D-Travel Scoop 2012 Autumn Quarterly Vol. 01

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2012 QuarterlyAUTUMN

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Happy Travels, Peggy L. ProsserD-Travel, Director

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORWelcome to D-Travel’s �rst e-news publication.

We are excited to start circulating travel information and news to the DTravelersand to colleagues in the tourism and travel industry. We aim to provide subscribers with travel stories, news, updates, advise, exciting tours and events all in one publication quarterly.

A little about D-Travel for those who don’t know us. D-Travel is a travel services provider and consultant. We will soon be celebrating our one year anniversary next month on September 19th. You can learn more about our services at www.d-travel.co

D-Travel is also an advocate of accessible travel and sustainable tourism. We constantly remind the travel industry about Deaf travelers through our collabora-tions. And we aim to include sustainable tourism in our work.Sustainable tourism to us means involving the Deaf community and givingstrength to Deaf tourism. From this point of view, we work to promote Deaf traveland tour services.

We are pleased to introduce you to our most popular Deaf tour guide Haydee Garcia of Deaf Cuba Travel. D-Travel was successfully able to book tours with Deaf Cuba Travel. We had travelers from Japan, Sweden, Italy, Canada and America. There is an article about Haydee and her tour company in thisnewsletter.

We look to grow Deaf tourism. Join us in the endeavor to expand by clicking like on D-Travel Facebook: www.facebook.com/PegPros and sign upto subscribe D-Travel Blog posts: www.D-TravelBlog.com .

www.facebook.com/PegPros

CONTENTSWelcome to D-TravelContentsGo CubaHaydee Garoia of Deaf Cuba TravelFeatured Interview ContinuedGo Cuba AdvertismentDeaf in TourismViking Rive Cruises AdvertismentD-Travel Journeys

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Current Travel NewsWorld Federation of the Deaf

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THIS ISSUE’S COVERThis morning on the Today Show, news anchor Natalie Morales discussed her recent trip to Cuba with D-Travel.

PHOTOGRAPHY Modern Dictator

Havana, Cuba - Dancing Beauty At The Tropicana Nightclub.

Haydee Garcia of Deaf Cuba Travel

By Traci Olson ( D-Travel Student Intern )

I recently interviewed Haydee Garcia, who is the founder and owner of Deaf Cuba Travel. Haydee was born and raised in Cuba, where she attended a school for the Deaf. In 2000, Haydee came to the United States and became a US citizen in 2006. After graduating from Gallaudet University, Haydee soon began to develop her travel company, Deaf Cuba Travel. During our interview, she provided me with some insight into her company, tours, and travel experiences in Cuba.

After leading a tour of Cuba for some of her friends, Haydee was told that she should start her own travel company, so she eventually took their advice and founded Deaf Cuba Travel.

Planning began in 2007, but Deaf Cuba Travel officially opened for business in 2009. Haydee has two employees, one who is Deaf, and the other who is a hearing interpreter. On average, Deaf Cuba Travel provides four to five tours per year, and more trips will be offered in the upcoming year. Haydee, who lives in Chicago, does not always accompany the tours since her staff resides in Cuba. As the owner, her main responsibility is to set up contracts with guides in Cuba so that these tours are possible. After a local Cuban guide is hired, an interpreter from her agency is provided to create accessible tours for her clients. So far, an estimated three hundred Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals have already joined her tours. Currently, Deaf Cuba Travel offers tours exclusively to Cuba, however, in the future the company may expand to offer trips to the United States as well. (Continued on page 4)

C U B A

Cuban Woman displays Cuba Cigars in Old Havana Square ( photo by Prosser )

One of many old classic cars in Havana, Cuba ( photo by Prosser )

Guides, Carmen Salgado, Haydee Garcia and Nuria de la Nova

Ministry of the interior building with face of Che Guevara in Havana, Cuba. ( photo by Prosser )

Featured Interview :

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Says Haydee Garcia“... [T]here are many negative misconceptions about Cuba, such as a high crime rate, and that it is unsafe, but that is not true. I l ike discussing politics and showing the real Cuba.”

