Traveling to unknown places -- tips?

[Braille Alumni Connects Students]

Hey alumni,

What are some tips you have about navigating places to places you've
never been to like a college campus or public transportation? Are you
usually pretty comfortable getting there or do you need to do a lot of
research before you head out?

I ask this question because Cane Quest is happening this Saturday. For
those who aren't familiar with this event, Cane Quest invites blind
and visually impaired students grades 3 to 12 to participate in a
mobility and orientation contest. Each student is given secret routes
and they must navigate through neighborhoods, business streets and
even a mall. Students earn points by showing that they have proper
white cane techniques as well as know how to read braille directions.

This is definitely not your usual Braille Challenge! Anyway, let's
hear your tips about traveling to uncharted territory!