Traveling with disabilities can be difficult, to say the least. I have a mobility disability and am always aware of barriers (and how to work around them!). And as you know, there are a plethora of disabilities out there - all with unique barriers to overcome. I've got a fantastic resource today to share with you - a travel site that helps Deaf travelers. Created by Chèrie King, The Travel Bee is a wonderful read! Chèrie is passionate about travel, and it shows in every line in this wonderful site. From her experiences abroad to ones closer at home, Chèrie's zest for living and exploring the world make the reader want to get out and EXPLORE! Her conversational tone is just like talking with a close friend - one that you want to travel with!
UPDATE! Watch this amazing video of Cherie traveling the world! - Brava, Apple and Cherie!
We were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Chèrie about her site, the challenges of traveling as a Deaf person, preparing for a journey, giving back, and more. Here's what she had to say...
WE: Please tell us about your site, The Travel Bee...
CK: Basically I wanted to create a website that helps other Deaf travelers enjoy their travels. I know firsthand how difficult and frustrating it can be to travel with a disability. My sites features many tips, information about my deaf culture and of course travel articles.
WE: What was the genesis of your site?
CK: Well, when I was planning my trip to Europe with my family in early 2008. I realized that there wasn't enough information for Deaf Travelers. I had no idea what to expect visiting in London, England or Dublin, Ireland. I had been abroad before but it was with a group, People to People; all the planning was taken care of by the tour guides. So, with the lack of information for Deaf Travelers, I thought I would create a travel website for the Deaf and the Hearing.
WE: What is your travel background?
CK: I have traveled intensively throughout the United States growing up but I had the need to travel abroad. In 2006, I traveled with People to People Student Ambassador whereas I traveled overseas to France, Italy, Austria and Italy. After such an amazing trip, I wanted more so I went back in 2008 to England and Ireland. To this date, England is one of my favorite destinations to visit.
WE: What are the challenges of traveling as a deaf person?
CK: There isn't enough information regarding the challenges as well as services for the Deaf, such as interpreters. Conversing with people with a thick accent, speaking in a foreign language can be difficult. But what I have found in my travels, people are patient and they try and help you understand. But you do have to speak up and tell them that you are Deaf, they will help you.
WE: What are some of your top travel tips for deaf (and hearing) travelers?
CK: Be Prepared. When I was in Austria, my hearing aid broke down and I was without a hearing aid. After asking around, I finally found out where I can go to get it fixed. The kind Austrians fixed it with no charge, I was so thankful. I could have been without a hearing aid for two weeks! For those that have Hearing aids, be sure to bring extra Hearing Aid Batteries, or extra Hearing Aid equipment. They can be extremely handy in cases like these. I for one learned my lesson on that trip. Anyone with a disability, make sure you have extra supplies for whatever type of disability you have. This rule applies to anyone, if you have glasses or contact lenses, bring an extra one and put it in your backpack.
Another tip is to be sure you know your numbers, write them down, jot them onto your phone. You never know when you might need to call your bank in case there was a robbery, or if you simply lost your wallet. Having a number already written down can save you a lot of time and help you solve the problem efficiently.
WE: How can travelers best prepare for their journeys?
CK: It is easy to think that nothing can go wrong on a trip, that your trip will be perfect. When you are daydreaming about your trip, you are not thinking of the worst case scenario. Who wants to anyways? But it is best to think ahead, what if? To get in that mindset is really one of the best ways to prepare for a trip. Who knew that I was going to be in a Bike Accident in Austria, or that my Hearing aid would break down? Or that we would get robbed in Ireland? It's hard to predict the future, but having an idea of possible scenarios can be immensely helpful.
WE: How do you suggest travelers give back, while traveling?
CK: Honestly I would say that by being kind to others, even those with a disability can go a long way. I cannot tell you how many times I have encountered so many kind, helpful people in my travels. It makes a world of difference.
WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
CK: I would like to quote a saying that stuck with me ever since I heard it.
"Turn things you've always wanted to do, into things you've done" ~T.S. Eliot
So get out there and Travel, don't let anything hold you back!
WE: Thanks so much, Chèrie! Love your site - and happy to recommend it to our readers!
For more information, please see:
http://www.flightofthetravelbee.com/