Tag: Travel and Holiday

Spain Introduces Three-Year Tourist Ban

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tourism ban is a topic that has gained traction in recent years, particularly due to the rapid changes in environmental conditions, cultural impacts, and the effects of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. While tourism is essential for many economies around the world, there are strong arguments for placing restrictions or even banning certain forms of tourism to protect local communities and the environment. 

By recognizing the importance of preserving local integrity and ecosystems, societies can work toward creating a more sustainable tourist landscape that benefits everyone involved. The challenge lies in finding the balance between enjoying travel and protecting the places that make it special. 

Watch the video to see how Spain is dealing with tourist overcrowding.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to sit out” mean here, “Don’t think Barcelona is sitting this one out.”? Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does  “to come with a price” mean? “Well, it turns out that those Instagram photos with endless sunshine and vibrant street scenes come with a price.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the word “grumble ” mean? “Spaniards are starting to grumble about their once Charming neighborhoods being taken over by tourists and who can really blame them.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does overtourism affect a city/country? Talk about the benefits and drawbacks.
  2. What could be the social and economic consequences of a ban on tourism in popular destinations?
  3. What are your thoughts on “Local only.” areas?
  4. How might a tourism ban affect local culture and heritage in places that heavily depend on tourism?
  5. What alternatives to tourism might local communities explore if tourism were banned or significantly restricted?
  6. Is overtourism really a problem for a city/country? Why or why not?

Spanish Locals Fed Up with Overtourism Block Zebra Crossings 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Overtourism is a term used to describe the negative impact of increased tourist numbers on popular destinations. This phenomenon has gained attention in recent years as many cities and natural sites struggle to cope with the overwhelming influx of visitors. While tourism can foster economic growth and promote cultural exchange, the excessive crowds can lead to significant challenges for both the environment and local communities. 

The negative effects on natural environments, local communities, and urban infrastructure emphasize the need for sustainable practices in the travel industry. By making conscious efforts to manage visitor numbers and promote responsible tourism, we can preserve the beauty and integrity of our beloved destinations for future generations. 

Read the article and learn how a community reacted to this problem.

Spanish Fed Up with Overtourism Are Blocking Zebra Crossings

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the noun “grievance” mean? “Spain has seen many overtourism protests this year, but one small village has been making its grievances known in a very unusual way. “ Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.
  2. What does “to take it upon oneself” mean? “In the Galician village of O Hío in northwest Spain, locals took it upon themselves to protest against the volume of tourists by blocking zebra crossings.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does  “traffic gridlock” mean? “Walking up and down them for a total of 37 minutes, they caused total traffic gridlock – worsening the exact problem they hoped to highlight.” Use it in a sentence and give 2 synonyms.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction the locals’ protest?
  2. Does your city have the same problem? Talk about it.
  3. What are some popular destinations in your city you think are suffering from overtourism? And what measures have been taken in order to have everything under control.
  4. What do you think is the best solution to this problem?
  5. How do you think it is like living in an overly touristic place?
  6. Share your thoughts on this, “Authorities should find a mutually beneficial solution so that residents and visitors can co-exist happily.“

Technology Is Changing The Travel Industry


B2 – Upper Intermediate

Technology is rapidly transforming the travel industry, reshaping how we plan and experience travel. Today, digital technologies give travelers more control, making services like meal ordering and taxi booking via smartphone convenient. Innovations such as online platforms and AI have made travel more accessible and streamlined for a wider audience.

Read this article to learn how technology is changing the travel industry.

https://techcrayon.com/2024/10/16/how-technology-is-changing-the-travel-industry/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be at the heart of something” mean? “How technology is changing the travel industry is a question that has been at the heart of transformative change reshaping the travel industry over recent years.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “at large” mean in this context, “Technology is touching every part of travel, from planning trips to improving the experience at large.” Use this phrase in a sentence in the same context. Give another meaning of “at large”.
  3. What is the meaning of “to put the power back into one’s hands“? “This move has put planning and organizing power back into the hands of travellers, who can now custom-make their plans.” Make a sentence with this expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What role does AI play in personalizing the travel experience for users?
  2. What challenges might travelers face as technology becomes more integrated into the travel industry?
  3. How has the increasing reliance on technology affected the traditional roles of travel agents or agencies?
  4. How has technology benefited you in terms of traveling?
  5. What are your thoughts on this statement, “These technologies are likely to improve even more as time goes on, making travel a lot easier and giving us all the opportunity to discover new frontiers.“?

Barcelona Impose Strict Crackdown on E-Scooter Users

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Barcelona has mostly flat paths and numerous bicycle lanes. It is no wonder that different forms of single-person vehicles are emerging in this city. The most popular one is the e-scooter, locally known as “patinete”. However, these e-scooters and other VMP’s have increasingly become a problem in the city recently.

