Travel Tips with Taylor

By: Taylor Gaudon 
CNIB National Youth Council Member

As a partially sighted person, I have encountered many obstacles while travelling independently (mostly on domestic trips) and thought I’d some of my tips to make your next travel experience a smoother one. 

My Top 5 Travel Tips! (In no particular order):

1. Be prepared to advocate! Travelling can be quite inaccessible, and you may have to ask staff for assistance. Fortunately, staff are (in most cases) willing to help as best as they can. If you are nervous about advocating, just remember, you have the right to an accessible travelling experience!
2. Have all your travel documents accessible to you. There are always documents, emails and apps that include essential information you will need to reference throughout your travels. Before your day of travel, have all these items handy in your preferred accessible format. You should also confirm accessibility policies and review any accommodations you can set up in advance!
3. Arrive early. If you’re an anxious traveller or this is the first time you’re using a particular mode of transportation, arrive unnecessarily early to get sorted and comfortable. I used to do this when I started taking the train, and I never regretted it – I just made sure to have something to occupy me while waiting. Once you get more confident in your form of travel, whether that be a new airport or railway station, it’s still a good idea to arrive a little early. 
4. Pack as minimally as possible. This can be difficult depending on how far/long you are travelling. I recommend packing light and using one main piece of luggage (use whatever works for you). I find that the more things I bring, the fewer hands I have available. This is important to me as a white cane user! 
5. Dress Comfortably. Travelling can be a long adventure! I have found dressing comfortably makes the day that much easier and less stressful. My go-to travel outfit is usually loose-fitting clothes – that way, I can feel cozy all day long!

I hope you have found these travel tips helpful and keep them in mind for your next (or maybe first) solo travel experience! Just remember to keep an open mind and that you can adapt any of these tips to your personal travel needs.