Tips From a Frequent Traveler With Macular Degeneration

Meet Julie Flaherty. Not your ordinary travel agent — more like your EXTRAORDINARY travel agent! Julie travels with a white cane and knows all the ins and outs of traveling with a vision impairment. She travels both solo and with companions and has great advice, plus helpful hints to share on keeping travel fun, safe, and easy for the visually impaired!

A travel agent who understands the challenges of low vision

Julie’s high energy and enthusiasm are contagious, so if you have the travel bug but think you can no longer travel, Julie will probably change your mind! After all, she’s visually impaired herself and travels extensively. She understands the challenges of low vision and shares ways to comfortably navigate.

Julie and her husband started their travel business in 2016. As a mother of 4, she knew how to travel on a budget. It was a natural fit, and their business took off!

On December 26, 2019, Julie was diagnosed with macular degeneration and cataracts. She remembers the date well. Soon after, COVID-19 reared its ugly head. Those were challenging times.

10 tips for traveling while visually impaired

Julie is now an experienced special needs and destination specialist, and she is eager to share her travel knowledge to help others with vision impairments.

1. Pre-plan and research

Research your destination thoroughly. Look for accessible accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. Working with a specialized travel agency can help.

2. Notify vendors in advance

Inform airlines, hotels, and other services of your visual impairment — in advance! Special assistance is available to help you navigate, but you must ask.

3. Use technology and apps

Don’t be afraid to use apps like Aria, BlindSquare, Be My Eyes, and Seeing AI — all available on your smartphone to assist you. Practice using them prior to your trip. Bringing a portable charger for your phone is also recommended.

4. Carry an identification cane

Even if you don’t regularly use a cane or other mobility device to walk, you might consider carrying an identification cane that is shorter but lets people know you are visually impaired. In fact, take more than 1 cane in case 1 gets lost or broken. There are portable, foldable canes that are excellent for travel.

5. Label your luggage

Use tactile markers (like bump dots) or Braille tags to label your luggage, making them easier to identify at baggage claim. Take a photo of your luggage to show airport employees or drivers in case you need help finding your luggage.

6. Request a room or ship orientation

Ask for a room orientation when you check into a room. Accommodations staff can guide you around the room, pointing out key features such as the thermostat, emergency exits, bed, and bathroom. On a cruise, you can request a ship tour. You or your travel agent should also ensure you are near an elevator.

7. Practice orientation and mobility skills and advocacy

Increase your confidence and mobility by practicing your orientation and mobility skills in various settings before you depart. Learn to be your best advocate and ask for what you need.

8. Plan for public transportation

Research accessibility for public transportation in your destination to know the best options available. Ask your travel specialist what may work best for you.

9. Stay connected

Keep emergency contacts and important information readily available. Share your travel itinerary with friends and family, and check in with them regularly.

10. Talk with a travel specialist

Discuss your comfort zone and travel limitations. A travel agent or specialist can best advise you on when, where, and how to travel when they have a good grasp of your needs and preferences. Stay in contact as you plan your trip.

Start packing!

Hopefully these top 10 travel tips will help assure you that your travel days are not over just because you are visually impaired.

Start packing! Bon Voyage!