs, including escorts to gates or help navigating security checkpoints. Prepare simple scripts or phrases to comfortably request assistance without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. Travel at its best is stressful, remember to be calm and consider that things can go wrong on the day of travel. Always get to the airport with plenty of time to spare so you aren’t stressed about time when getting to the your departure gate.

5. Finding Your Way to the Gate

Familiarize yourself with general airport layouts and utilize escort services provided by airlines. Wayfinding apps and audio guides, such as Aira or Seeing AI, can significantly ease navigation. Remember, airport staff are there to help, so don’t hesitate to use their services.

See this as a challenge. Do your research ahead of time by reviewing airport maps when available and lean into smartphone apps like aira to help you navigate. Don’t forget to bring an extra battery for your phone! Accessibility apps always use a lot more battery than you expect. The one I often carry with me is linked below.

Anker Power Bank(PowerCore 10K),Compact Travel-Ready 10,000mAh Battery Pack with PowerIQ Charging Technology

https://amzn.to/43C1d7L

6. Retrieving Your Bag from Baggage Claim

Clearly mark your luggage with distinctive tactile or visual markers that you can identify by touch or through assistance. Track your luggage in real-time using AirTags, receiving alerts as your bag nears the carousel. Politely and confidently request assistance from airport staff if needed, using pre-prepared scripts.

I use neon green tape on my black suitcase making it very easy to recognize when it comes off the belt. I also have an Apple AirTag in my suitcase and all the bags I bring with me. With the one in the suitcase, I can track the bag in real time with the Find My app on my phone.

7. Exploring Your Room Upon Arrival

Upon arrival, systematically explore your hotel room. Check for the locations of crucial items like outlets, emergency exits, bathroom amenities, and room controls. Use tactile or audio labels to remember positions. Ensure you understand the room’s layout thoroughly, making your stay comfortable and secure.

8. Making Your Hotel Room Accessible

Enhance room accessibility by establishing routines, such as consistently plugging electronic devices into the same outlets to prevent forgetting them. Use smartphone apps like Seeing AI or Be My Eyes to identify and distinguish between toiletries or other small items. Arrange frequently used items in consistent, easily remembered locations.

Snapping a picture and using aira or seeing Ai to review before you check out can help avoid things getting left behind, because the app will often tell you something like: A photo of a side table in a hotel room with a computer bag. Yes, this has happened to me, and I always do this before leaving so I don’t forget anything.

9. Communicating with Hotel Staff

Clearly and directly communicate your accessibility needs upon check-in. Inquire about hotel amenities, accessible routes within the hotel, emergency procedures, and nearby attractions. Building a friendly rapport with the hotel staff will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable stay.

Make some notes on your phone or other device so you will remember where the amenities are that they tell you about on check in. Alternatively, you can always check out the many hotel reviews we have here on Blind Travels which will clearly let you know where things like check in desks, restaurants, elevators and the pool are located from the lobby.

10. Exploring the Hotel and Nearby Points of Interest

Take advantage of orientation tours offered by hotel staff to familiarize yourself with the hotel’s layout and amenities. Use tactile guides and auditory cues to navigate confidently. Explore nearby restaurants, attractions, and shops independently by preparing routes and points of reference beforehand using google maps or other similar programs.

Using aira or be my eyes can also be a big help when you can’t find updated maps online. They are a paid service, but having someone on the phone with you to get you to the restaurant that is down the block can be invaluable and make your trip smoother.

Remember to ask the hotel staff if there is any construction going on or other hazards that they may be aware of that were not listed on outdated online maps and information services.  

11. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Requesting help is a proactive and empowering step, not a sign of weakness. Learning to ask for help results in less frustration when trying to navigate a new location. Each time you ask for help in this sort of situation, it gets easier. I know this first hand, I had trouble asking for assistance for many years and just stumbled around trying to find my own way. Embrace your trip with confidence, knowing that asking for assistance enhances your overall travel experience.

Conclusion

Solo travel as a blind or low vision individual opens doors to independence, personal growth, and countless enriching experiences. With each trip, you will gain confidence and new skills, paving the way for bigger and bolder adventures.

Are you a seasoned solo blind or low vision traveler? Do you have a story or tip to share about your travel journey? Feel free to drop me a message here on Blind Trabels or on my socials listed below.

See you at the gate!

Ted and Fauna