I am 72 years old and my age did not deter me from charting a course for the high seas on a cruise ship which activity has featured prominently on my bucket list, I was determined to make my dream a reality.

As a visually impaired mature adventurer, I’ve discovered that with the right mind-set and planning, we are UNSTOPPABLE in our pursuit of new experiences and unforgettable memories.

 I have Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and have lost my central vision but can still use my peripheral vision.
I’m mindful that everyone plans their holidays differently, and what works for one person may not work for another.

I wanted to plan and execute most of the logistics by myself, even though I know experts can do it, it has been a major accomplishment for me as I am computer illiterate. With that in mind, I’d like to share what I feel is important and based on my own experience, when planning a trip. I must admit that I did ask for some help as my daughter checked and verified all my arrangements. Use someone you can rely on to help you if you need to and even they may benefit from the lessons I learned.

I have recently returned from an incredible holiday in Europe. I was fortunate to have my daughter by my side, who kindly took care of me throughout our travels. Our journey began in Venice, where I had the opportunity to explore this beautiful city and immerse myself in its unique charm and atmosphere. Canals instead of streets, gondolas instead of cars and stunning architecture that’s been shaped by centuries of history and romance.

We embarked on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise from Venice, visiting various ports and marvelling at breathtaking landscapes along the way. The cruise came to an end in Barcelona, where I spent some time taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. It was an unforgettable experience that left me feeling inspired and eager to plan my next adventure.

Here are my top travel tips mainly for those that are young at heart

1: Research, research, research! 

 Know exactly what holiday you want and what to expect. Research the destination, accommodations, airline, transportation options, and activities to ensure they’re accessible and suitable for you. Each to their own. Some are braver than others!

I phoned a number of different Travel agents who offered specials on cruises before I booked. I wanted to go to specific countries and checked with the operators to look at various cruise liners and their specials to ensure I got the best deal available. I managed to get through to the tour operator who sells the packages to agents and so had really good service.

I chose the ship that I felt gave me the holiday that I had imagined and suited my pocket.

2: Knowledge is key.

Check where to look online safely Research reputable websites, forums, and resources to find the correct information and deals for your trip. Be cautious of fraudulent sites and verify the authenticity of booking platforms and travel agencies. Even accommodations may be fictitious. Consider asking for recommendations from friends, family, or fellow travellers to ensure you’re using trusted sites.

When booking, I always ask for Bank account details to be verified.

3: Compare prices and book wisely.

Don’t rely solely on third-party booking sites. Sometimes, you can find better deals by checking the hotel’s official website. Compare prices, look for exclusive offers, and consider booking directly with the cruise liner, hotel or airline to save money or get additional perks.

I try to get accommodation that includes breakfast and free cancelation as well as allowing one to pay on arrival. When looking at booking platforms the accommodation is rated and comments are included from guests and they can give you information that may assist you with your choices.
When booking a cruise, make sure to review what’s included in the package. There may be discounts on cruises and flight discounts, excursion discounts, but drink packages, Wi-Fi and gratuities are sometimes not free and will be an extra charge. Also, be aware of the payment terms, including any penalties for cancellation. Read the fine print for hidden costs or changes to the itinerary the cruise operator may decide. Prices quoted may be in dollars and if you are not paying in full on booking, the price fluctuates.

 4: Plan for your specific needs 

 Consider the requirements for your trip, including checking up on suitable accommodations, arranging for assistance with transfers, and notifying your airline about any special needs. If you’re traveling with a guide dog, make sure you have the necessary documents well in advance.
My own experiences In Venice were walking on the cobbled streets and there was no assistance to carry luggage. I made sure our accommodation was not too far from the water taxi stop. However the accommodation did not have an elevator so my daughter and I had to carry our suitcases up a narrow staircase. I had to traverse the stairs at least twice a day, and the lighting was poor.That was scary. However, I chose a private BnB in a residential area that was quiet and tucked away from the crowds.

5: Packing and Travel essentials

It’s a good idea to start packing well in advance, making a list of all the essentials you need to bring along, especially medication. This helps ensure that you don’t forget anything important.

I do take certain pain relievers for headaches or tummy troubles, relying on the advice from my doctor. I also take extra doses of my chronic medications.

I chose to take a smaller suitcase and a backpack rather than a carry on-board suitcase. I kept my medication with me at all times. We used bags like a pouch, which were positioned in front, to keep our phones and purses safe.
Consider the time of year and weather forecast for your destination, and pack accordingly. Bring suitable clothing and shoes that will keep you comfortable and prepared for the conditions you’ll face. Ask for recommendations when choosing shoes. My sneakers gave me blisters and were obviously not for walking long distances.

