Handicapped Travel Resources for the Deaf: July Edition, Part II!
Posted July 22nd, 2010 in accessible crusies, Accessible Travel, general news and helpful information
Want MORE deaf travel news? You got it!
Photo by: Henning Buchholz (Stock Exchange)
Welcome everyone to Disabled Travelers, where we’ve decided to push the envelope and provide just a little more especially for deaf travel this month.
Finding accessible hotels, attractions, and tour operators when you’re hard of hearing isn’t easy, but things are getting better – and if we do our part to make it easier, then I’d consider it a job well done!
We have a few more points of interest to share today, and then it’s back to the Land Down Under to finish up our Australia access guides. Right now, I am excited to present July’s deaf travel resources … the sequel!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a good tour operator makes all the difference in the world when you’re traveling. We’ve mentioned Connie George Travel before as a good “general” travel consultant, with interesting packages for groups, women travelers, and more. An important thing to note is that Connie George also specializes in accessible cruises and sightseeing for deaf individuals, and has plenty of in-depth knowledge for making your travel experience top notch.
islbook is a massive social networking site especially for the deaf and users of sign language. The English is a little spotty, and the site is relatively new, but it shows every sign of becoming a major resource for the deaf, and has sections set aside for accessible travel and for the world’s deaf wanderers to meet up, plan trips, and exchange advice. While I would beware of any new site, this looks like one to keep an eye on, and we definitely hope that it grows into its amazing potential! Cheers to the islbook team! Also, see DeafHello for a similar concept, a little bit more established.
Deaf Rave is a community website organized by and for the deaf. Though it focuses on meet ups, music, and other general social topics, it provides some travel links and you can find many diehard travelers among the community. In fact, it was this site that turned me on to Smile Tours Vietnam, which offers international itineraries throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Laos, and Burma. Several purpose-built deaf tours are available, including five or seven day tours of Ho Chi Minh City. There are also eight-day countrywide tours. Traveling Asia can be a challenge if you’re not familiar with the local customs, but this looks like a great option for deaf adventurers.
Last in our lineup today is Especially 4-U Tours, a tour operator with extensive connections in California, Arizona, and Mexico. plus some excellent theme tours, and even a stop in China now and then. Accessible deaf tours are available, fully customized and staffed by certified signers. Family owned and operated, they have been in business over thirty years now. If you are looking to see the see the States, the South, or the Far East, put them at the top of your list.
Wow! There are some promising new companies and sites in this batch. Here at Disabled Travelers, we believe everyone should be able to go around the corner or around the world – travel is for everyone, and there’s just no replacement for it. So, I hope we’ve helped our deaf and hard of hearing friends to make their next trip that much easier and more special. Next time, it’s back to Oz for the continuation of our Australia series, so seeya again right here in a few days. Adventure on!
Si
