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Multi-Sensory Travel Specialists – Outta Sight Travel

© Scott Paul Rains

In the three years that Outtasight has been in business, we have gotten very active with the Society of Accessible Travel and Hospitality - aka SATH - and have continued to use resources available to us through the American Council of the Blind and Guide Dog Users, Inc. All three organizations assisted us when we were told by a (now defunct) cruise line that we could not bring our dog with us on the cruise - it was to leave from a US port and its destination was not a guide dog friendly port of call. We had to threaten them with the Department of Justice, and just days before our expected date of departure, they stated that they would allow us on the cruise.

Some destinations require specific paperwork, which will verify that the animal is disease and parasite free. Others have quarantine periods. Jamaica has a six-month quarantine; personally I wouldn't recommend Jamaica as a cruise ship port of call since the guide dog team can't leave the ship together. Even in some countries that allow the animals with no quarantine or restrictions, not all public places will allow them. We were denied a reservation at a Best Western hotel in the Bahamas even though a guide dog is allowed to go into the country with proper documentation.

I am sure you have the opportunity to put together dream travel packages for your blind clients. Can you tell us about that?

Everyone's dream vacation is different. Some may like beach; some may like mountains. Some may be active; others may be restful. Just as you would with a sighted client, you need to qualify your potential traveler. We have a blind friend who runs a minimum of five miles a day with her guide dog. She wouldn't be happy vegging out - and I know Gary would not be at all happy if we did a hiking, white water rafting vacation.

The dream vacation that has been the most rewarding has been cruising.

Not only does a cruise give you excellent value, but it includes, several destinations, super cuisine, sensational entertainment, a friendly and safe environment and familiarity. Once on board, everything is there for you.

You don't have to hail a cab to take you to the theatre or restaurant. You don't have to pack and unpack every time you get to a new destination. I have a few suggestions when selecting a cruise. To be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, it would be wise to choose an itinerary that embarks and disembarks in an American port. Your itinerary should include destinations that are accessible to the service animal team - suggestions would be an Eastern Caribbean itinerary, Canada and New England, Mexico or Alaska.