Traveling with Visual Impairment

Have you noticed how much the focus of overseas travel is on the visual?

"There''s a lot to see and do in . . . (fill in the blank)."

Tourism is often called "sightseeing." Is there no end to the visual emphasis?

As anyone with vision problems knows, life is about more than things you can see. If you crave adventure and are willing to be creative about your travel plans, your limited vision won''t get in the way of an enriching travel experience.

Travel Planning: Seeing-Eye Dogs and Practical Matters

Keep these hints in mind when preparing to travel:

• If you''re traveling abroad for the first time, plan to travel with a companion. It''s the easiest and safest way to travel, even for sighted people. If you plan to travel alone, make sure you can count on resort or hotel personnel to help you get around outside the immediate area.
• Let the airport security screener know if you have a visual impairment. He or she can offer special assistance, particularly if your move through the security checkpoint slows down the line.
• If this is your first trip or if you prefer to travel alone, check out cruises designed to accommodate people with visual impairments. They often have Braille menus and other helpful accessibility features. They also allow seeing-eye dogs on board. Just make sure Fido has all his travel vaccinations.
• If you travel with a seeing-eye dog, check that the dog''s needs can be met. Feeding is easy enough, but not every overseas inn is able to handle the pooper-scooping duties that come with dog ownership.
• Keep money, credit cards and important documents close to your body. If you''re walking with a white cane, you''ll be easy prey for thieves or purse-snatchers. Don''t dangle a shoulder bag or backpack.
• Prepare to initiate conversations. In many societies abroad, people with visual impairments are not as integrated into society as they are in the United States, and some people may be reluctant to interact with you. They''ll warm up to you if you get the conversation started and inquire about them and their country.
• Let hoteliers and innkeepers know in advance if you have special requirements, including accommodations for your seeing-eye dog.