Traveling with a Visual Impairment

Being blind myself and being one of those people who will get out and go on my own, I’ve gathered the following travel tips that will hopefully make traveling with a visual impairment easier and less stressful.

1. Packing
If you use a white cane as a mobility aid, remember those things have a tendency to break at inopportune moments. Pack a spare folding cane, it doesn’t weigh much or take up much space and it’s better to have it and not need it then the alternative.

If you work with a guide dog/service animal remember to pack along with your dog’s food and water bowl a nail clip and file in case of a broken nail and ask your vet the proper medication and dosage for an upset stomach. There’s nothing worse then arriving at a nice hotel and having a sick dog on your hands.

Also remember to label all your meds carefully as they tend to get mixed up a bit in travel.

2. Reservations:
When traveling with a pup I always let the airline/bus company know about the dog this will save time and stress later. Legally you do not have to do this but a calm and relaxed trip is easier to manage then answering the question, “why didn’t you let us know before hand”? 

Greyhound has a program in place to assist persons with a disability in finding the bus during a transfer, a restroom, or snack bar. I’ve taken advantage of this service many times and for the most part it works well. Call Greyhound 2 days before departure and they will assist you during your trip.


The same goes for making hotel reservations, it’s best to handle all inquiries beforehand. This is the time to ask for an accessible room if you require one or a room near an exit or elevator.

Traveling: When leaving home by cab, please let the cab driver know ahead of time if you work with a guide dog. There’s nothing worse then getting a cabbie with an attitude the morning of a trip.