Travel is supposed to be exciting, messy, and full of stories you’ll laugh about later. That doesn’t change if you are Deaf, blind, or living with a disability. What changes is how you plan and what tools you bring along. And honestly? Sometimes those differences make the trip more memorable.
Travel Fun Without the Ski Slopes
People often assume a “real trip” means charging down ski runs or climbing mountains. That’s nice if it’s your thing, but if skiing isn’t accessible (or you simply hate falling down in the cold), there are plenty of better options.
Try:
- Scenic gondola rides where the view does all the work
- Accessible trails or boardwalks you can actually enjoy instead of endure
- Cooking or cultural tours that are hands-on and full of good food
- Adaptive sports like sit-skiing, kayaking, or tandem biking if you want some adventure with support
The point isn’t doing everything. The point is doing what makes you smile.
The “Wait… You Can Do That?!” Moment
Here’s the fun part: surprising people who assume you’re going to sit on the sidelines.
Travelers without disabilities sometimes look shocked when they see a blind traveler navigating confidently with a cane and GPS app, a Deaf traveler tearing up a dance floor, or someone in a wheelchair zooming across a suspension bridge. Their eyes go wide like they’ve just seen Bigfoot.
That moment is not about proving anything. It’s just living your life and watching stereotypes crumble like stale cookies. Bonus: it makes for great dinner conversation later.
Accessibility Is Actually Getting Better
This part is good news: more places are catching on. You’ll find:
- Audio tours and tactile exhibits for blind travelers
- Captioned guides and visual displays for Deaf travelers
- Hotels and transit that finally understand “accessible” means more than one grab bar in the bathroom
- Adaptive rentals for kayaking, skiing, and cycling that let you join the fun without a headache
It’s not perfect everywhere yet, but the trend is moving in the right direction.
Quick Tips to Make Travel Smoother
- Deaf travelers: download speech-to-text apps and carry a small notepad for quick notes when tech fails.
- Blind travelers: check if attractions offer tactile maps or audio guides, and load up navigation apps that actually talk to you.
- Wheelchair users: call hotels and transport directly. Photos online lie.
- Everyone: have a backup plan. If one activity doesn’t work out, the alternatives often turn out to be the highlight.
People Worth Following
Want real-world advice and a sense of community? Follow these creators who are redefining travel:
- Molly Burke (@mollyburkeofficial on Instagram and YouTube) – a content creator who is blind. She shares travel, lifestyle, and accessibility insights with humor.
- Cory Lee (@curbfreecorylee on Instagram, blog: Curb Free with Cory Lee) – a traveler who uses a wheelchair. He has been everywhere from Morocco to Antarctica.
- Jessica Kellgren-Fozard (@jessicaoutofthecloset on Instagram and YouTube) – Creator who is Deaf and has a disability. She focuses on fantastic humor and travel stories.
- Tony Giles (@tonythetraveller55 on Instagram, blog: Tony the Traveller) –Adventurer who blind and partially Deaf. He has visited over 140 countries.
They’ll show you the good, the bad, and the hilarious parts of traveling with a disability.
Final Takeaway
Travel isn’t about racing to the top or checking off a bucket list. It’s about creating stories you’ll retell for years, whether that’s finding the best street food, getting lost in a market, or realizing your “accessible” hotel forgot the elevator.
The world is out there. Go explore it your way and laugh along the journey.
Please share your favorite travel story. I’m all ears.