According to Haydee, Cuba is a unique place to visit. Her personal favorite aspects of Cuba are the beach and the dancing, but Haydee also detailed the unique culture of Cuba. She described the Cuban people as very friendly, and noted the unique sights of the island, such as vintage cars and original buildings, which contribute to the unique and rustic atmosphere. Cuba, however, is not open to travel, meaning that visitors can only enter the country for specific reasons such as, visiting family, educational purposes, trade, etc. As a result, Haydee sets up tours for the purpose of education or attending workshops related to the Deaf community in Cuba so that international visitors can experience this country.

Unfortunately, Cuba does not advocate or understand accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Cuba’s tourism industry encourages tour groups of thirty to forty people, which is unrealistic for a group of Deaf and Hard of Hearing tourists. Since Sign Language is visual, it is essential for everyone to have

visual access to the interpreter, and in a large group, that is nearly impossible. Despite Cuba’s pressure for such large groups, Haydee insists on limited tour group sizes to provide the best experience for her clients. However, Cuba makes the cost quite expensive for smaller groups, and insists on charging more for Deaf accessibility. However, thanks to Haydee’s advocacy for accessibility, her effort has been essential in establishing equal pricing for Deaf visitors. By booking through Deaf Cuba Travel, Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors will be provided with an

showing the real Cuba.” Haydee also shared travel stories from her experiences while accompanying her tours. This is one of the experiences that she shared with me. During one of the tours, while sightseeing in Cuba, a woman in the tour group approached Haydee and requested that they find a restroom. Haydee located one, but it cost twenty-five cents to use. The woman paid the twenty-five cent fee, and was then greeted by a bathroom attendant who was distributing toilet paper. However, the bathroom attendant only gave the woman a small amount of toilet paper, and she was not satisfied with the amount of toilet paper she was given. Haydee found it to be quite funny because for the remainder of the trip, this woman started bringing her own toilet paper with her.

This is just one of many stories Haydee has from her travel experiences with Deaf Cuba Travel, so join a tour with Deaf Cuba Travel, and bring back stories of your own.

If you would like more information about Deaf Cuba Travel, or are interested in joining one of their tours, please visit their website: http://deafcubatravel.com or contact D-Travel: [email protected]

Why? Because there are many negative misconceptions about Cuba, such as a high crime rate, and that it is unsafe, but that is not true. I like discussing politics and

exclusively available through this company.Clearly, Haydee is providing a unique service that

extends wonderful opportunities for her clients. When I asked if she enjoys her job, she replied, “Yes, of course.

interpreted and accessible tour of Cuba, which is

Featured Interview Continued

6 VP/Tel: 585-300-0434 Skype: [email protected]

Tourist from Japan with local guides, Haydee, Carmen andJSL interpreter, Meri Hirose ( center ) ( Photo Deaf Cuba Travel )

Tobacco Plantation in Pinar del Rio Providence, west of Havanna ( photo by Prosser )

For booking or more information call D-Travel

Book Your Trip Today!

For more information contact: [email protected]/Tel: 585-300-0434 Skype: [email protected]

Deaf Cuba Travel is excited to bring you to the real Cuba, accessible in sign language.

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, o�ers rich history, remarkable sights and mouth-watering food. You, too, can experience the rich colors, sights and �avors of Cuba with Deaf Cuba Travel. With tours provided in American Sign Language by a Deaf Cuban native, you will see �rsthand the beauty and way of life in Cuba.

Specialized services, tours, sightseeing, and knowledge are what Deaf Cuba Travel provides as you visit historical and vibrant locations such as Havana, Cayo Santa Maria, and Viñales Explorer. Museums, antique cars still in use, historical Spanish-style homes, beaches, and dance are some of the many attractions of Deaf Cuba Travel’s tours.

Meet Deaf and hearing Cubans, learn about life in a country that has been under communist control for nearly six decades, see locations where Deaf Cubans gather, and discover Deaf Cuban history as you travel the country. Stay in comfortable lodgings and enjoy the hospitality of Cubans on your trip.

HAVANA ★ TRINIDAD ★ VARADERO

OCTOBER 12th to 22nd, 2012 (8 Nights ) GROUP TOUR

TOUR PACKAGES $1,600 per person ( two persons per room with double beds ) Private single rooms cost more $300 deposit per person required in advance Balance must be paid in full by 11:59 p.m. August 30th A minimum of 12 people is required for the group tour package Once the package has been �nalized, no refunds can be made. Howeve, if the minimum of 12 people is not met, a full refund will be given

PRICES* INCLUDE

Airport pick-up and drop o� City tour guide and Cuban Sign Language and ASL interpreters Meals as indicated by Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner ※Note that Cuban meals are not “American style,” but whenever possible, bu�et-style meals will be o�ered. Lodging Informative travel preparation packet Entrance fees for museums and other mentioned attractions

* Tour itineary and prices are subject to change.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE Airport taxes Travel insurance Airfare to and from Cuba Dance lesson ( approximately $ 15.00) Welcome party ( approximately $ 25.00 ) Lunch in the Santa Cruz Village ( approximately $15.00 )

ADVERTISEMENT

By Traci Olson (D-Travel Student Intern)

With the recent 2012 DeafNation World Expo in Las Vegas, it is appropriate to feature the 2012 DeafNation Inspiration Award for Hotel Hospitality, Roberto Wirth.

2012 Arizona Deaf FestivalSept.15, 2012Tempe, Arizona

DEAFestival Los AngelesSept. 29, 2012Los Angeles, California

Radio City ChristmasSpectacular: InterpretedPerformancesNov. 17,18, Dec.12, 2012New York, New York

The Kennedy Center:Interpreted PerformancesOct. 30, Nov. 2 (War Horse)Dec. 18, 21 (Irving Berlin’s White Christmas)Dec. 28 (Million Dollar Quartet)Washington D.C. 2012 Business Boot Camp ofthe Deaf: “Boost Your Profits”Oct. 25~27, 2012San Diego, California

UPCOMING EVENTSIN THE U.S.

Roberto Wirth receives DeafNation Inspiration Award from Joel Barish, CEO of DeafNation.

Sign Bilingualism is aHuman Right!

Join the Global Deaf Community Celebrate International Week of the Deaf, September 24 ~ 30, 2012. Watch for your local events celebrating this global campaign. http://www.wfdeaf.org/about/international-week-of-the-deaf

World Federation of the Deaf

DeafNation ExpoOct.13: Pleasanton, CAAlameda County Fair - Young California BuildingOct. 20: Seattle, WASeattle Center - Exhibition HallNov. 3: Chicago, ILHarper College - Building M, Wellness and Sports Center

and was especially concerned aboutWirth’s ability to communicate withemployees and guests. However, Wirthwas persistent and continued to pursue acareer in the hotel business. He went toschool in Italy, where he learned to readlips. After working in the United States and learning English, he attended Galluadet University, and then transferred to Rochester Institute of Technology to study business. Eventually Wirth attended Cornell forhotel management. During this time, Wirthgained experience working in a wide rangeof fast food restaurants and global hotelchains. With education, experience, andthe ability to lip-read and speak severallanguages, Wirth returned to the HotelHassler in 1978 and worked as theassistant manager until he becamemanager four years later. A self-proclaimed perfectionist,Wirth is committed to providing the bestquality hotel. Since becoming managerand owner, Wirth has not only continuedthe family legacy, but has improved theluxury experience for his guests. Hisdedication and attention to detail hasearned him awards such as HotelsMagazine’s Independent Hotelier of the

Roberto Wirth is the owner andgeneral manager of the Hotel Hassler inRome, Italy. Located on the infamousSpanish Steps, the Hotel Hassler is a fivestar hotel that attracts famous and wealthyguests throughout the world for its luxuryaccommodations. This private hotelconsists of one hundred rooms with a staffone hundred and fifty employees, and hasbeen widely recognized as a superiorhotel.

Roberto Wirth has been the managerof the Hotel Hassler since 1982, but hisfamily has been involved in the luxury hotelbusiness for five generations. However,his managerial position was not simplypassed down to him; Wirth, who was bornDeaf, earned his title by overcoming manychallenges. Despite his desire to work inthe hotel business, Wirth’s father did notthink he would be successful as a hotelier

World 2005, the Prize for EconomicAchievement by Rome’s city government,and he accepted the 2012 DeafNationInspiration Award for Hotel Hospitality. Roberto Wirth’s achievements havemade him a role model for both the Deafcommunity and the hotel industry. Formore information about the Hassler Hotel,visit www.hotelhasslerroma.com.

