Trip Cancellation - Advice? :(

I don't know if you answered this in prior postings, but is it possible to go as a DYI trip with a (hearing) friend or family member who can sign? The option of going on a hearing tour does not seem like a good idea - you will pay a lot of money but get very little value (most of the value of the tour is the expertise of the guides and so having no way to communicate with them or understand them would be a lost opportunity). Does lack of hearing preclude you from solo travel altogether? I'm so sorry if that's a naive question, but I wanted to rule everything else out. It would be such a shame if you could not go at all when it sounds like you're physically able.

Also, you may need more time to "get the word out" so that you do have proper turnout to enable a scheduled trip to go forward...perhaps advertising in some unconventional formats or places? If the number of people needed is very small, could each member of the existing group absorb a higher trip cost to make up that difference (and to make the trip financially viable for the operator)? Obviously this would be very hard to do if the group is small to begin with and the "4 more people" is actually a large percentage.

I'm disappointed to hear that Rick Steves blew you off.

What if you paid for an interpreter to go on a tour and added his/her tour cost and stipend for interpreting to the cost for the deaf/ASL customers?

I would guess that a tour operator like RS would allow you to bring your own friend or family member to sign to a small group. You could all go in together to offer that interpreter a free trip. I wish I could sign and I'd do it for you!

I really feel for you! I have a disabled daughter and understand the difficulty challenges bring to everyday life.

This is clearly a frustrating situation to be in. I may have missed some info in your previous posts, but I guess the other three prospective travelers are otherwise unknown to you, not friends with whom you could travel independently.

While you might scale back an independent trip to fewer destinations for convenience, it would not have to be limited only to London. If you feel ready to do London on your own, then Paris is not much harder, etc. Many people speak English at popular destinations; I don't know how many speak ASL. But when language is not shared, pointing and other body language is a common traveler solution. Most of the info you need can be read in books and signs. Is the failing eyesight the primary reason why you want a travel partner or planner?

Can the last agency provide you any of the contact info for the ASL-speaking local guides, so you might be able to hire them on your own?

I did several years ago have a deaf tour member whose wife was his interpreter. That worked fine for basic issues, as well as I can remember, but I distinctly recall them looking bored during guided walking tours. The wife got tired of that much interpretation, especially when it involved unfamiliar names of people, places, and political movements.

Your question keeps catching my eye and I know nothing about ASL tours or travel. And I wonder the same thing as previous posters about whether or not you can travel with a companion, but maybe that's not ideal...?

But I looked around a little bit based on your statement that back to back tour dates don't mesh correctly for continual travel and I came across this company : kerstinstravel.com. Have you already looked at their website? I don't know anything at all about them, but their website caught my eye because their tour dates DO match up a little for stacking. For example:

Beautiful Germany - May 24 - June 5 then
Switzerland - June 5 - June 12

Or they also have England, Scotland, Ireland - July 13 - 25

I know these are less than what you're hoping for, but could they provide a start?

