I prefer to prepare for travel by reading fiction set in or about the places I intend to go, but aside from travel reference material, have never used texts of the non-fiction variety. Having just returned from my trip to France, I just got the latest DWR newsletter from DWR Founder Rob Forbes in which he chronicles his own recent France holiday. Rob questioned the contrast between the ornate chateaus and the surrounding utilitarian architecture and sought to investigate the notion of simplicity in design by applying John Maeda’s The Laws of Simplicity to his own France observations. A very interesting read and a great way to inject a new perspective on your travels.