Homebodies on Vacation

How important is authenticity of a place we visit while on vacation?

              It seems to me that the concept of travel has changed over time. Expectations of experience as a tourist have altered the way in which one vacations. “Correspondence between histories and geographies is not essential” (Diller & Scofidio). I would strongly disagree with this statement. Authentication of experience is one of the greatest parts of travel. To know that you are standing on the grounds where a famous battle took place is powerful, and without the location, the experience is eliminated.

               For example, I could go to Las Vegas and see the Eiffel Tower Parisian hotel and know that I’m not in Paris. The experience would be completely compromised by the fact that the location and the building don’t match.

"eiffel tower, las vegas, not paris, paris, photography ." Favim.com. N.p., 9 Sept. 2011. Web. 24 Sept. 2011. <http://favim.com/image/140986/>.

“Tourism “domesticates” vision. It is a mechanism of escape from the home, yet “home” is one of tourism’s strongest themes”

I find this quote interesting, and quite realistic. While society today vacations to “escape” reality, it is our own reality that provides us with the most comfort. Even when on vacation from our lives, we crave the comforts of home, as it’s familiar and safe. This is where the vacation home comes into play. The vacation home allows for all the comforts of home, but also gives a sense of escape from our identities, and gives us the power to remain in control.

                  The description of Slow House was interesting in the respect that it discusses the characteristics of the view being a “prized asset of the vacation home” (Diller & Scofidio). Slow House is constructed in such a way that you travel from the narrow end of the house to the panoramic view of the picture window. I think this allows for the sense of journey and adventure within the comforts and confines of your home away from home.