Travel Tips

Blind and Visually Impaired Travel

If you’re blind or visually impaired it can be difficult to take a vacation, but not impossible. You just have to come prepared.

Companies like American Star Travel and Mind’s Eye Travel offer annual group trips to destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean for visually impaired travelers.

The benefit of an organized tour is that staff members can assist with everyday activities, and you’re traveling with other people facing similar challenges.

More and more cruise lines are upping their accessible features, including Braille menus and activity guides.

Ask ahead if crew members can give familiarization tours of the ship when you board, and what kind of assistance is available in case of emergency.

Many cruise lines like Princess Cruises welcome service animals on board with prior notice. Holland America and Royal Caribbean even host special service-dog cruises.

But most importantly, start planning early. Whether you’re dealing with accessible shore excursions, transportation or other logistics, it may take some organization ahead of time.

Check out resources like the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality or SATH, and the website access-able.com.

For more tips, visit our Accessible Travel section.

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