Blind and Partially Deaf Solo Traveler Tony Giles On Engaging Your Senses, Trusting Strangers, Inadvertent Inspiration and Traveling In 130 Countries

Zero To Travel Podcast

Jason Moore

Society & Culture, Business, Entrepreneurship, Places & Travel

4.6 • 866 Ratings

🗓️ 7 February 2023

⏱️ 76 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Tony Giles has visited 130 countries on 7 continents and counting. He’s written 3 books, delivered an epic TEDx talk, and has been featured in major media all over the globe, including the BBC and Travel + Leisure. In this episode, Tony shares his inspiring story of traveling the world as a blind solo traveler. He talks about his struggles growing up with alcohol and kidney disease, his trust in strangers, the surprising advantages of being blind, how he unintentionally became a motivational speaker, and so much more. How did Tony’s story change your perspective on travel? I’d love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a bonus episode every month (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click Here To Try Premium Passport For Only $1 Tune In To Learn: How Tony become blind and partially deaf, and his personal struggles with alcohol addiction and kidney disease The pivotal moments that sparked Tony’s passion for travel and the challenges he’s overcome How Tony’s book, “Seeing the World My Way,” came to fruition and the therapeutic effects of sharing his story How Tony navigates through the world by utilizing “body feeling” The drawbacks of traveling as a sighted person and the advantages of traveling blind (like being able to touch the Liberty Bell!) The story of how he unintentionally became an inspirational speaker Why Tony feels he is less vulnerable than sighted people and how he’s learned to trust others What solo travel has taught Tony about himself His most memorable interactions and experiences Which countries may be more difficult for him to visit Where you should visit on your trip to England His best travel advice for everyone And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card -Today's Sponsor Check out Tony’s Website Listen to the TEDx Talk Grab Tony’s Book - Seeing a Slice of Southern Africa My Way Want More? Legendary Blind Adventurer Erik Weihenmayer: Kayaking 277 Miles Down The Grand Canyon Riding 16,000 Miles Blind Joys of Solo Travel Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode is also sponsored by US Bank's Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, with the ability to earn up to 5x the points on travel-related expenses like hotels, and rental cars, this card will get you the most return on your next trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Tony Giles is a blind and partially deaf independent traveler who has visited 130 countries on seven different continents and counting, many as a solo traveler.
0:11.2	He's written three books, delivered an epic TED talk, and been featured on major media all over the world from the BBC to travel and leisure.
0:19.2	You might find his story incredibly inspiring.
0:22.1	I know I do, but Tony doesn't really see it that way.
0:26.2	I don't think they're really going to get how a blind person travels and see the world
0:30.5	because when you're sighted in your mind as a sight of person,
0:34.6	the worst thing, the worst disability losing your sight.
0:38.9	People think you'll lose my sight, I can't do anything.
0:41.1	Can't work anymore.
0:42.5	I can't do it.
0:43.1	Imagine in their head, how can they cope?
0:46.1	How can they do?
0:47.5	Because I know, it's not that difficult.
0:52.1	But because I've never had sight really.
0:54.3	So what I do is normal.
0:57.2	People say to me, oh, you're inspiring and your story is amazing.
1:00.5	And I get it, it is.
1:02.1	But to me, it's not.
1:03.0	It's just what I do.
1:04.7	Travel is indeed what Tony does.
1:07.5	He is actively working on visiting every country in the world.
1:12.7	But it wasn't that easy in the beginning. During our chat, Tony shares a pivotal moment in New Orleans that changed everything
	...

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