Let’s read the article and know more about problems brought about by VMP’s and the new traffic laws imposed on them.

https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/01/05/500-euro-fine-barcelona-impose-strict-crackdown-on-e-scooter-users/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Define the word “nippy“. “Electric scooters now dominate the daily commute, with nearly 45,000 journeys every single day taking place on the nippy vehicles.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  2. What does the phrase “to flood something” in this context? “Barcelona is a vibrant, blossoming city that continues to flood the Spanish landscape with culture and historical significance, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists per year.” Use it in your own sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “tear through” mean? “Criminals would tear through the city at speeds of up to 25 mph and target innocent pedestrians, aiming to capture their mobile phones and make a quick getaway.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the new e-scooter rules in Barcelona?
  2. Do you use an e-scooter? Would you consider buying one? Why or why not?
  3. What personal mobility vehicles are common where you live? What kinds of problems do they cause?
  4. How pedestrian-friendly your town or city is? Talk more about it.

Crackdown on Electric Rideable Suitcases

B1 – Intermediate 

The latest technology in suitcases is the electric rideable luggage. While it might seem like a cool piece of device, it could cause problems too.

In Japan, mobile luggage is considered a motor vehicle which means the rider should follow the same rules when operating any motorized form of transportation.

Read the article about the crackdown on electric rideable suitcases in Japan.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2408/240801-rideable-suitcases.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the word “nuisance” mean? “However, it is becoming a nuisance in some parts of Japan.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘nuisance’ in your own sentence. 
  2. What does the phrase “a way of getting around” mean here, “Companies are also trying to make rules for the new way of getting around.” Give one synonym and use this phrase in a sentence in this context.
  3. What does “emerge” mean? “Unexpected new forms of transport will continue to emerge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘emerge’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion on mobile suitcases and their popularity these days?
  2. What is your opinion on Japan’s crackdown on rideable suitcases?
  3. What are the pros and cons of a electric luggage?
  4. Should they be considered a motor vehicle? Explain.
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “Unexpected new forms of transport will continue to emerge.”.

Airships: The Future of Sustainable Travel

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Could airships be the key to sustainable air travel? With concerns over aviation’s environmental impact rising, these eco-friendly vehicles are being revisited as a possible solution. While they offer the promise of lower carbon emissions, questions about their practicality and cost-effectiveness remain.

Read the article to discover whether airships can provide a viable, greener alternative to modern air travel, or if they’re just a nostalgic dream.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20241204-could-the-airship-be-the-answer-to-sustainable-air-travel

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “at the height of luxury” mean? “The journey is expected to take two days and will be conducted at the height of luxury in an airship gondola decked out with panoramic windows, fine dining areas and opulent cabins containing eco-luxury beds that take in the views of the icebergs as you go.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. What is “a niche role”? “In my view, airships cannot replace aircraft but might have a niche role to play, like cruise ships, on slower journeys.” Create a sentence with this phrase.
  3. Define the expression, “poised to enter something”. “LTA – which stands for “Lighter Than Air” – is one of a handful of airship manufacturers around the world currently poised to enter the aviation market.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes airships a potential solution for sustainable air travel?
  2. Do you believe airships could become a viable alternative to airplanes for long-distance travel?
  3. Should governments and industries invest more in the development of airships for sustainable travel?
  4. Would you consider traveling by airship if it were available as a sustainable option?
  5. Do you think the cost of building and operating airships would be justified by their environmental benefits?

Understanding Overtourism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Over-tourism is a growing concern, affecting both local communities and the environment. While tourism brings economic benefits, overcrowding leads to problems like environmental degradation, rising living costs, and strained infrastructure. As destinations struggle to manage the increasing flow of visitors, finding sustainable solutions has become more urgent than ever.

Read this article to learn more about the impacts of overtourism.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-over-tourism-causes-consequences-pum1f/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tourist cap” mean in this context? “This can be done through measures such as tourist caps, timed entry systems for popular sites, and differential pricing during peak seasons.” Make a sentence with this.
  2. Define “off the beaten path“. “Marketing efforts can focus on off-the-beaten-path locations, seasonal activities, and cultural experiences that draw tourists away from overcrowded hotspots.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is “equitable tourism“? “Through collaborative efforts, it is possible to create a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry that enriches both travelers and host communities alike.” Make a sentence with this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does over-tourism affect the cost of living for local residents?
  2. What role can travelers play in reducing the negative impacts of over-tourism?
  3. In your opinion, what makes a destination “over-touristed,” and how can we identify when a location reaches this point?
  4. How do you think digital platforms like Airbnb contribute to the rise of over-tourism in certain cities?
  5. What are some examples of destinations that have successfully addressed the issue of over-tourism? What strategies did they use?

