Big news Tuesday!
Big news Tuesday! Stay tuned for the big reveal!
Building your confidence: Preparing mentally to travel with little or no sight
So, you’ve got the travel bug, but the idea of navigating the world without sight has you feeling grounded? Been there, done that (with a killer massage at a super chill airport because, hey, delays happen!). But trust me, globetrotting as a blind or visually impaired adventurer is an epic journey waiting to happen.
Let’s ditch the fear factor and focus on the awesome. Imagine feeling the ancient stones of the Colosseum under your fingertips or hearing the rhythm of a bustling market in Marrakech. Pretty cool, right? Here are some tips and tricks to get you set for your next travel adventure.
Focus on the possibilities
Instead of dwelling on the challenges, focus on the exciting experiences that await you. Think about the places you want to visit, the cultures you want to immerse yourself in, and the new things you want to learn. With a positive mindset imagine the treasure trove of experiences, sounds and flavors you can experience.
Embrace your strengths
We have unique strengths that can enhance the travel experience. For example, a heightened sense of touch can allow you to appreciate the textures of buildings and artifacts on a level that sighted people cannot. Your hearing can also be an asset, helping you to navigate your surroundings and to pick up on the nuances of a new environment. We can enjoy smells and flavors of a new culture like no one else. I appreciate and take the time to enjoy the new smells an environment has to offer. I find myself drawn to the new smells in a busy market and often use them as a secondary landmark when navigating an area. I find myself remembering what a shop or street vendor is selling by its smell and use that to reinforce my location as I wander, shop and explore.
Do your research
In today’s world, there are more resources than ever before for blind and visually impaired travelers. Research your destination in advance to learn about accessible transportation options, hotels with Braille signage, and attractions that cater to visitors with disabilities. There are also many online forums and communities where you can connect with other blind and visually impaired travelers and get firsthand advice, like this blog. We have a variety of articles reviewing destinations. You can also connect with me here on the contact page or on social media if you have any questions.
Embrace the apps
Load up be my eyes, and all the other awesome navigation apps on your phone and practice with them. Get to know them inside and out so when you are on a trip you can confidently use them to orient you, or get out of a jam.
Develop a positive attitude
A positive attitude is essential for any travel adventure, but it is especially important for those of us who have little or no vision. Be prepared for unexpected challenges, but don’t let them discourage you. Focus on finding solutions and on enjoying the journey. Take each road bump in stride and face each new obstacle as a challenge to be solved rather than something that could ruin your trip. Be ready for the eventual problems but don’t let the fact that there could be issues while traveling keep you from booking that next adventure in the first place.
Practice at home
Before you embark on a major trip, build your confidence by taking shorter trips in your own city or town. This will help you to develop your orientation and navigation skills, and it will give you a chance to practice using public transportation and navigating unfamiliar environments.
By following these tips, you can build the confidence you need to travel independently and explore the world. Traveling to a great new destination is an amazing adventure that can be both challenging and rewarding. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, you can overcome any obstacle and create lasting memories. Traveling with limited vision can be an incredibly rewarding experience. So why not start planning your next adventure today?
In addition to the tips above, here are a few other things to keep in mind when planning a trip as a blind or visually impaired traveler:
Get a good guidebook: There are a number of guidebooks available that are specifically designed for blind and visually impaired travelers. These guidebooks provide detailed information about accessible accommodations, transportation options, and attractions.
Consider traveling with a companion: If you are feeling apprehensive about traveling alone, consider traveling with a friend or family member who can provide support and assistance.
Let your travel providers know about your needs: When you book your flights, hotels, and tours, let the travel providers know that you are blind or visually impaired. This will help them to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
With a little planning and preparation, we can travel the world and experience all that it has to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready for your next adventure!
Conclusion
Do you have strategies you use to practice skills before you travel? Would you like to add some words of wisdom to the list for other travelers? feel free to drop me a note here on my contact page or at the social media links below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Accessible review of Royal Caribbean 3 day cruise from Long Beach to Mexico
Our review of the three day cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada Mexico is live! check it out!
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
The ultimate guide to cruising with your guide dog
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
The ultimate guide to cruising blind or visually impaired
This week we start out a new series about cruising while blind or visually impaired. We discuss learning how to navigate the ship, the procedure of getting on and off the boat, how food works aboard the boat and so much more.
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Check out our accessible review of The Clocktower Cabaret in Denver
If you find yourself in Denver, take some time to check out the Clocktower Cabaret, located just off the 16th street mall. The Clocktower Cabaret features music, comedy, burlesque and much more. Our accessible review just went live.
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Hotel Eastlund review
Check out our review of Hotel Eastlund in Portland, a modern and contemporary boutique hotel located a couple blocks from the Portland Convention Center
Hotel Eastlund, a contemporary and modern boutique hotel in Portland’s Eastside.
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Don’t fly stressed!
Recently, I took a trip to California from Denver on United. Once the passengers got settled, the usual safety briefing did not happen, instead the captain came out of the cockpit and grabbed the intercom to address the plane. In my travels this was a bit of a surprise, so everyone around me was paying attention to the captain rather than talking and getting themselves settled.
The captain began by telling the passengers that he knew flying was a stressful experience, but the crew and all United employees go out of their way to make the time onboard as easy and seamless as possible. He continued and talked about everyone at certain times in their lives can find themselves having a bad day. He explained that a bad day can be made worse by consuming alcohol and said that he would like to take a few moments before the plane left the gate to allow anyone who might like to get off the plane to have a chance to do so. He did not deliver this in an accusatory fashion, rather it was a sympathetic and understanding way. He waited for a few moments to see if any passengers would be taking him up on his offer, then closed his remarks by saying that he hoped we had a great flight and felt comfortable knowing that nobody on board would be causing any trouble.
