Tag: Travel and Holiday

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.

Expensive Trains in England 

B1 – Intermediate

Train travel in England can be quite expensive, with ticket prices often surprising passengers. High costs for both short and long journeys can make rail travel a significant expense. In this case, you need to explore alternative options to save money.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about expensive train tickets in the UK.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/expensive-trains-in-england-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “cost-conscious” mean? “A cost–conscious teen wanted to travel from Sheffield in northern England to Essex, which was around 300 kilometres from his location.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “to save a few pennies” mean? “All those extra 1,600 kilometres saved Brian a few pennies, but took him 13 hours from door-to-door.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “door-to-door”mean? “All those extra 1,600 kilometres saved Brian a few pennies, but took him 13 hours from door-to-door.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think the teen found the journey to be a “great experience” despite the extra distance and time?
  2. How do you think the price of train tickets could impact travel decisions for others?
  3. Can you think of any other situations where taking a longer or more complicated route might be cheaper or more beneficial?
  4. How important is it for you to save money on travel? Would you consider taking a longer route just to save money?

Rome’s New Metro Line

B1 – Intermediate 

Rome’s Metro C line has been in progress for almost 20 years and has now finally reached an important phase in its construction.  When completed, Metro C will connect the Vatican and improve Rome’s public transportation system. 

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Rome’s new metro line.

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/romes-new-metro-line-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “flagship”? “The flagship station at Piazza Venezia has an 85-meter-deep wall and will be completed by 2034.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. What does “funding delay” mean? “The Metro C line has been in progress for two decades because of bureaucratic and funding delays.”  Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “ruins” mean in this context, “The main obstacle is the underground ruins of Imperial Roman and Medieval civilizations that require extensive archaeological work.”? Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your own words, talk about the new metro line in Rome. State as much details as possible.
  2. What are the reasons it has taken two decades to complete this project?
  3. What might be pros and cons having this new metro line in Rome?
  4. Do you think this metro line is necessary? State your opinion.
  5. How can public transport be improved in your city/country?

Severe Turbulence Hits Singapore Airlines Flight

B1 – Intermediate 

Singapore Airlines flight flying from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence when they hit an air pocket.

This resulted to the plane making an emergency landing in Bangkok, one death and multiple injuries, some were critical ones.

Thankfully, extremely strong turbulence such as this does not happen very often, but it is possible.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about severe turbulence that Singapore Airlines flight suffered. 

https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/a-man-dies-on-a-plane-level-3/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “turbulence”? “A plane traveling from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence and was forced to an emergency landing at Bangkok Airport.” Make your own sentence with this word.
  2. Define “air pocket”. “The Boeing 777 hit an air pocket in Thai airspace, which led to turbulence.” Make your own sentence with this phrase.
  3. What does “tarmac” mean? “Many passengers and crew members were treated at a field hospital on the tarmac.”  Make your own sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What happened during this flight. State as much details as possible.
  2. What was your reaction to this news?
  3. How can Singapore Airlines help the affected passengers on this flight?
  4. How can airlines be more prepared for this kind of mid-flight incidents?

Revolt Against Bad Tourists

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As summer draws closer and closer, a noticeable shift is occurring in popular tourist destinations like Ibiza and Mallorca. Locals in these parts are expressing firm desire for respectful tourists and raising concerns about the negative impact of mass tourism.

Read this article to learn about the changing attitudes towards tourism in popular destinations.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240522-the-worlds-revolt-against-bad-tourists

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to stem the flow of something” mean? “In hotly visited Venice, tourist fees have begun for daytrippers to try to stem the flow of unending visitors.” Make a sentence with this expression.
  2. Define “tourism levy“. “And Bali recently announced a new tourism levy after a series of incidents involving visitors desecrating holy sites and behaving disrespectfully.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does “a force for good” mean? “I see travel as a force for good. We don’t want to make it only possible for rich people to have these mind-opening experiences, but they need to be able to do it in a responsible way so we don’t ruin the planet at the same time.” Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the growing anti-tourist sentiment in places like Ibiza and Mallorca?
  2. How do you believe tourists can better respect local culture and nature when visiting a destination?
  3. Do you believe that mass tourism has a positive or negative impact on local communities? Why?
  4. In your ideal travel scenario, what would a responsible and sustainable tourist experience look like for you?
  5. How do you think tourism patterns will change in the future, considering the ongoing discussions about sustainability and responsible travel?