Nintendo Museum

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nintendo has a profound impact on most children in the 1990’s. Young people in this decade would have probably played or at least recognize Super Mario to this day. Not only is Nintendo popular for its video games, but it has once dominated the playing card market as well.

If you enjoyed playing Nintendo video games as a child, you should come pay the Nintendo Museum a visit and be brought back down memory lane.

Let’s read the article and know more about the nostalgic Nintendo Museum in Japan.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/worlds-first-nintendo-museum-kyoto-japan-intl-hnk/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “a wealth of something” mean? “While museum visitors won’t be able to jump up and punch “question blocks” like Mario –they can already do that at the Super Nintendo World theme park in nearby Osaka anyway – they will have access to a wealth of info that offers insights into the mind of Nintendo mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto, also known as the father of Super Mario.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘a wealth of something’ in your own sentence.
  2. What does “humble beginnings” mean? “A museum section called “Craft and Play” is dedicated to these humble beginnings and features a hanafuda room where visitors learn to play the traditional card game with the help of technology and can join a workshop to create their own flower cards.” Give a synonym or similar expression and use ‘humble beginnings’ in your own sentence.
  3. What does “pan out” mean here, “But the main attraction of the museum is its “Discover” area, a massive hall featuring displays of almost every product ever released by the company, including rare limited-edition devices and prototypes that didn’t pan out.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘pan out’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you owned any Nintendo consoles? Which ones?
  2. What are your thoughts on the Nintendo Museum? Would you be interested to visit? Why or why not?
  3. Have you visited any unique museums? What makes it special?
  4. What are your country’s most influential and nostalgic companies/brands?
  5. Talk about the history of one of the biggest companies in your country.

Heat Waves Are Changing Summer Holidays

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The phenomenon of heatwaves is significantly altering the nature of summer holidays, particularly in urban areas where temperatures are exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Research indicates that extreme heat events, such as those experienced in the western United States during the summer of 2021, are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change.

The implications extend beyond individual enjoyment; they encompass broader societal effects on physical health and social interactions. Ultimately, understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective strategies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on our summer holidays

Read the article and find out if heat waves really affect tourism in a region.

https://www.euronews.com/2023/08/08/mauritius-rather-than-mallorca-how-the-heat-waves-are-changing-our-summer-holidays

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to take a toll on something” mean? “On the Italian island of Sicily, wildfires were much less widespread and they didn’t affect many tourists. But fear of more fires has nonetheless taken its toll on booking numbers.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “full picture” mean? “A study by the EU Commission study found a clear north-south divide on tourism demand within Europe. But what’s the full picture?”  Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does the noun “upswing” mean? “According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), a non-governmental organisation that promotes Europe as a travel destination worldwide, the European travel market is on the upswing.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Share your insights related to this news.
  2. How was the situation in your country this last summer in terms of the heat and the number of tourists that the country received?
  3. Jean-Pierre Mas said: “There will be no dramatic decline. Instead, there will be a gradual change.” What does it mean?
  4. Share your own opinion why you think German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s tweet became controversial.
  5. “Italy’s motto: Don’t be alarmed.” Do you think they are right? Share your thoughts.

European Roads Are Full of Holidaymakers

B1 – Intermediate

Summer is peak travel season and due to this, European roads become congested with so many people going on their holidays. Families, tourists, and travelers from various countries take to the roads to enjoy their vacations, leading to heavy traffic and busy routes.

This increase in road activity can create challenges such as longer travel times and traffic jams. Understanding this seasonal trend helps in planning trips and managing travel expectations during busy periods.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about traffic jams in Europe this summer.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/european-roads-are-full-of-holidaymakers-level-2/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does traffic jam mean? “Traffic jams are causing problems in Europe as people go on summer holidays.” Use it in a senence.
  2. What does motorway mean? “In Bavaria, tourists are traveling to Italy and Austria. Last weekend, they caused 14 kilometers of traffic jams on the A8 motorway.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does toll plaza mean? “The Croatian Tourist Board is giving water bottles and car air fresheners to tourists at toll plazas and ferry ports.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do traffic jams affect travelers’ experiences and plans?
  2. What do you think drivers can do to make long trips during busy times easier?
  3. Why do traffic jams become more common during the summer holidays in Europe? Elaborate.
  4. Why is it important to take breaks and drink water during long drives?
  5. Talk about your own experience with traffic jams during peak season in your city/country.