Heading it off at the pass
I appreciated the captain taking this moment to discuss a topic that we have all seen too often. According to the FAA, there were 1,987 reports of unruly passengers in 2023, this marked an 80% drop compared to 2021. While the number of incidents has dipped considerably, last year saw some attention-grabbing moments, any of which can be researched with a simple Google search. Of note is a passenger named Tiffany Gomas’ viral meltdown where she declared another passenger “not real.”. I’d like to think that this short talk had a result of not only quelling any potential issues that passengers may have caused on the flight I was on, but perhaps future flights.
It’s a crime
As we head into a new year, can we all take a moment to realize that the holiday season is a stressful time, and some may have shorter tempers than they normally would. Since this is an election year, take a moment to consider that everyone has a different opinion about who should be president, and you becoming the subject of a viral video for disagreeing or screaming at someone for wearing a shirt that disses your candidate does little in the long run other than get you into trouble when the plane lands.
Causing a disturbance on a plane is in United States airspace is a federal crime, and interfering with the duties of the flight crew can lead to fines and even jail time of up to 20 years. This is a fact that is not widely known.
Alcohol
Flying is a stressful thing. I run a travel website and travel all the time, and I still don’t like to fly. All too often, passengers plan a trip to the airport bar before the flight to quell the nerves. Sometimes, especially if the flight is delayed, one drink can lead to two or more. On another recent flight, a couple boarded the plane reeking of alcohol, and barely able to keep themselves upright to make it to their seat. The couple were thankfully very little trouble for the flight attendants, but they did require more attention than the rest of the passengers. The United flight attendants very deftly kept the couple out of trouble and the flight went off without a hitch. I’m not a prude or anti-alcohol, however, alcohol can lead to poor behavior and bad decisions. If you need to have that drink to calm the nerves, keep it to one so that you aren’t sloppy drunk, that sort of situation can only make things worse.
Flight attendants
Be kind to the flight attendants – they aren’t there to be your servants; they are there to keep you safe. Flight attendants work long hours and often have very early schedules. When they have to deal with an argumentative or unruly passenger, it makes their day miserable. I’s not their fault that you have to sit in a middle seat, they didn’t have anything to do with the overhead bin space being taken up and they certainly have nothing to do with the baby crying in the seat behind you. Take a deep breath, put on your headphones, and relax through the flight.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be the holidays for people to be on edge when flying. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Don’t argue with people over politics – as a matter of fact I make it a personal point to never talk about politics on a flight ever. Let’s all try and get along.
Resources
If you would like to learn more about the consequences for causing a disturbance on a flight here is a great article from hg.org
Emotional Support Alligator denied entrance to Baseball game
As a guide dog user, this is one of the more difficult articles for me to write.
Recently, Joie Henney, of Jonestown, Pennsylvania, a Phillies fan was denied entry to watch Philadelphia host Pittsburgh. The reason he was denied entry to the game was because he brought his emotion support alligator WallyGator, who has a significant presence on TikTok and Instagram. I have worked with a lot of emotional support animals and completely understand the importance of the role they play in society,. ESA’s help veterans with PTSD, they help elevate the impact of depression and so many other things. Problems arise when people who rely on ESAs mistakenly think that their animals have the same rights as a guide dog. Perhaps an even larger issue is that there are so many ESA users who buy an official looking card off the internet, and a vest thinking that their dog is now allowed to go anywhere. Many of these animals are not well trained and end up creating a nuisance when they are brought to a restaurant or store.
These behaviors make it difficult for those who rely on guide dogs or seizure detection dogs. Those who bring ill-trained animals with them into public situations not only cause unneeded stress on the animals, but they also make the establishment owners leery of any service animal. It’s easy to say that there should be clear legislation in place for these animals, but with the snail’s pace the government runs at, we are only just now seeing DOT legislation for dogs on planes.
Can we please leave our Emotional Support Animals at home? Some members of the public are afraid of big dogs, and I always try to be cognizant of that when I have my guide dog with me. I would imagine that the number of people who are uncomfortable with a large alligator are many times that of those scared of dogs. I have seen small kittens on the plane as ESA’s and we have all read about the peacocks and pigs that people have tried to bring on board the airlines. These animalia are only going to be stressed in that situation. Guides have has so many hundreds of hours on every form of transportation, and my guide loves to fly because she always gets extra attention.
If you would like to read more about the incident at the aseball game, follow the link below.
Alligator denied entry to Phillies game | 9news.com
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
An afternoon at the Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods is a beautiful park located in Colorado Springs which showcases a host of geological and ecological rarities beloved and visited by nature enthusiasts for generations. I took this photos on a recent afternoon trip. Image description: a black and white image of the craggy peaks that jut out of the forest floor. Evergreen trees can be seen in the foreground and a clouds and moody sky fills the area above the peaks.
I find black and white landscape photography a fun challenge especially when the subject of the photo is usually seen in color. In the case of this image, the iconic orange rocks that the Garden of the Gods is known for look similar to any mountain when presented in black and white. Since I could not rely on color I had to rely on the interesting shape of the peaks contrasted against the moody sky to make this photo stand out.
A side note: I’m working on a review of the Garden of the Gods for accessibility. stay tuned!
If you would like more information about Garden of the Gods click the link below
“Ted’s journey into the landscape of the human body is a marvelous celebration of all that is physical, sensual and diverse
” – FSTOPPERS
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee