Tony Giles – Blind Independent Traveller

When I first started asking whether I could or should travel it was Tony Giles that gave me the initial answer. It was an instant and emphatic Yes!!!

I didn’t receive the answer from Tony in person but via his inspiring book Seeing the World My Way (2010). (Publishing and purchasing details below).

Tony is totally blind, 80% deaf and 100% addicted to bungee jumping along with many other adventures.

I was blown away when I first listened to Tony’s book. Here I was wondering whether I would be able to travel with a small amount of vision and here he was travelling without any sight at all. Through the words of Seeing the World My Wayit is clear that Tony does not just travel but he lives!

Whether it is getting boozy and loose on Bourbon Street, New Orleans; chasing adrenalin highs in New Zealand or accidentally walking into a brothel in San Francisco, Tony approaches every instance and situation with the utmost gusto and exuberance. Not one to be kept in the dark by a lack of so-called vision, instead Tony the Traveller often seems to be the life of the party, the very ‘colour’ of the scene.

Sure, there has been the odd mishap during Tony’s travels, as there is for every nomad, but never do they seem to be a negative or a worry, instead they are seen as just part of the journey and often lead to laughter, such is Tony’s indefatigable and wicked sense of humour.

To be honest, blindness and hearing difficulties seem to pale into insignificance as challenges or motivators of chaos – rather his thirst for an alcoholic beverage and desire to party are the true instigators of chaos!

Whilst Seeing the World My Way contains Tony’s journeys to the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand he has since travelled to many, many more; in fact his destination extends to over 110 countries, islands and principalities. Tony plans on self publishing the stories of many of these adventures soon and I for one look forward to reading them and joining in his fun.

Tony is a natural traveller and seems to be at ease with all he meets on the road; ready to share a drink, a story and a laugh with whoever he meets and equally as happy to push on alone.

If you would like to know more about Tony Giles check out his website Tony the Traveller, there you can read about many of his adventures, find out all his social media and book details and interact with the man himself. It is highly recommended to any blind or vision impaired person looking for inspiration to travel but is equally recommended for sighted individuals with a lust for travel or an ear for a great story.

Tony’s book Seeing the World My Way is available in Braille and audio book for the vision impaired (see your local service provider) and can also be found in paperback and e-book formats. It is even available in Polish!