At the Foundation Fighting Blindness Visions 2004 and 2007 conferences, Sue Bramhall heard many sight-impaired people express a desire for greater independence in pursuit of their dreams. For many, these dreams involved travel—an activity that, for blind people, can be fraught with logistical and safety concerns.
In response, Bramhall launched Mind’s Eye Travel to provide custom trips for travelers who are blind or visually impaired. All Mind’s Eye trips are guide-dog friendly and include a host and a sighted assistant (with additional guides available as needed.)
Mind’s Eye Travel Schedule Trips for 2009
New York City and the Arts, May 13 – 17, 2009 (Great Mother’s Day Gift)
This trip includes deluxe accommodations for four nights and five days in New York, the city that never sleeps; tickets to “South Pacific” at Lincoln Center and “Julius Caesar” at The Theater Breaking Through Barriers (formerly Theater by the Blind), tours of the Cloisters, the Metropolitan Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art, as well as two dinners and one lunch. Prices start at $1595 per person, double occupancy.
Discover the Coast of Maine, July 22 – 26, 2009 (Ahoy Mates!)
This adventure includes deluxe accommodations for four nights in the heart of Camden (mid-coast Maine). Activities provided include a whale watch, eco tour, and windjammer sail. The package provides a full breakfast each morning, one lunch, and two dinners. Prices start at $995 per person.
Sante Fe and Taos, September 16 - 20, 2009 (Discover the Land of Enchantment!)
This trip includes deluxe accommodations for four nights and five days in the heart of Santa Fe. Adventures include a walking tour of Santa Fe, a one-day excursion to Taos and the 1,000-year-old Pueblo, a museum tour, and an historic train ride. The package includes one lunch and dinners for two nights. Prices start at $1195 per person.
Please note: Prices subject to change based upon availability. Except where noted, prices are based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, gratuities or alcoholic beverages. A minimum of ten people must book to create each trip.
A $395 per-person deposit is due with each reservation; the balance due 60 days prior to the trip. Fees are nonrefundable 60 days prior to trip. Travel insurance is recommended. Monthly payment plans are available. Visit the Mind’s Eye Travel website or call 207.542.4438 for more details.
About Mind’s Eye Travel
Sue Bramhall was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in 1974 and has made the most of her remaining sight to explore the world. She and husband Silvio Calabi have traveled extensively and have facilitated successful specialized group tours. Sue launched Mind’s Eye Travel in 2007 to enable blind and visually impaired people to visit memorable destinations easily and without stress.
Mind's Eye Travel is one of a growing number of agencies that not only accommodate those with disabilities, but are turning accessible travel into a thriving market segment.
Andrew Leibs - Andrew Leibs is Suite101’s Feature Writer for Accessible Recreation. He is a longtime chronicler of the disability movement with ...
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