Travelling to Cuba with Vision Loss or Low Vision: Accessibility, Navigation and Backup Planning

Travelling to Cuba with blindness, low vision or another visual impairment is possible, but it requires detailed planning. Uneven sidewalks, limited tactile signage, variable lighting and unfamiliar resort layouts can make independent navigation more difficult than at home.

Before booking

• Ask the airline for airport assistance and confirm it again before departure.
• Contact the hotel directly about room location, elevators, stairs, lighting and accessible routes.
• Request a room near the lobby, restaurants or elevators when this would simplify navigation.
• Ask whether staff can provide an orientation tour after arrival.
• Confirm whether transfers can accommodate a mobility cane or other equipment.

Useful items to pack

• A primary mobility cane and a folding backup cane.
• Spare glasses, prescription sunglasses and protective cases.
• A magnifier or electronic magnification device.
• Portable lighting or a headlamp for power outages.
• Extra batteries and charging cables.
• Large-print or digital copies of reservations and medication information.
• High-contrast labels for luggage and personal items.

Phones and navigation

Download maps, hotel details, translation tools and important documents before departure. Offline access is important because mobile data and Wi-Fi may be inconsistent. Keep the hotel name, address and room number available in a format that can be shown to staff or drivers.

At the hotel

• Ask staff to identify stairs, pools, curbs, glass doors and construction areas.
• Learn the route between the room, lobby, restaurants and emergency exits.
• Keep furniture and luggage in consistent positions.
• Use a small portable light during outages or in poorly lit corridors.
• Ask a companion or staff member to describe buffet layouts and food labels.

Excursions and transportation

Choose excursions with manageable walking distances and clear meeting points. Ask about boarding steps, uneven ground, low lighting and restroom access. Carry the hotel’s contact information and avoid separating from the group without a confirmed return plan.

Emergency preparation

• Store travel insurance and emergency contacts in an accessible format.
• Carry medication and essential aids in hand luggage.
• Agree on a meeting point with companions.
• Keep a small cash reserve and identification on your person.
• Explain assistance needs clearly to airline and hotel staff.