When we think about travel writing and photography, we often imagine it as an inherently visual experience. After all, isn’t travel about seeing new sights, capturing stunning vistas, and experiencing visual wonders? But what if I told you one of the most inspiring travel writers I’ve recently encountered navigates the world without being able to see it?
In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Penny Zubula, a remarkable travel writer who was born legally blind and is now completely blind. Together with her husband Simon Lock, a talented photographer, and her guide dog Splendid, Penny travels the world and shares her experiences through rich, sensory-focused travel writing that engages readers on multiple levels.
Penny’s journey into travel writing began after a successful career in broadcasting and public relations. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Montreal, she had early exposure to different cultures before settling in the United States. Her background includes nine years as a local television talk show host and producer, followed by work as a newspaper staff writer. It wasn’t until later in life that she discovered her passion for travel writing, which has now become her primary focus.
What makes Penny’s approach to travel writing unique is her emphasis on non-visual senses. While most travel writers lean heavily on visual descriptions, Penny naturally gravitates toward sounds, smells, tastes, and the overall feeling of a place. She works as a team with her husband Simon, who provides the visual details she can’t perceive directly, creating a comprehensive sensory experience for their readers.
On their website, “Six Legs Will Travel,” Penny, Simon, and Splendid (her guide dog) explore the world together. Traveling with a service animal adds another layer of complexity to international travel, with each country having different regulations and requirements. Penny shared how EU countries are relatively straightforward with their requirements, while other destinations like Japan, Israel, and even Hawaii present more significant challenges with their quarantine and entry regulations.
Despite these obstacles, Penny and Simon have visited an impressive array of destinations. They’ve explored Japan, cruised across the North Pacific, ventured through Alaska, and spent time in Vancouver. Their upcoming adventures include Ireland, Estonia, and Germany. They particularly enjoy Holland America cruises, appreciating the excellent accommodations the cruise line makes for service animals and travelers with disabilities.
One fascinating aspect of their travel lifestyle is their participation in language schools across Europe. They volunteer at programs in Spain, Italy, Romania, and soon Germany, where their lodging and meals are provided in exchange for conversing with locals who want to improve their English. This immersive experience gives them meaningful cultural exchanges while helping others develop language skills.
When asked about favorite destinations, Penny and Simon shared the sentiment that many avid travelers express: their favorite place is wherever they happen to be at the moment. They do, however, evaluate destinations based on whether they could potentially live there, considering factors like weather, culture, healthcare services, and public transportation.
Perhaps the most inspiring message from our conversation was Penny’s advice for those who feel something is holding them back from traveling. She acknowledges that stepping out of your comfort zone can be challenging but emphasizes that it’s invariably worth it. She suggests starting with destinations within your comfort zone and gradually expanding your boundaries, possibly traveling with supportive companions who can provide assistance when needed.
“If you waste those opportunities, the person you hurt most is yourself,” Penny wisely noted near the end of our conversation. Her adventures—from hot air balloon rides to rock climbing to snowshoeing—demonstrate that limitations are often self-imposed rather than insurmountable barriers.
Penny and Simon’s story reminds us that travel is not merely about what we see but about fully engaging with the world through all our senses and experiences. Their journey shows that with determination, teamwork, and an open mind, the world remains accessible even when facing significant challenges. For anyone who has ever thought, “I’d like to travel, but…” Penny’s story stands as powerful evidence that most obstacles can be overcome with the right attitude and approach.
To learn more about Penny Zubula and Simon Lock’s adventures, visit SixLegsWillTravel.com , myeclecticimages.com , or follow their visual journey on their Instagram sites. Their story might just provide the inspiration needed to overcome whatever barriers are standing between you and your next great adventure.
Penny’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixlegswilltravel
Simon’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/myeclecticimages
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