Risk Free Assessment
Losing your sight doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of adventure. Whether you’re newly blind or have been navigating the world without sight for years, travel can still be exciting, rich, and deeply rewarding.
In this article, we will dive into how blind and low vision travelers are rethinking what it means to explore the world. From food to soundscapes to adaptive sports, here are some ideas to inspire your next trip.
Focus on the Senses You Do Use
Visual landmarks might get all the attention in brochures, but your experience doesn’t have to revolve around sighted activities. Many blind travelers build trips around what they can engage with—taste, sound, smell, and touch. Here are a few ways to experience the world without relying on sight:
- Savoring street food in Taipei or tapas in Spain
- Feeling the cool mist of a waterfall or the warmth of the sun on your skin at the beach
- Listening to the sounds of a rainforest or live jazz in New Orleans
- Running your hands along the stone walls of a centuries-old fortress
- Smelling spring tulips in bloom at Keukenhof in the Netherlands
Accessible Adventures Are Out There
Adaptive programs around the world offer options like skiing, scuba diving, hiking, tandem biking, and more. If you’re into adrenaline, you can still enjoy rollercoasters or even try things like paragliding, with the right support.
Some destinations also have sensory-rich attractions built with blind visitors in mind, such as tactile museums, fragrant gardens, and interactive tours that don’t rely on visuals to be memorable.
Exploring the World With Support
Group tours for blind travelers, like those offered by Traveleyes and similar programs, match blind and sighted travelers for shared experiences. It’s a great way to explore without worrying about logistics and still get all the sensory magic of a new place.
Another option is to travel with someone who understands your needs and is willing to describe what they see, walk with you as a guide, or simply help you navigate the experience with confidence.
If you’re flying, it’s helpful to know that most airlines offer sighted assistance at airports, whether you’re traveling alone or with someone else. Even if you don’t choose to use a guide throughout the airport, services like pre-boarding can make your journey smoother and less stressful.
Tips for Staying Safe
While traveling blind can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to stay mindful of safety, especially if you’re exploring alone. Some activities might be riskier without a sighted companion—for example, swimming in the ocean can be disorienting and potentially dangerous if you lose your sense of direction or encounter strong currents. Always assess your comfort level, know your surroundings, and consider when having sighted support might be the safer option.
Abby’s Travel Story
Abby, an intern at Ablr who is blind, recently traveled from North Carolina to Hawaii with her family and shared her experience:
“I flew with Southwest Airlines and had a wonderful experience. I was able to truly enjoy my trip even though many experiences seemed to be all about visuals. We visited Pearl Harbor, and I purchased an audio tour that made it educational for me, although my mom had to input the numbers because the device wasn’t accessible.
The beach isn’t my favorite place, but I enjoyed it with all my senses—touching the sand, smelling and tasting the salty breeze, and listening to the ocean and birds. Experiencing Polynesian culture was my favorite part. We ate amazing food, heard local music, and interacted with islanders. We listened to the Shaka Guide tour while driving and walking around the island, which made it enjoyable for all of us. I loved stopping at the overlooks because the breeze felt incredible.
Honestly, the people made the trip so wonderful. Locals acknowledged me, spoke to me as a person, offered help whenever needed, and described souvenirs I was interested in. Overall, I loved my time in Hawaii. My family knows how to explain things to me, and I love traveling with them.”
Abby’s story is a great reminder that even in destinations known for visual beauty, there are countless ways to experience a place through other senses—and the kindness of people can make travel especially memorable.
Tips for Planning a Great Trip
Planning ahead can make a big difference in how comfortable, fun, and fulfilling your trip feels. Here are a few tips to help you travel with more ease and get the most out of every excursion.
- Focus on destinations known for strong smells, sounds, or flavors (think local markets, beaches, botanical gardens, or music cities)
- Check if tours or museums have hands-on or audio options
- Research accessible public transportation or walkability before you go
- Download books, podcasts, or music to enjoy on the journey
A little preparation goes a long way. When your travel plans match your interests and your access needs, you’ll be set up for a fully enjoyable travel experience.
Travel Is Possible Without Vision
Travel engages all of your senses, not just sight. It’s about hearing the sounds, smelling the aromas, and tasting the flavors of the world. Think about it: when your friends come home from a trip, what do they usually rave about? Food and atmosphere are almost always on the list—and neither requires sight to enjoy. As someone with his blind or has sight loss, you still have the ability to experience the world fully. Whether you’re drawn to food, nature, music, or movement, the world is still wide open to you. Sight or no sight. Follow along on our blog for helpful tips, advice, resources, and stories that educate, inspire, and empower.