Hello, my name is Brittany Sommerfield. I am 23 and I volunteer as an ambassador for FARA. My main career is as a Travel Agent (Pro) with an Ontario company, ‘Travel Agents in Action’. Last fall, I took part in the 10th annual FARA symposium. What made this adventure a little different is it’s a solo journey- cross border- to an unfamiliar city- in a wheelchair! Departing October 13th and returning October 18th, journeying from Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) with a one-day extension to Toronto, Ontario (Canada). Even with 3 years in the travel industry, plus close to 40 trans-border vacations, I have taken, it wasn’t easy. An amazing, wonderful, life-changing adventure I am so happy I took, as well as, immensely proud of myself for doing! Here is my travel journal where you can follow the triumphs and challenges of my trip.
Day 1 - Friday, October 13th
Today I said goodbye to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to begin my 6-day voyage. Up at 5 am and I got to the Winnipeg International Airport just after 6 am. My dad quickly said his goodbyes and I was off on my own. I’m a frequent traveler so I can say navigating the airport isn't so bad for me and it helps that the Winnipeg airport is tiny. But it never hurts to ask, if you're not 100% certain, just ask a staff member to help guide you. It’s no shame, airports are very complex. I said I was okay alone and I am. I can manage but my stubborn little ways get me into trouble. So when people offer to help, I would say no without thinking, but after a minute I would usually be convinced to say yes. And thank goodness, there are so many good people still in this world to offer such assistance. I don't think I would have gotten through airport security on my own without these good Samaritans. I need to note to myself, just say yes when the staff offers to help…