Tips For Blind or Visually Impaired Travellers
We all need some advice from time to time!
As I began thinking seriously about backpacking I found myself looking for the usual tidbits of information from those who have gone before me. It is imperative that all travellers seek some advice so as to stay on top of important information such as visa requirements, appropriate cultural practices and where to get the best coffee but when being or accompanying a blind traveller there are a few more tips to be considered in order to have the most positive experience available. Everyone is different so these tips can be molded to suit you and of course, if you have any more tips please share!
Have confidence. Perhaps themost important part of all is having the confidence to travel. Yes, the idea of travelling to foreign lands can be daunting to everyone, particularly for those of us with visual impairment but it can be done. Others have gone before us we have the added luxury of assistive technology to help us get around and have fun. Take a deep breath in and say “lets go!”
Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at anny stage of your travels, whether in the planning stage or on the road. Asking for help is by no means a weakness, in fact it may even open up new ideas of things to do that you hadn’t have previously thought of. Yes, some people can be rude and unhelpful but if asked most people are happy to assist. Asking for help may also be a great way to break the ice with locals in a new place, possibly providing a chance to chat and experience the true culture of where you are.
Plan ahead. The notion of travelling completely on a whim is a romantic one but one that may not be completely advisable. By doing your research at home before travelling you can iron out a lot of bugs to ensure your time spent travelling is rewarding. Pre-booking accommodation online is easy and will save the time consuming hassle of travelling from one hostel/hotel to another in search of the best rates etc. Payment can usually be made online too saving you having to deal with unfamiliar cash. Some local transport can also be booked online (depending on where you are in the world of course) and airlines/airports should be called in advance to make sure your seating arrangements are sorted and that any help yyou may need navigating the airport can be arranged – most airlines/airports can arrange this. Researching the places you would like to visit can also help you plan ahead so as to get there at the most suitable times etc, such as when places aren’t over crowded. That said, allow for spontaneity in your trip as these moments can be the most fun. By being prepared ahead of time you are best prepared to go in which ever direction the wind takes you.
Travel light. It is pretty simple; he more things you take with you, the more things you need to look after. By travelling light and only taking the necessities your journey can be less stressful as you have less things to look after and worry about. Travelling with only enough luggage to fit into a carry on size backpack also means you can avoid having to negotiate the crowds at the baggage terminal as well as the fun of identifying your bags. If you do travel with extra luggage make sure you remember a visual description of your bag to tell others who may assist you in finding it and make it stand out somehow with coloured ribbon etc.
Know your backpack. Get to know your backpack and make specific compartments for specific contents so that you can quickly and easily find what you need when you need it. Make sure valuables like cash, passport, electronics etc aren’t too easy for others to find in a rush but so that you can quickly find them. You may wish to carry things like your passport and cash on your person at all times to make sure you are not separated from them.
We have the technology. The amount of helpful technology that we have at our disposal seems to double daily. Whether it is a standard white cane or the latest app make use of all available technologies to help explore and enjoy your travels independently. Hotel bookings, public transport information, language translators and so much more are now all readily available via websites or smartphone apps. These are generally designed for sighted users but can also be accessed by blind travellers via VoiceOver and over smartphone accessibility options. GPS software can also be used for navigation purposes but always check reliability of services and remember that microchips can make mistakes!
Remember that others can see! At times it can be easy to forget that others can see better than you but remember to take advantage of other peoples’ super powers! Always carry written information, such as a business card, with the details o your accommodation etc on it. You may not be able to read it but if you get lost or are catching a cab or rickshaw back to your accommodation you can show the card and receive verbal directions or a lift. This is also an important tip for sighted travellers, particularly in places where a different language to yours is spoken Using your white cane as an identifier, even if not using it to navigate, can be a good way to let others know you are visually impaired so they know whether to watch out or to help. Of course this is up to the individual. And remember to ask for help or information and enjoy the benefits of other people’s sight. Smartphones or similar can also be used to store and play a multitude of audio books for those long bus rides and lazy days. I also use a stand alone, portable electronic magnifier which helps me read text to use for menus etc though this function can also be done using smartphones. How much or how little technology one uses is up to the individual but there are many tools out there to be explored to help you explore.
Travel with a guide. One option, but not an absolute necessity is to travel with a sighted guide. A sighted guide may help you deal with the details and also importantly give you more confidence to travel and explore new places. Rather than as a guide though, though them as travelling partners; you can both help each other to get the most out off your travels and see new places from different perspectives. A friend, partner, family member all make great travelling partners but remember that if you want to travel independently then that can also be done.
Just do it and enjoy yourself! The hardest step is the first one but once that step is taken your journey is underway! The world is a big and amazing place; enjoy it!
