The travel industry has changed recently but you seem to have discovered a way to fill an unmet need and thrive.
After 9-11, the travel industry took a major hit.
Less than two months after, Gary went to Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Florida where he was teamed up with Dr. John, a beautiful yellow Labrador retriever. Our travel experiences started to take on a new twist.
Shortly after this, the brick and mortar agency that I was affiliated with for many years closed, and we started OUTTASIGHT Travel. This is when we realized that in the United States we, as service animal users, are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are allowed to travel with a guide dog virtually anywhere we would like to - as long as we're in the US. However, once we leave the country, the protection of the ADA does not go along with us as an umbrella. This is when we realized that different countries have different laws and we started to research the requirements to enter other countries.
Give us a sense of the things you look for as you plan an itinerary and select suppliers.
Many major companies have been extremely proactive in adhering to accessibility standards. Cruise lines are providing Braille signage and many have departments that deal exclusively with accessibility issues. It is important to find destinations that go beyond sightseeing. When selecting a motor coach tour, you may want to stay away from companies that drive by and see. You want to select a company that will stop so that the traveler can experience the destination. When selecting a cruise, you want to make sure that a service animal team is allowed into the country and what documentation may be necessary in order to get there. Why would you choose an itinerary that won't allow you to disembark when you get there?
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