The door opens, and the air shifts. A warm night breeze, sea salt, or the smell of food carts on the street makes every arrival feel different. The ground underfoot changes too: tarmac to cobblestones, carpet to concrete. Voices overlap in new accents, and the hum of traffic feels unfamiliar. There’s relief because you’ve made it, but also that flicker of uncertainty: where do I go first?
Disembarking with support
Most blind and visually impaired travellers aren’t left to manage this part alone. On flights, assistance staff meet you at the aircraft door and guide you through the airport. On trains, staff step in with Passenger Assist. On ferries and coaches, crew and drivers usually offer a steady arm and a clear route off. How smooth it feels can depend on staff and systems, but help is generally there.
Transfers and connections
The next hurdle is getting from the hub to where you’re staying. Many people rely on rideshare apps like Uber, Bolt, or FreeNow, with a backup taxi number saved just in case. In the UK, Passenger Assist covers mainline trains but not the Underground, which has its own turn-up-and-go service. Other countries have their own systems, some formal and some more ad hoc, so it’s always worth checking when planning. Apps like Google Maps, Moovit, Soundscape Community, or BlindSquare can help track your journey, but staff or companion support often makes all the difference.
Settling in
Finally, reaching your accommodation is both relief and adjustment. Some ask staff or companions for a quick “tour” of the room to find switches and key features; others prefer to figure things out gradually. Small details, like knowing how to reach breakfast or open the door without fuss, set the tone for the stay.
Reflection
Arriving isn’t the end of the journey, but the beginning of everything you came for. It can be stressful, yes, but also exciting the moment a new place becomes your own. And it’s easier when experiences are shared.
That’s why Be Seen Net exists: to make arrivals smoother, less uncertain, and more welcoming. If you’ve got a story, a tip, or a trick that’s helped you, we’d love to hear from you, whether you’re blind, visually impaired, or sighted. The more we share, the more confident every arrival can feel.
Because everyone deserves to be seen.