This is our story...
Welcome to Hands On Travel, where we specialize in crafting immersive and enriching travel experiences for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Our company was born out of the passion for exploring the world and embracing new cultures. Our founder, Terry Giansanti, always dreamt of living in Europe, and upon graduating from Gallaudet University, he moved to Rome to work for the 2001 Italian Deaflympics Committee. He fell in love with the city and decided to stay, but was disappointed by the negative feedback he heard from other deaf tourists about their experiences. Determined to change this, he founded Hands On Italia in 2002 to provide exceptional travel experiences for the deaf community.
As demand for our tours grew, Hands On Italia became Hands On Travel in 2005, and since then we have expanded to provide tours in over 60+ countries around the world. We understand that a truly memorable travel experience is built on three key foundations: clear communication with sign language guides who are local, small groups for an intimate and personalized experience, and unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist itinerary.
At our company, we have been providing exceptional travel experiences for over two decades to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Our tours are carefully crafted based on three core principles: clear communication, intimate group sizes, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
We believe in traveling in a way where we fully immerse ourselves in the local culture, becoming temporary residents of the places we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact wherever we go and relish in the opportunity to learn and grow with every destination we explore. Each tour is specially designed to fit your individual preferences and needs, ensuring a truly personalized journey.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, our tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the world in a way that is inclusive, meaningful, and enjoyable.
Join us and discover the beauty of the world through our inclusive, meaningful, and enjoyable tours. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.
The Evolution of Hands On Travel
We continue to evolve by providing better tours for our travelers.
2002 - 2005
2005 - 2021
2021 - PRESENT
Travel In Good Hands
Deaf Ecosystem
Supporting local Deaf ecosystem: local Deaf guides, organizations and businesses.
Direct Communication
100% sign language in two-way conversations with Deaf guide(s).
Small Groups
Extra attention to your safety, comfort, and needs. Greater ease in travel logistics.
60% Repeat Customers
Quality tour experience to ensure our customers are happy after every tour ends.
Travel Experts
Our team have travel experience in over 60+ countries through countless trips.
Flexible Booking
So easy that you can choose how to make payments with us.
Destinations
Amazing Tours
Local Deaf Guides
Happy Customers
Our Travel Style
Our Travel Style
The Idea of Mass Tourism
- A group of people in a big tour bus and wheeling them around to all the major sights with obligatory stops at mediocre restaurants and tourist-trap souvenir shops, isn’t our travel style.
We are a Hands-On Company
- A full direct access in sign language, immersion with Deaf locals, local tours and restaurants, and living like the locals live. We aim to delight our travelers through fascinating and interactive programs that give them deeper appreciation of the area.
Meet Our Family
Hands on Travel is about connecting people with the world and each other. We also committed to providing our travelers with more personal, intimate and authentic than any they’ve had before. Our tours offer an emotional connection that most others cannot match.
Customer Reviews