Here is another one
http://www.handsontvl.com

Wow – such quick responses! I feel grateful to be part of a welcoming community here!
Agnes – I’ve contemplated a DIY trip (the standalone trip to London) as I feel I can handle London (and possibly Paris) on my own. Any more, and it might get stressful for my mother and aunt (who were originally part of the original group). They prefer to be part of a tour (especially since it would be my mother’s first trip as well.) Deafness is not what is stopping me from solo travel – it’s the progressive vision loss. I do fine in daytime and in the city, not so much once the sun goes down (night blindness and loss of depth perception due to the shadows). Central vision is nearly perfect, side vision not so much since I won’t see people from the side until I crash into them with profound apologies. Having a companion would ease the issues (and warn me if people aren’t paying attention and divert the crashes). As for absorbing the costs, the max number is 8, and we had 4 (had 6 but two dropped out due to the Paris attacks). So that would increase the price (for less services).
Traylaparks – Adding the cost of an interpreter would be paying double for one fare; and I’d be the only Deaf person in a hearing tour group. So essentially, I’d pay for myself and one other person. The other Deaf person from the original tour isn’t interested, and she has plenty of time and years to do other trips.
Susan and Monte – Thank you for that offer! If only!
Laura – valid points, indeed. One Deaf friend went to Italy and ended up “interpreting” between a hearing friend who signed, and a hearing Italian – all through gestures! Correct – I can easily do London, and possibly Paris – but anything beyond that would be difficult for my mother (who would like to come along, but prefers a tour group for her first time too). But then again, your story about a fellow Deaf travelmate is what I’m afraid of – Mom did offer to be that interpreter but I know she would have a hard time keeping up and will miss out for herself (pay to terp? Ouch…).
Valerie – wasn’t sure if we could name other organizations – hence the numbers used in the first post. Kerstin was the second one, and if I did all three (Germany & Switzerland plus England, Ireland, and Scotland, it would cost me 10k not to mention the extra flights in between and the trip insurance for EACH trip ($200+). (looks at wallet). The Germany/Switzerland one did appeal, but unfortunately I have a conflict (the ONLY conflict between April and October – go figure) that overlaps with those dates. I’m on a wait list for the UK trio, tho.
Charlotte – Hands on Travel was the 4th one that pulled the Grand European (as one can see on their website, it is no longer among the 2016 listings). I’m on a wait list for both the England/France and the Italy trips.
Thank you all for being such helpful folks! Always good to know that my cheering section is slightly bigger now 

Count me among the many who are so hoping that you get to Europe! Is there any possibility that one of the Rick Steves My Way tours would work for you and your Mom? You would have the comfort of having your hotels and transportation taken care of, but there would be no guided tours or other services that would be of no use to you. The full itinerary is published ahead of time, giving you plenty of time to research options that would work for you. Each day, the daily schedule is posted in your hotel, so you wouldn't need to rely on verbal messages. And, in case of an emergency, the RS "guide" (can't remember what they call them on these tours) would be there for support.

Wow, Nancy might have a point worth considering. I took a quick look at your earlier bucket list. Would the MyWay Europe in 14 days cover a bunch of locations on the list? You could always do some time in London before or after. I took the MyWay Alpine and spent a good deal of time on my own or with one or two other folks. I planned out what I wanted to see beforehand as I did not know what to expect. Pretty much, I came with a pre-formed agenda - no guiding needed.

Indeed, Nancy may be onto something! Took a look and the BOE 14, Alpine, and Italy all would work. Can fly into London for a few days, chunnel over to Paris for a few then join a tour? If I do the 14, would 4 days London (including flight arrival day), 3 days (including chunnel) then tour then stay Rome one more day be feasible?

The bus thing would be far easier on mother and aunt especially when luggage is involved.

I'll have to save Salzburg and Florence foe next time. At least we drive through Austria? :) Hopefully there will be one!

Emailing the RS team to see if they're on board with the suggestion (and if I can get transcripts of the audio/walking tours to read on the bus)

Why the pressure to take a tour? Maybe travel independently with a hearing/signing companion.

Hi again. I think your plan sounds fine. Given unlimited time and $$, you could fit Florence and Salz. in there too :-). Just fyi, there was a deaf young woman on one of the tours I took, the Venice, Florence, Rome. She was accompanied by her mother who would sign if needed. She did read lips. It took me till Rome to figure this out, my point being, it must have been manageable for her. As I recall, she kept a great blog and everyone was eager for her postings.

Good luck and happy travels!

Nancy, what a great idea! alsperformingarts, my fingers are crossed that this new plan will work for you, your mom and aunt. I can feel the excitement in your most recent post. I think the My Way 14 day tour plus your add on days ( or as a matter of fact any of the tours you are considering) would be a good plan for you. I am adding the usual caveat though....do pack lightly!!! Please keep us posted on how your plans progress!

Please do keep us posted!! :)

I also feel that Nancy's suggestion seems like a great solution. It provides the ease of a tour (all transportation and hotels taken care of, a tour escort to help with any problems) as well as the ability to do independent sightseeing. Adding a few days before and after the tour on your own to see other places should provide a wonderful holiday.