8 VP/Tel: 585-300-0434 Skype: [email protected]

Deaf in TourismRobert Wirth & Hotel Hassler

The view from Hassler's restaurant in Rome, Italy. ( Photo from the Hassler Website )

2013 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT 2-FOR-1 CRUISE PLUS INTERNATIONAL AIR DISCOUNTS Hurry—this o er expires soon!

INTRODUCING THE VIKING LONGSHIPS Autumn/Winter 2012 AND Winter/Spring 2013

Note: 2-for-1 cruise and international air discounts are considered a single o er. International air does not have to be purchased to get cruise o er. Must request o er EBD at time of booking and pay in full by current expiration date; call for details. Valid on new bookings only as of 6/1/12, subject to availability and may not be combinable with any other o ers except Past Guest Travel Credit and Referral Rewards Credit. Viking reserves the right to correct errors and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. Additional terms and conditions apply; see Passenger Ticket Contract at vikingrivercruises.com. CST#2052644-40

The name Viking has always been synonymous with exploration, leading the way where

others will follow. Succeeding the unprecedented introduction of six new Viking Longships in

2012, we will make history once again with the launch of six additional Viking Longships in 2013.

Revolutionary in design, these ships are setting new standards in style, space and comfort,

and heralding a new era in European river cruising. Inspired by the celebrated Viking gods,

the Viking Longships bring you state-of-the-art engineering, design and elegance.

For more information contact: [email protected]/Tel: 585-300-0434 Skype: [email protected]

Check for Holiday Specials!

ADVE

RTIS

EMEN

T

A trip to the Red Rocks of the West with Japanese visitors

Last February 2012, D-Travel joined in a road trip as driver/guide with a group of five from Japan touring Arizona and Utah. We also stopped at the four corners to virtually “touch” as to have been in Colorado and New Mexico.

10-day road trip in our Chevy Suburban has set off some wild adventures as we passed through majestic red rock scenery. Occasionally did we feel cut off from the world as we drove through the dessert and asking each other when is the next town? Our it inerary included a visit to the Sedona Verde Valley where we joined the

2012 marathon, hiked trails through the vortex areas for new energy and shopping for silver and rocks in the area. We stayed in Verde Valley or two nights before driving through a winding road following the Oak Creek Canyons to Flagstaff, a small town intersecting Route 66 for lunch and then for long afternoon through Navajo Land to Monument Valley where we stayed at the View Hotel with rooms that have an awesome window view to the Mitten Rock. The following morning we drove to Lake Powell area to join a tour into the antelope canyons. We drove around the area and stopped to visit the Colorado River, Hoover Dam and the Horseshoe before returning back to our window view

hotel at the View. As we drove heavy snow fell on us by the t ime we entered Valley area. Up on arrival to the View hotel, our native American of Navajo receptionist old us that the snowfall rarely happens in their area and especially now that tonight is the full moon. The white backdrop and moon light was going to make the evening spectacular. This was when we realized that our hotel was full of photographers with photo projects involving the full moon photo. We celebrate a memorial evening with a white snowy backdrop and full moon. The night was peaceful.

D-Travel Guests on top Vortex Hill of Airport Mesa of in Sedona, Arizona.

Our Suburban in Monument Valley

The View Hotel window view on �rst night in Monument Valley. From Right to Center are the Mitten Rocks, Utah.

In Flagstaff, AZ

Four Corners

D - T R A V E L J O U R N E Y S :D - T R A V E L J O U R N E Y S :

VP/Tel: 585-300-0434 Skype: [email protected]

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The next morning we woke up to sun rises and went into the lounge where all photographers were up watching the sun rise against a lovely snowy and red landscape. It was still snowing when we got up and we had to delay our departure to Moab, Utah for the red arches. By 10AM the snowfall finally ceased. It was warming up fast and guests at the hotel were ready to hit the road together. We jumped into our Suburban and drove to the National Arches Park where we walked 45 minutes on high and steep boulders to see the Delicate

