How do architects plan vacation trips? I might be generalizing based solely on…me. However, I’d like to think that we are unique and we don’t plan our trips like other people. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. If you are like me in your vacation planning methodology, but are not an architect, you probably need to reconsider your current vocation.
Now, with the internet and a laptop, my wife and I make all of our travel plans. There’s no need for anyone else. What we can’t find out online, we allow serendipity to fill in the gaps. It makes for great stories. We used to only stay in B&B’s, but once we had a son (and stayed in a B&B once) we figured we’d go back to staying in hotels. It’s just easier. Regardless, here are our ten ways we make travel plans each year.
- Rule out Disneyland, any beach and camping. These places are off limits (this is mostly my rule).
- Choose a general location based on where you have not been yet.
- Choose a location based on architecture you have not seen yet. (Why do you go on vacation?)
- Choose a specific location based on restaurants you have not eaten at yet and don’t have at home.
- Choose a location that has a history that precedes the century your parents were born.
- Visit places that you cannot see anything like at home.
- Find places that allow you to sight-see without needing a car. In other words, you’ll need to walk (or use public transportation) for some part of your vacationing plans.
- Find places that will make for great photographs.
- Find places that have unique bookstores and coffee shops.
- And last, but probably most important, choose places that make your family happy (without breaking the first rule).
photos are from bb_matt’s stock photo gallery on Stock.Xchng (used under the Standard Restrictions)
think | architect 
When we traveled with 5, the cost of travel became expensive – so cheap plane tickets were on the list. 2 for 1 tickets were the best.
We required a swimming pool: a dip in the morning and one at night allowed the kids to manage the traveling.
Consider Disney as a design experience: it is very well thought out down to small details like curbing. We laughed a lot –
Yes, we require a pool too. Kids are just kids and it makes me happy to make my son happy. Of course, I’m not sure about the Disney thing…so commercialized and overstimulating. My biggest problem is it is the thing “everybody” does. I tend to swim in the opposite direction.
I’m with you on most points. I used to avoid beaches (too boring) but after a hectic few years of non-stop work, we’re headed to Seaside this summer to enjoy some R&R (what’s that!?). I’m actually looking forward to it, since most of our vacations are centered around architecture in big cities w/jam packed schedules. We’ll still enjoy the architecture, but at a slower pace this time. Cheers!
Brinn, I should probably clarify that we typically do not visit large cities, especially the big ones like LA, NY and such. Last year we stayed in Portland ME and Providence RI. This year its Fredericksburg VA and a day trip to Richmond. We’ll also see Leesburg VA and even Gettysburg PA for lunch. I’m with you about nothing hectic. So the bottom line is wherever you go or whatever you do, it must be relaxing. I think I could do Seaside.
I think a lot of these can also be said for historic preservationists as well. For me personally, I tend to stay at a B&B at least for one night, and it’s great when the house has a neat history. I also travel on the back roads so that I have the chance to go through small towns and villages to see their architecture and old cemeteries, which I am prone to stopping at for pictures.
We are very much alike; I love old towns and cities that have an established “Main Street”. We used to only stay at B&B’s but found them a bit difficult with a son who has more energy than they appreciate. He’s well behaved, but we’re still afraid of something breaking. Visiting towns with a rich history makes me more passionate about preservation.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been doing a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this matter here on your blog.
Thanks for reading. I hope it was a great lunch.