Travelling blind: five myths New Zealand breaks down
"If you can't see it, you won't enjoy it." We've heard that many times. Here are five myths about travelling blind that New Zealand breaks down, trip after trip.
Over the years we've heard many mistaken ideas about what a blind person can or can't do when travelling. New Zealand, trip after trip, takes it upon itself to break them down.
1. "If you can't see it, you won't enjoy it"
Enjoyment doesn't live in the eyes alone. The cold water of Milford Sound, the geothermal heat of Rotorua or the wind on your face as you take off paragliding are felt with your whole body.
2. "Adventure isn't for you"
We've joined blind travellers paragliding, kayaking and on jet boats. Adventure knows nothing of sight: it knows eagerness.
3. "You need someone watching over you every second"
Our aim is exactly the opposite: for you to move independently. We're there when needed, but the trip is yours.
4. "It's too complicated to organise"
Complicated it is if you do it alone. With a well-prepared route and small groups, it stops being so.
5. "A country so far away can't be accessible"
New Zealand is far, yes, but not out of reach. And its nature, so full of sound and texture, seems made to be travelled through the senses.
The biggest limit is almost never sight. It's usually other people's idea of what you can do.