Independent Travel

The biggest barrier that is faced by many people living with sight loss is finding a way to travel confidently and independently after diagnosis. This often feels like one of the most overwhelming adjustments to make. Whether travelling with a cane, guide dog or no mobility aid at all, independent travel can look quite different depending on comfort levels and route confidence. For some, it is about slowly rebuilding trust in familiar routes, while for others it may involve learning new techniques or relying on different forms of support to feel safe and in control.

 

What can help

Sunflower lanyard

Although not the first thing many would think of when being diagnosed with a visual impairment (it definitely wasn’t for me), it can be a great way to easily signify to people that you may need extra support or understanding (which is something I have come to really appreciate). I have found that wearing a sunflower lanyard adds a layer of reassurance, knowing that I do not have to advocate for myself in every interaction. Instead, it opens the door for understanding, often without me needing to say anything at all. At first, the idea of wearing something that draws attention to a hidden disability felt a little daunting, or even unnecessary. But over time, I have found that a sunflower lanyard can quietly do a lot of the explaining for me. In busy or unfamiliar environments, like airports, train stations, or even supermarkets, it acts as a gentle cue (to those around you) that you might benefit from a bit more patience, clearer communication, or assistance. The great thing about the sunflower lanyard is that it is an international symbol of hidden disability which means no matter where you are in the world most people will know what it means. Although this wide-spread awareness can’t necessarily be applied to members of the community, people in public facing roles often receive training that tells them to look out for it, and what support they should offer if they see it. The small adjustments that are made when someone notices the lanyard, can make a massive difference.

Passenger assistance

When travelling by train in the UK, using Passenger Assistance can make a significant difference to both safety and confidence. This service is designed to support people who may need extra help when using the rail network, including those with mobility issues, visual/hearing impairments, neurodiversity, or other accessibility needs. Personally, I use Passenger Assistance to make sure I am boarding the correct train and to help me find an empty seat (my balance is rubbish, and I don’t fancy falling over on a busy train). A member of staff can meet you, guide you to the correct platform, and stay with you until you are safely on board. On some services, they may also help you find a seat or ensure you are settled before the train departs. This service is particularly useful when travelling through stations that you do not visit frequently. It is recommended to book Passenger Assist in advance, at least 30 minutes (if not more) before your train departs. Earlier notice (several hours or the day before) is often helpful. Passenger Assistance can typically be booked online, via a train operator’s app, by phone, or in person at the station. You can also create a profile with your preferences, making future bookings quicker and more tailored to your needs. Booking in advance allows staff at both your departure and arrival stations (as well as on-train teams if necessary) to be informed of your journey and prepared to provide the appropriate support. However, if your plans are unexpected or you were unable to book ahead, you can still request assistance on arrival at the station.

Plan routes ahead

Although this might seem like common sense, planning your journey in advance can significantly reduce stress on the day. Knowing where you need to be, what time you need to leave, and when you are expected to arrive provides your journey with a clear structure. This is especially important when travelling independently, as uncertainty or last-minute decisions can quickly become overwhelming, particularly in busy or unfamiliar environments. Even when travelling on routes you know well, entering your journey into an app such as Google Maps or CityMapper can make a noticeable difference. These apps provide real-time updates about changes to your journey. Having this information readily available means you can adapt quickly without the added pressure of figuring things out on your own in the moment. Using navigation tools also helps shift your mindset from asking yourself, “Where next?” to, “What’s around?” This subtle change can have a big impact. When you are confident in your route, you free up mental capacity to pay attention to your surroundings (such as obstacles, uneven surfaces, crowd movement, or signage) which can help prevent accidents and make the journey feel safer. Additionally, many journey-planning apps offer accessibility features, such as step-free route options, live departure boards, and notifications for stops or changes. These features can be particularly helpful for people with mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs, as they provide reassurance and reduce the need to rely solely on memory or on-the-spot decision-making.

