[stylist] Wondering if anyone has thoughts on blindness and independant vacation travel?

Thu Feb 12 19:16:53 UTC 2015

I've noticed that blind folk have to spend more time planning things out (through public transit) before going from point A to point B than do sighted folk.  It's different when you can just get in the car and go.

Shawn

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of justin williams via stylist
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 11:33 AM
To: 'Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter'; 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [stylist] Wondering if anyone has thoughts on blindness and independant vacation travel?

It is important to plan it out; I'm anal about planning also.  I would start a few months in advance if I was going on vacation. 

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via stylist
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 11:28 AM
To: 'Chris Kuell'; 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [stylist] Wondering if anyone has thoughts on blindness and independant vacation travel?

Chris,

I'm like you, not quite that fearless. Even though I've done things on my own, I always get anxiety about doing it on my own. But I was also like this when sighted, so not always a blind thing, but blindness certainly adds in a layer of concern. For me, it's more the thought of dealing with overly helpful people, or people not understanding how a blind person does things, such as when finding a door, I tap along a wall waiting to find either an open door or tapping, listening for the sound of a door then looking for the Braille, if it has it. But people observe me doing this and think I either can't find it or that they can find it for me quicker. In reality, it might take them a few seconds quicker, but not that much. I have no problem asking and accepting assistance, I just like to be the one who leads, asking for it, not having it forced upon me.

But yeah, going new places on my own, definitely nerve racking.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris Kuell via stylist
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 8:44 AM
To: 'Semirhage'; 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [stylist] Wondering if anyone has thoughts on blindness and independant vacation travel?

Hi Sem,

I have a sighted wife, which is how I've done most of my traveling. However, I have gone to NFB national conventions solo--although that's much easier than going to Hungary or Prague, since there are plenty of people to ask questions and talk to. I've also gone to a writer's conference in West Virginia by myself. It was at a conference center in the woods, taking place in 6 different buildings. But, again, people were very friendly and when I got lost--which happened more often than I wished--I always found someone willing to point me in the right direction.

However, I have a blind friend, Esther, here in Connecticut who is one of my heroes. A couple of years ago she and another totally blind friend went to Italy and had a great time. They didn't go on a tour--they just made plans and went to do the things they wanted to do. Another time they went to San Diego, again, just to check it out. She went to Norway one winter to ski, and will pretty much go anywhere she wants without hesitation.

Esther is pretty fearless, which is what I admire about her. She has great travel skills, and is confident that she can think her way out of any problems that might occur, and so far she has. Me, I'm not quite that self-assured. I still get a twist in my gut when I go somewhere unfamiliar by myself, even though I have years of experience now telling me I've always
made it to my destination and back home again in one piece.    

Chris

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