Top Holiday Travel Tips for People with Low Vision

With the holiday season upon us, many are looking forward to visiting family or sneaking in a winter vacation. Traveling can present numerous challenges (especially around the holidays!)—but for those living with macular degeneration, extra concerns can arise when it comes to travel logistics. How will I navigate crowded, unfamiliar airports and new cities? Will the airline have vision accommodations for me? And how can I protect my eyes while traveling?

We asked Preeti Subramanian, PhD, Director of Vision Science Programs at BrightFocus Foundation, to share her top travel tips for people with low vision this holiday season. Check out her answers below to help you prepare for your upcoming trip.

What are the most important things people with low vision should keep in mind when planning holiday travel?

To ensure a smooth experience, planning your trip ahead of time is important. This will allow you to make all necessary arrangements early. Before planning your holiday, research your destination to confirm that it offers suitable accommodation for individuals with low vision, such as informative braille signage and audio road crossings for enhanced safety.  

If you are bringing a guide dog, familiarize yourself with any specific policies or regulations the destination may have regarding service animals. 

Are there specific travel accommodations or services that airlines, train companies, or bus services provide for people with vision impairments? 

Reach out to a special assistance coordinator at the airport to request "meet and assist" services. These services offer personalized support during your arrival, departure, and transfers, ensuring a smoother travel experience. Before your journey, take some time to explore the airport's layout using its official website or app, which will give you a better understanding of the facilities available. Additionally, you can download detailed airport maps from Google Maps for offline access, making navigation easier. Alternatively, you can consider using the Aira app, which connects you with trained agents who can provide real-time assistance and guidance as you navigate the airport.  

If your trip includes buses or trains, contact customer service in advance to arrange for help finding your way around the station. If traveling by bus, when you board, let the driver know about your low vision needs. This way, they can ensure you are informed when it's time to get off and provide any guidance you might need for transfers. 

For train journeys, having a customer service agent guiding you will help you navigate the station and confidently reach the correct platform to board your train. It's also helpful to familiarize yourself with the stops before your destination so you have enough time to prepare and gather your belongings when your destination approaches. 

What assistive tools or technology would you recommend people with low vision bring on their trip? 

A smartphone has become an essential, multi-functional companion for travelers with some of the key features listed below that can significantly improve the travel experience for low-vision individuals. 

Voice Assistants: Advanced voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant provide a hands-free way to navigate a smartphone. For instance, individuals who find physical manipulation of devices challenging can send texts, make calls, set reminders, or search for information without the need for small buttons or touchscreens.  

Built-in Screen Magnification: Most smartphones have screen magnification options that allow users to enlarge text and images. This feature is incredibly helpful for reading small print or viewing detailed images.  

Object and Text Recognition Apps: Downloading applications like Seeing AI and KNFB Reader that utilize advanced technology can help users identify objects and read printed text aloud. For example, users can point their smartphone cameras at items or signs to receive immediate audio feedback about what they see, enabling interaction with their environment with greater ease. 

GPS and Navigation Apps: Smartphone GPS functionalities combined with navigation applications such as Google Maps or Apple Maps offer detailed audio directions. These applications allow travelers to navigate confidently without relying solely on visual information, enhancing their sense of security and independence. 

Currency Identifier Apps: Currency identification applications, such as LookTel Money Reader, assist travelers in distinguishing between different denominations of bills. Users can receive audio feedback on the type of bill they are handling by simply scanning the currency with their smartphone camera. This feature is especially useful in foreign countries or busy marketplaces, where managing transactions can be particularly challenging. 

What advice do you have for navigating crowded airports, train stations, or unfamiliar places during the holiday season? 

Navigating through crowded airports, train stations, or unfamiliar places can be challenging. Particularly during the holiday season, places can be crowded, causing increased foot traffic and potential delays. However, planning your trip in advance and arriving early on the day of your travel can help ensure a smooth experience. 

The technologies and tools listed above will enable travelers with low vision to navigate new places with greater confidence, independence, and enjoyment. 

Are there any specific health considerations or travel-related precautions to avoid eye strain or fatigue during holiday travel? 

• Wear high-quality sunglasses that provide 99% to 100% UV protection for your eyes 
• Use a wide-brimmed hat outdoors for added protection 
• Carry lubricating eye drops to avoid dryness 
• If you experience eye strain, limit your screen time 
• Stay hydrated 

Essentials to pack: 

• Bring a letter from your eye doctor stating your low vision diagnosis 
• Use brightly colored luggage and high-contrast tags, making it easier to spot the luggage.  
• Pack a handheld digital magnifier for reading menus, signs, or any small text in various lighting conditions 
• Carry all the chargers for your electronic devices 
• If you use a white cane, bring an extra cane as a backup 
• Consult with a low-vision professional before your trip 

Summary 

As you prepare for your holiday travels, remember that thoughtful planning, the right technology, and key safety measures can make a world of difference for people with macular degeneration. To ensure a smooth, enjoyable, stress-free trip, take advantage of the helpful apps and arrange for assistance if needed. Whether you’re reuniting with family or exploring new destinations, a little preparation will allow you to focus on making the most of your journey. Safe travels! 

About BrightFocus Foundation       

BrightFocus Foundation is a premier global nonprofit funder of research to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Through its flagship research programs — Alzheimer’s Disease Research, National Glaucoma Research, and Macular Degeneration Research — the Foundation has awarded nearly $300 million in groundbreaking research funding over the past 51 years and shares the latest research findings, expert information, and resources to empower the millions impacted by these devastating diseases. Learn more at  brightfocus.org.

The information provided in this section is a public service of BrightFocus Foundation, should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional, and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Although we make efforts to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research.        

Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice; all medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. BrightFocus Foundation does not endorse any medical product or therapy.