People

When exploring the often rough waters of independent travel for the first time, it can be very helpful to bring along someone who already has experience travelling independently. This could be a friend, family member, or someone that you are comfortable with. Even if they are not visually impaired themselves. Having someone who is already confident navigating journeys alone by your side can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety while you build your own skills and confidence. If the person you are travelling with is also visually impaired, they may be able to share practical techniques that have worked well for them. Asking them to share their strategies can help to to figure out what actually works for you and what you still need to find other solutions for. Being able to see the solutions that others have found in action is more effective than just hearing about them as you can see how they are adapted to different situations and environments. Even when travelling with someone who is not visually impaired, there are still clear benefits. They can act as a safety net while you practise key skills, such as planning routes, reading navigation instructions, or asking for assistance. For example, you might take the lead in navigating while they provide support if something becomes confusing or overwhelming. This helps build confidence gradually, rather than relying entirely on someone else or feeling pressured to manage everything independently straight away. Travelling with a companion initially can also help you become more familiar with common challenges, such as navigating busy stations, dealing with unexpected changes (like delays or platform alterations), or identifying safe places to stop and reorient yourself. Over time, as you gain confidence and experience, you can begin to take on more of the journey independently, eventually using the companion less or not at all.

My experience

Personally, I found it difficult to travel independently after my diagnosis. Losing confidence in my vision made everyday tasks feel far more challenging, and the idea of navigating unfamiliar places on my own was particularly daunting. In truth, I wasn’t the most confident person even before receiving my diagnosis, so this only added to my uncertainty. Travelling felt overwhelming, and I often relied heavily on others, which at times made me feel restricted and less independent.

However, things began to change once I was introduced to Retina UK, a charity that supports people affected by inherited sight loss. Through their work, I was able to connect with others who understood exactly what I was going through. Hearing their experiences and learning how they managed similar challenges gave me reassurance and practical ideas that I could apply in my own life. Since becoming involved with Retina UK, travelling has gradually become a more frequent part of my routine. Whether it’s attending their annual conference or travelling to in-person meet-ups organised through their peer support groups, I’ve had more opportunities to step outside my comfort zone in a supportive environment. Knowing that I’m not alone and that these events are designed with accessibility in mind has made a huge difference.

When learning the routes that I now know how to navigate independently, I found the process quite difficult at first. It was often frustrating trying to memorise landmarks, timings, and the safest way to move through unfamiliar environments. I had to concentrate much more than I used to, paying close attention to details that I might previously have overlooked. There were moments where I felt disheartened, especially when things didn’t go to plan or when I made mistakes. However, with time, patience, and repeated practice, those routes gradually became more familiar. Each journey helped to build my confidence and reinforced my ability to travel on my own.

One thing that I have noticed since being diagnosed is that confidence is not something that is linear. It can take time to grow, but it can also be knocked back by one ‘small’ negative experience. I have also learned to appreciate that independence is not a goal that needs to be achieved, it can fluctuate from day to day. Some days independence may look like receiving support from a sighted guide or navigating the environment with a mobility aid, where on other days you are able to do the same journey without support and no mobility aid.

In other words, individual experiences and preferences can vary widely, meaning that what feels comfortable or effective for one person may not be the same for another. As a result, it is important to avoid making direct comparisons between individuals and instead recognise and respect that each person may interact with or respond to something in their own unique way.

A top tip that I want to share about (re)learning to travel independently is don’t rush the process. Allow yourself to take the time that you need and don’t compare your journey to someone else’s.

What can you do to help 

Understand that just because we may appear lost to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are. People navigate the world in different ways, and what looks like uncertainty from the outside may simply be someone figuring things out in their own time or following a path that isn’t immediately obvious to others. Instead of stepping in with assumptions or taking control of the situation, take a moment to ask the question, “Do you need any help?”. This can make all the difference, it gives us the opportunity to accept support if we truly need it, or to continue independently if we don’t. When help is offered without asking, it can feel intrusive or dismissive, as though our independence or understanding has been underestimated. So choose curiosity over assumption. Offer support, but don’t impose it. Respect that sometimes people are not lost, they’re just finding their own way.