With no raincoats in sight, we got absolutely drenched in a torrential thunderstorm while heading to the train station which departed from Venice to the port where our cruise ship was anchored. But that was just the dramatic start to our journey which lasted two hours, arriving at our destination thoroughly soaked and exhausted, but wiser for the experience

6: Get your travel documents and finances in order.

Check the expiry date on your passport and your credit cards.
There is a prepaid debit card that allows you to load Rand currency and then exchange them for foreign currencies at the real-time rate, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to spend overseas. With no foreign transaction fees, competitive exchange rates, and secure online management, it’s a great option for managing your spending while traveling abroad.
Ensure you secure the correct visa for your destination, applying well in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups. I find it incredibly difficult to fill in the forms online and have to ask for help. However, I ensure that I collect all the necessary documents such as passport photos, bank statements, copies of ID and passport, confirmed flight and accommodation, and itinerary before I start applying. The visa website normally has all the information you need.
Read it carefully. We went to the wrong address as we assumed that the biometrics appointment was at an address where we had visited for the same visa earlier on in the year.

Double-check your travel arrangements, including flight and cruise details, to confirm you’ve got the timings right and won’t miss your departure. Check on your using your cell phone in a foreign country, such as the cost of roaming or using a sim card. Take a portable charger with you.
Verify that your transfer arrangements are in place.

Don’t forget to invest in comprehensive travel and medical insurance that suits your needs, giving you peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.  A back injury forced me to cancel my April cruise, and I was initially worried I would lose a significant amount of money due to the penalty clauses with the cruise line and airline. However, thanks to my medical and travel insurance, I was able to claim back most of my expenses. It was a huge weight off my shoulders and a valuable lesson in the benefits of travel insurance. If you pay your flight with your credit card you are covered for certain expenses. Discuss with your Bank.

Thank goodness I checked all my emails and found that the cruise ship changed the time of departure, which impacted our transfer to the port.

7: Take care of yourself
I’ve learned the importance of prioritising my health and well-being on long trips. By taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and being prepared for any medical needs, I’ve been able to enjoy my travels without any major hiccups

8: Plan ahead for assistance.

 It’s really helpful to look at using assisted travel services, if possible, accessible rooms, and excursions that cater to your needs. Inform your airline, hotel, and tour operators for the cruise, about your visual impairment so they can make necessary arrangements. A word of caution. I could not get an accessible cabin and had to stay in a room with a step up to the bathroom and the handrail in the shower did not help me at all. We were forced to keep the light on in the bathroom. But we made it work for us and put a towel on the floor in the shower so that I had support.
I request wheelchair assistance as I cannot read signs and become disoriented in the airport. This has a huge plus as I avoid the queues going through passport control as we use another exit and don’t wait in line. I have help getting my luggage, and if I am catching another flight, I am wheeled to the departure gate so it’s not my fault if I miss my flight. I have personal experience of aircraft being delayed waiting for passengers in wheelchairs who have to be wheeled to departure gates from domestic terminals to international flights. Sydney Australia has this problem!! You must book a wheelchair in advance through the airline or airport company or there may not be one available.
I contact train stations and they also have assistance for disabled passengers. In a foreign country stations can be daunting because of language barriers. Having someone take you to the right platform and assist you onto the right train is so
satisfying. No stress.

9: Research accessible attractions  

Look into the accessibility features of attractions and activities you want to visit, such as audio descriptions, braille signage, or tactile exhibits.
Did you know that some museums in Europe offer free entry or reduced discounts for visually impaired people and their carers?  Research ahead of time to take advantage of these amazing offers.  I checked on the website of the Vatican museum and found there was a section dedicated to accessibility. I wrote to the staff at the Vatican and enclosed proof of my disability and a letter from my doctor and received two free tickets to the Vatican Museums for my daughter and me, together with an invitation to participate in a guided tour, which tour unfortunately I was not able to enjoy, due to time constraints.

 10: Help

Don’t hesitate to ask for help whether it’s asking for directions, assistance with luggage, or help with finding a good restaurant. If you don’t feel comfortable asking someone in a public area, go to the nearest store and engage with the staff.

 Even on the cruise you could ask for help. They have a dedicated crew that look after people with various disabilities. They were only visible when I requested assistance. Ask for them to do an orientation of the ship. I did not take up this service even though it was offered to me and upon reflection it would have helped find some attractions I did not know about. I find sometimes you must not expect assistance unless you ask for it.

I was surprised to find that having a white cane, did not necessarily change the way that people interacted with me in public as I persistently had to avoid bumping into someone walking towards me looking at their phone or looking around.
I wore a button which emphasised that I was visually impaired.