[Travelandtourism] Recommendations for traveling anywhere blind or not

Sun Jul 30 15:41:35 UTC 2017

Oops. I am so happy for you Tom, being someone who has traveled the world is a nice option for those who can, I am sure you investigated everything prior to traveling, whether or not you use a travel professional. Many people don't but they are starting to come back to us, especially with Expedia and other website giving the wrong information and cancelling flights, not having the correct information, etc.

Just like the recent trend of people doing their own braces vs going to a real orthodontist or someone filing for divorce instead of going to a real divorce attorney.

I am just trying to help in this matter, the person requested information and I gave it. When traveling you need to plan it out, months in advance, yes you can go just get on a plane and go where ever you would like, but if you planned something already and then didn't plan on who, what, where, when and why. Especially getting around to a new location, or asking about the transportation, etc.

I said in my post at first whether or not you used a travel professional, you still have to plan it out. They are leaving in a month. To me reading this information, no offense to the people that are planning on going. They didn't plan it out prior to booking their trip. 

If you want to get nasty with me that is fine, I don't know the tone you are trying to take here Tom, but to me it came across that way.

I have not posted in many months on this list, but sitting in the background listening. You all have a great day. I will be reading.

Cheryl and Nelson Echevarria
cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
407-910-6469 home number

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Evans [mailto:tevans2003 at sbcglobal.net] 
Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2017 10:17 AM
To: 'cheryl echevarria' <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: Recommendations for traveling anywhere blind or not

Oops, just a guy that traveled through several countries and the United States for about 3 years, never used what you call a Travel Professional.
Had the time of my life for a great cost.  I am sure that Travel Professionals come in handy

-----Original Message-----
From: cheryl echevarria [mailto:cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2017 6:38 AM
To: NFB Travel and Tourism Division List
Cc: Tom Evans
Subject: Recommendations for traveling anywhere blind or not

Hello everyone!

Prior to becoming a travel professional and prior to becoming legally blind, I used to plan not only my own travels but for my sales team and their families when they wanted to travel anywhere.

I will give you some pointers, blind or not when planning for travel and this is for anyone traveling anywhere.

I even tell my clients, before booking anything do your homework. In a few instances recently, many of you have been asking after you have booked, what should I do once I get there.

Not sure who booked your trips, whether on your own or with a travel professional.  

1. Start planning months in advance, especially if you haven't been to a place before or you haven't been there in a while. Things change!
Businesses come and go all the time, or they change.  I am currently writing an article on all the updates coming to the Disney Theme Parks and Resorts and their cruise lines.

I also read all the time on the tourism boards, etc what is new to that destination. Some things aren't offered anymore, for whatever reason.

2. If you go back to the person who booked your travel for you. Do they know you are totally blind, if not, then I would go on the Scotland Tourism Board website and read up on everything. www.visitscotland.com

When traveling try new things from the food, entertainment, meet the people, do not let your blindness and other issues get in your way. You are traveling independently. You might have to hire people out to escort you places. Many people think, and I know I book many types of people and not just the blind, that when they get to a place. You can just snap your fingers and someone will be there to escort you or help you. You need to arrange these things before you get there. Or you can spend the whole time looking for someone to help you.

Again, it is nice to book on your own. Guess what though more and more people are coming back to us travel professionals (whether you call us agents or travel planners) the online booking engines are not going to help you if you get stuck. Read the fine print on things. 

It is nice to give advice on where to go from others but unless you are talking to the right people.

If you need help again reach out to the person that booked you in the first place, they will help you find the best places. If they don't have a clue, I can help you, but you need to make an appointment and not just call. You can email me off list at reservations at echevarriatravel.com

Good luck

Cheryl and Nelson Echevarria
cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com
407-910-6469 home number

-----Original Message-----
From: TravelAndTourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom Evans via TravelAndTourism
Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2017 8:39 AM
To: 'NFB Travel and Tourism Division List' <travelandtourism at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tom Evans <tevans2003 at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [Travelandtourism] traveling to Ireland

This info is years old, yet bet something similar exists.  Years ago in Scotland I rode the Blue Banana, yes that was the name.  it was a van, that went around the country and dropped you off at Hostels that were great for the price and their tourist attractions.  You bought 1 week to one month pass and the only rule, you had to be back at the starting point one month later if you bought the one month pass.  Maybe they came every 2 days and dropped people off and put more on.  Never a problem but if there was no seat space, then I guess you wait another 2 days.  It was discount for a college budget and great. Maybe something like that still exists

-----Original Message-----
From: TravelAndTourism [mailto:travelandtourism-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jason Fayre via TravelAndTourism
Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2017 7:50 AM
To: travelandtourism at nfbnet.org
Cc: Jason Fayre
Subject: [Travelandtourism] traveling to Ireland

Hello,

My girlfriend and I are traveling to Ireland in September. We are planning to spend most of our time in Galway, since we love traditional Irish music.

We are traveling on our own, and we are both totally blind.

I am wondering if anyone has been to Galway and can give us any advice on getting around the city and possibly good places to stay?

Thanks!

_______________________________________________
TravelAndTourism mailing list
TravelAndTourism at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
TravelAndTourism:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org/tevans2003%40s
bcglobal.net

_______________________________________________
TravelAndTourism mailing list
TravelAndTourism at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
TravelAndTourism:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/travelandtourism_nfbnet.org/cherylandmaxx%
40hotmail.com