Rock and to watch sunset and moonrise once more again. Shortly after the moon shone before the dark grey sky, we hurried back down to our Suburban and drove to small town of Moab for one night before taking off the next morning to see the four corners and to ‘touch” all four state’s corners, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. There we also enjoyed a Navajo bread made by a native Navajo fryer with honey and cinnamon. The group shared

the bread. It was so good that we ordered two more. The area of the four corners was just dessert, rarely did we spot any homes nor gas stations after we left for our next destination to the Grand Canyons

where we stayed for two nights. Around the Grand where we walked some trails during different parts of the day. We saw sun rise and sun set in the Canyons. It was a lovely sight and we enjoyed each evening chatting, reading or playing games by the fireplace at our lodge Eventually the next morning we left the South Rim to Phoenix for our last night. We ended our last tour cruising on route 66 and stopping for pictures of Route 66 and shopping at old stores. We reached our hotel late and chose to focus on and getting ready for our departure back home to Japan. The group left very early the following morning. It was sad to see that this wonderful journey had ended however memories of the red rock scenery is engraved on our minds forever.

Snowy morning at The View Hotel in Monument Valley

The Delicate Arch, National Arches Park, Moab Utah.

Navajo Fry Bread at the Four Corners. The stand is more likely on the Colorado border.

The south Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona

Guest Climbing on large rock near the Colorado River near Lake Powell.

Additions to Rail Europe:High-Speed Italo Train

By the end of 2012, Rail Europe plans to offer new train routes within Italy. At the current time, Rail Europe operates between Milan to Naples, and includes stops in Bologna, Florence, and Rome. The additional two lines will offer service from Torino and Venice to Salerno, with twelve stations planned on this route. Italy is a popular destination, especially among rail travelers, so this expansion will greatly benefit Rail Europe passengers.

In addition to the new routes, this train line will be accompanied by high-speed Italo trains. These trains will transport passengers at speeds up to 223 miles per hour. The trains use less energy, produce low emissions, and use a self-sufficient electricity supply, making this an eco-friendly means of transportation. Italo train passengers will have the choice of Club class, Prima class, and Smart class. All classes provide Sky TV and movies, and free Wi-Fi, with comfortable, Fray leather seats. Some additional features include private lounges for meetings, access to private salons, a Prima Relax car (which bans cell phones), and a Cinema car. These new trains and routes will create

a comfortable, modern, sustainable, and convenient means of transportation for Rail Europe travelers in Italy.

L a G u a r d i a A i r p o r tE x p a n s i o n

As of July 11, Delta Airlines began offering service to eleven new cities from New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Flights now provide service to additional destinations including Cleveland; Charlotte, NC; Charlottesville, VA; Denver; Halifax; Houston; Ottawa; Montreal; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; and Roanoke, VA. These cities are among several new routes that have been added by Delta Airlines in recent months. The new routes are part of the largest route expansion at LaGuardia Airport in forty years. This expansion includes an increased number of flights to

cities already offered by Delta, contributing to more than 260 Delta flights to 60 cities from LaGuardia Airport on a daily basis.

Delta Airlines has expanded their services at LaGuardia to demonstrate their commitment to New York, which is a competitive airline market. In addition to route and service expansion, Delta has invested $160 million to update and connect two terminals at LaGuardia. This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2012, and will contribute to the enhanced services and facilities offered by Delta Airlines at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

CURRENT TRAVEL NEWS

D-Travel is affiliated as an independent contractor with Montrose Travel who is a member of the following organizations:

May 2012Summer’s Best Flavor

At Ouca, a Japanese ice-cream polar near Ebisu station. Below you see a bowl of green matcha , roasted green tea and vanilla ice-cream with

dried salted kelp and hot oolong tea on the sides. It was tasty.

UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL

EVENTS: World Deaf Golf Championships

Oct. 9-12, 2012Tsu, Japan

Cycling Tour de Formosa

Nov. 3-12, 2012Taipei, Chinese Taipei

The Second Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival - Special Screening ProgrammeNov. 2, 2012Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

Second International Conference of the WFDOct. 16-18, 2012Sydney, Australia

Photo taken at the Wold Deaf Athletic Championship Games in Toronto, Canada on July 22, 2012 with Traci Olson (2012 student intern), Morimoto Masatoshi (gold medalist in hammer throw), and Peggy Prosser (myself).

12 VP/Tel: 585-300-0434 Skype: [email protected]

D-Travel is a�liated as an independent contractor with Montrose Travel who is a member of the following organizations: