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Accessible travel: The insider’s guide
Home may be where the heart is, but Paris is where you’ll find the perfect pain au chocolat. You simply can’t beat New York for shopping. And if you’re in need of rejuvenation, it doesn’t get better than the white sands of Samoa. In this article some of our frequent flyers talk about accessible travel hot spots, and their top travel tips.
Fraser Alexander, member and President of Retina NZ
Of all the places you've visited, where would you be most keen to return to?
The United Kingdom – I try to get to London each year or two. The way it caters to blind and partially sighted people is outstanding. In fact, many tourist attractions there
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provide guides who are certified with blindness-specific skills, and sometimes even tactile scaled models are provided.
What are three items you always pack?
My Nokia N82 phone with a KNFB Reader – this reads out any text I scan. My white cane of course. And my Victor Reader Stream, which holds my travel notes, talking books and music.
Where is next on your travel hit-list?
A conference in Germany followed by a 16-day tour of Eastern Europe!
Craig Jessop, member
What is your all-time favourite travel destination?
It would have to be Australia.
What are the highlights of Australia in terms of accessibility?
In Adelaide, the streets are all in block systems. This makes it quite difficult to get lost! People are generally very helpful and friendly. Another highlight is the markets – the food is great and cheap to buy!
What is your top travel tip for blind and partially sighted travellers?
Make sure you prepare. Check out your destination online and plan before you go.
Chris Orr, member and RNZFB staff member
What is your most memorable travel moment in terms of accessibility?
I was at a hotel in Canada and was on my way to the bar, when suddenly I felt my white cane sink in front of me. I stopped in my tracks, fortunately, as without warning I had almost stepped into a lap-pool-sized indoor fish pond, complete with rocks and a very large carp!
Your top travel tip?
My top tip is forward thinking and good preparation. But, most of all, go for it. The world is a wonderful place and people really want to help you.
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Kath Fa'asega, response to Letter to the Editor, Outlook Winter 2011
Last May our family travelled to Samoa. Our son informed Air New Zealand that we had a few health issues. My husband has Retinitis Pigmentosa, I have mobility issues requiring a wheelchair, our grandson also needed a wheelchair, plus we had a toddler in a buggy. Air New Zealand staff were so helpful.
When we got to Samoa we were taken to the Aggie Grey Lagoon resort. Once the staff saw our situation they changed our rooms to the ground floor, as there was no lift, and they could not have been more helpful. There was a cot for the toddler, and the rooms were beside each other.
Communication was no problem, and we were able to get money out from an EFTPOS machine at the resort. Respect shown to elders was amazing.
We had a lovely holiday and one which we will remember for the rest of our lives.
Photograph: The beauty of Samoa.
The Be. Essentials
Minnie Baragwanath, founder of Be. Accessible, shares her top tips for what makes a destination accessible for blind and partially sighted travellers.
1. Knowledge is power. As a blind or partially sighted traveller, it’s essential to read up before you go. Tourism websites with accessible web design make this a lot easier. And if they include information about accessible features on offer once you arrive, such as audio announcements for trains, all the better!
2. Map it out. Every traveller needs a decent map. For blind and partially sighted tourists, a large print or tactile map is ideal. Or if you have an iPhone or portable digital device with speech output, you should be able to download a great map.
3. Guided tour. For more intrepid destinations, I’d strongly recommend a tour guide. Contact the destination’s main tourism organisation to see what they offer.
4. Service with a smile. Customer service makes all the difference to your experience. From staff speaking directly to you (rather than your companion), to being offered a braille menu, you’ll find that not all destinations are created equal.
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5. Help when you need it. Before you depart, make sure you know where the country’s main blindness-related organisation is located. Note their contact details. If you lose your white cane or need help, you’ll be very glad of this information.
6. The lay of the land. Some destinations are ahead of the game when it comes to environmental design. From tactile markers to accessible ticket dispensers – find out what’s on offer before you go.
7. The smart traveller. No matter how fabulously accessible a destination may be, your own planning is key. My tips include putting something bright or tactile on your luggage. And, make sure you book an aisle seat on the plane so you can be assisted with things such as filling out forms, especially if travelling alone.
8. If travelling in New Zealand. Check out the Be. Accessible website! Find it at www.beaccessible.org.nz
Bon voyage!