Plan for a year of incredible travel experiences with these helpful tips!
A new year can mean new goals or resolutions, and a fun and exciting one to consider is expanding your travel opportunities.
Finding new places, exploring different cultures, and trying new foods are all great ways to broaden your knowledge and spend time with the people you care about. But it can be a little tricky to know what to pack, what to leave home, and filter through all of the tips and tricks out there — that’s why we’ve compiled a list of helpful travel tips for people with hearing loss.
Different modes of transportation and travel, various types of accommodations, and your traveling group may affect which tips and tricks to follow.
Let’s review some helpful travel tips for people with hearing loss!
Download assistive apps
Making sure you have assistive apps downloaded ahead of time. Not only can cell service be a bit iffy in other parts of the world or in more rural areas, but it’s great peace of mind knowing the apps you rely on are safely on your phone already. You can download a variety of apps, like voice-to-text apps, transit or mapping apps, translation services, and more.
Check out these recommendations for apps to use while traveling with hearing loss!
Grab those protective cases, batteries, and chargers
While on a trip, your hearing devices or aids may experience a bit more jostling than usual. Making sure you have protective coverings, boxes, or cases for them is important. If your devices have a specific case or need additional protection, make sure you bring that on your trip as well. Consider also bringing along a soft cloth or cleaning kit for tidying up after your adventures.
You’ll also want to make sure you have everything packed to keep them running smoothly; bringing additional or backup batteries for your assistive devices is essential for uninterrupted usage, and if you have a rechargeable item, make sure you bring your charging cable. Pro tip: make sure you know what kind of outlet your destination uses, and bring an adaptor if necessary!
Ask for hearing loss accommodations
If you’re traveling with a group, and you are comfortable doing so, let your travel companions know about your hearing loss and your preferred methods of communication. Ask airlines, hotels, bus transports, tour guides, and others on your trip what accommodations they offer or can make, and discuss how best to navigate your preferred communication styles. One of the most important travel tips for hearing loss is feeling empowered to ask those around you for assistance should you need it.
Research your destinations for accessibility and hearing loss-friendly activities
A little prep work for your trip is essential (but also fun and exciting as you get to plan out your must-see list). Make sure that you’re comfortable with the activities you and your group have planned, and be an advocate for yourself if you want to modify any outings.
Get ready to have a great trip!
Armed with advanced preparation, be open to the excitement and new experiences that travel provides. Bon Voyage!
For more helpful tips on traveling with hearing loss, check out ways to plan your next trip so your adventure is smooth and enjoyable. Happy adventuring!
