Where the journey begins
Where does a journey really start? Sometimes it’s the thought of sun on your skin and waves rolling in before you’ve even set foot on the beach. Other times it’s the buzz of a new city, with voices spilling from cafés and footsteps echoing down streets you’ve never walked before. For some, it’s the pull of family at the end of a train ride. For others, it’s the excitement of food markets, festivals, or simply being part of something bigger.
Whatever your reason, one thing is universal: planning a trip takes effort. Comparing prices, making bookings, and worrying about delays can be stressful for most people. For blind and visually impaired travellers, that stress can be sharper, with extra details to check before setting off. That’s where preparation really begins.
Research with accessibility in mind
Planning is something all travellers share, sighted or non-sighted. Everyone has to figure out how they’ll reach the station or airport, where they’ll stay, and what they’ll do once they arrive. The difference is in the details.
A helpful way to break it down:
- Getting to your transport – How will you get there? Will you walk, use a rideshare, or catch a bus? Apps like Moovit can show real-time timetables, and rideshare services are convenient, but they aren’t always perfect. Test them in advance so there are no surprises.
- Accommodation – “Accessible” can mean anything from step-free access to staff who actually know how to guide a blind guest. Reviews on sites like AccessAble or Euan’s Guide (both UK-based) can give more insight, but a quick phone call with a couple of direct questions is often the best way to check.
- Destination – Once you’ve arrived, what’s it like to move around? Are crossings audible? Is public transport straightforward? Apps like Be My Eyes or Google Maps can help, but advice from someone who’s already been there is gold.
Checking a few of these things before you go can save a lot of hassle when you’re standing at the bus stop, suitcase in hand.
Packing smart
Packing is rarely anyone’s favourite job. The bag always feels heavier than you expected, and there’s that constant question: “Did I forget something?” For blind and visually impaired travellers, it’s not just what you bring, but how you pack it so everything is easy to grab on the move.
Start with the must-haves: chargers, headphones, medication, snacks, and water. Keep them in a small bag you can reach quickly instead of buried under clothes. When it comes to clothes, think in mix-and-match outfits or keep colours simple so everything works together. Tactile tags, pins, or colour ID apps can help if you need them.
Packing cubes or zip bags are game-changers. Socks in one, toiletries in another, with no rummaging required. And don’t underestimate the power of a foldable tote or backpack: perfect for tickets, snacks, or the extras you pick up along the way.
The goal isn’t packing light or heavy; it’s packing in a way that makes sense to you. If your bag is organised, you’ll spend less energy thinking about it and more time enjoying the trip.
Tech & apps to prepare before you go
A few apps can make travel easier, but only if you test them at home first. Nothing’s worse than downloading something new the night before and realising it doesn’t work with your screen reader.
Navigation & Orientation
- BlindSquare (iOS, paid) – announces streets and nearby points of interest.
- Soundscape Community (iOS & Android, free) – uses 3D audio to tell you what’s around you.
- Google Maps (iOS & Android, free) – good for timings and live updates, less so for detailed walking instructions.
- Moovit (iOS & Android, free with paid extras) – transport planning with real-time updates.
Booking & Transport
- Passenger Assist (UK) – lets you pre-book help for mainline train journeys. For Underground and metro systems, no booking is needed, though support depends on staff. Other countries vary.
- Rideshare/taxi apps (Uber, Bolt, FreeNow, or local options) – convenient, but accessibility isn’t always consistent.
Visual Support
- Be My Eyes (iOS & Android, free) – volunteers or AI describe things for you.
- Seeing AI (iOS, free) – reads text, barcodes, and more.
- Lookout by Google (Android, free) – Google’s alternative to Seeing AI with text, barcode, and object recognition.
Access Information
- AccessAble (UK) – detailed venue access guides.
- Euan’s Guide (UK-based, some global reviews) – real-world feedback from disabled travellers.
Most travellers mix and match a couple of these tools. No single app does it all.
Building something bigger together
Even with the best planning, travel has its surprises: a lift that’s out of order, a driver who doesn’t stop, or an app that works great at home but not abroad. But there are also wins staff who go the extra mile, apps that actually help, or a tip from another traveller that saves the day.
That’s why Be Seen Net exists: to bring together these stories, tips, and ideas from blind, visually impaired, and sighted travellers alike. The more we share, the easier travel becomes for everyone.
If you’ve got a hack, an experience, or advice to add, we’d love to hear from you.
Because everyone deserves to be seen.