Explorations
From Home
Around the World, From your Couch
Feeling bummed because you cannot head out to the airport and set off to explore the world? If travel is one of your favorite things to do and you're wondering how you can do it from home, we've got your covered. With these itineraries, you can travel across the globe while also investigating your next great adventure.
This page is interactive with a family design challenge, surveys, and opportunities for you to share reflections. It will also be released in stages, so be sure to stop by again. We hope you will join in the fun, and that you have a great time.
Bon Voyage!
Part One: The Airport Design Challenge
Many travellers love the airport. There is an excitement that settles in, and lets you know that the adventure is about to begin. If you're a world traveller, you know that not all airports are created the same. Many factors influence the airport experience including the lighting, air quality, interior design, options for travellers, etc. How an airport is laid out and its signage, or the "wayfinding" of the design, can really impact the quality of your experience. We begin our ISL explorations with a bit of information about airports, with a special look at some of the best in the world.
Family Design Challenge:
Redesign one of the worst airports from the 2019 list. Create a model of your design.
Deadline: 15:40 on 24 April, 2020
Are you in? Hit the arrow to expand and read the criteria.
The Criteria:
Your airport design should include at least three elements of the BEST airports of 2019. Use either World Airport Awards or Getybus.
Two of those elements may come from the same airport.
A third must come from a different airport.
In total, you should be including elements of a minimum of two airports. Of course, you may include more.
You should be able to explain how you have used the principles of wayfinding in your design.
Include at least two elements of wayfinding from this article and be able to tell how they were included.
Commendation is given to those who further research wayfinding and/or the principles of airport design.
Your airport design should reflect your unique sense of style and preference.
Somewhere in your design, you should be able to speak to something that is all about you. For instance, if you REALLY love fish and turtles, how will we see that in your design? (Now, don't everyone go and put fish in your design... it was an example, probably influenced by the Hawaii trip coming up.)
Your airport design should reflect where it is located.
What features can you include that show the airport's geographical location?
How can you reflect the local culture?
How might the visitors learn something new about the location from your airport design?
If you choose to accept the challenge, submit images of your design and build on a Google Doc responding to the criteria above.
Send your responses to Ms. Threlfall by Friday, 24 April 2020
Traveler's Resources:
Sam Chui is an aviation and travel writer who reviews airlines and airports. His blog and Youtube channel provide great insight into what it is to be a first class traveler. He reviews both the airplane and the airport, taking us along as he travels the world in style. He is worth tuning in to prepare you for our trips, because our itineraries are all FIRST CLASS ONLY! Nothing but the best for ISL staycation travelers.
In the featured video, Sam speaks to what airlines are doing to support COVID-19 efforts.
One of the most popular producers of travel guides, Lonely Planet has many wonderful free virtual tours that you can take. Visit the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, visit national parks, or even take a safari. Virtual tours are a great way to see the world without leaving home.
Photography Classes: (Y7-Y13)
Nikon is offering free online photography lessons and streamable content until 30 April. Learn how to take great photos to help you keep a record of your travels. Photography is an excellent medium for self-expression and creativity.
Receive free guidance on how to be a great travel writer. Resources are also available to help you begin to research your next travel destination.
It seems wrong to talk about travel and not mention Nat Geo! A leader in travel writing, adventuring, and wild explorations, Nat Geo is a great source for travel inspiration and for seeing the world from your couch.
Part Two: Our Travel Itineraries
Akwaba! Our first trip takes us to Ghana, West Africa. Ghana has a rich history, joyful people, and beautiful landscapes. We hope you enjoy the itinerary that includes cultural spots, food, music, dance, natural wonders and historic sites! Be sure to participate in the word cloud at the end of the "trip."
