Headed out on a tour? Make sure everything goes smoothly with these tips.
Do you have a tour booked for an upcoming trip? Tours can be a wonderful way to meet people and learn more about the destination you’re visiting, from its culture to history to can’t-miss food spots and experiences. They can range from short daily tours in a specific city to multi-week group tours exploring a whole country (or group of countries)!
If you have hearing loss, there are simple steps you can take to make the most out of your tour experience. Preparing for any communication challenges in advance goes a long way toward ensuring you have a comfortable, enjoyable, and inclusive experience. Learn more about these handy tips below.
Let the guide know
The first important tip is to let the guide or group leader know about your hearing loss, if you’re comfortable doing so. The guide can work with you and adjust their communication techniques to make sure you are fully included in all discussions. Be sure to let the guide know your communication preferences in advance. Consider getting in touch with the tour company before you book to enquire about their specific accommodation options.
Bring your own headphones
If you’re taking a tour that involves audio devices, such as headphones or other types of earpieces, think about bringing your own. Tours might provide headphones, but they likely won’t be optimized for hearing loss. Investing in a high-quality pair is a good idea so you can get the best sound and experience. Just be sure to ask ahead of time if the tour company’s audio devices can work with any headphones.
Learn about some of the best types of headphones for your ears!
Buddy up
Friends make everything more fun, and in the context of a tour, they can also help you enjoy a more successful experience. Invite a close friend or befriend someone in your group to help be your communication champion. Your buddy can help relay information you may miss and can also confirm you are on the right track.
Use assistive devices
A great travel tip for hearing loss is to be sure you have access to assistive devices to use as needed. If you have assistive devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or FM systems, it’s a good idea to bring them with you and use them on the tour. This will ensure that you can hear the guide as best as possible and get the most out of your experience. Your tour guide may also provide assistive devices upon request. Here are six things to pack when traveling with hearing loss!
Stay near the front
If possible, try to situate yourself near the front of the group. Whether you’re on a walking tour or a bus, this will put you closer to the guide, making it easier to communicate and ask any questions. Being up-front-and-center also reminds your guide to keep your communication needs in mind when presenting information to the group.
Let the guide know if you need something
Finally, don’t be afraid to speak up if you need something on the tour. If you need a guide to repeat something, ask for it. Remember, it’s your tour experience as much as anyone else’s, and you should feel comfortable advocating for your needs.
If you’re planning your next great adventure, you can find more travel tips for hearing loss on our blog. Traveling with a group of like-minded folks is also one of our favorite ways to meet people and make friends. Learn about other ways to befriend new people here!
