Tag: Travel and Holiday

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Ten exciting destinations around the world that are perfect for adventure travelers seeking thrilling experiences. From trekking in the Himalayas to diving in the Great Barrier Reef, each destination is described with its unique attractions.

Read the article to know more activities that cater to adrenaline junkies.

https://medium.com/@muhammadahmedseo580/top-10-must-visit-destinations-for-adventure-travelers-80ea3d9b2835

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “beckon” mean? “For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush and a break from the ordinary, adventure travel beckons like a siren’s call.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘beckon’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “off the beaten path” mean? “For adventure travelers seeking an unforgettable journey off the beaten path, these ten destinations are a gateway to exhilarating experiences and extraordinary landscapes. “ Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘off the beaten path’ in your own sentence.
3. What does “intrepid” mean? “As the sun rises over the Andes, the lost city emerges like a dream, rewarding intrepid adventurers with a glimpse into the past.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘intrepid’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Among the ten destinations highlighted in the article, are there any off-the-beaten-path gems that you’ve never heard of before?
2. Talk about your most memorable adventure ever.
3. Did the article mention any safety considerations or tips for travelers visiting these adventurous destinations?
4. After reading about these adventurous destinations, do you feel inspired to plan your next trip? If so, which destination are you most excited to explore, and what kind of adventure activities would you want to experience there?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Retired people have plenty of time on their hands. They have different ways of spending this abundance of time. An ideal way to spend it is to get out and see the world.

However, not all retirees have the financial means to explore this option. Spanish pensioners are lucky to have a government-sponsored scheme that lets them travel without breaking the bank.

Read the article and know more about Spain’s IMSERSO subsidised holidays scheme.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/02/15/spain-gives-its-pensioners-subsidised-holidays-and-it-wants-other-eu-countries-to-join-in

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Define the word “subsidized“. “Millions of older adults – both Spanish and foreigners living in Spain – are eligible for heavily subsidised trips, costing as little as €115 for short breaks and €455 for longer holidays.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘subsidized’ in your own sentence.
2. What does “out of reach“ mean in this sentence? “Older people living in Spain are able to plan trips previously out of reach.“ Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘out of reach’ in your own sentence.
3. What is the meaning of the phrase “up for grabs“? “For the 2023/4 season, a total of 886,269 places are up for grabs – that’s 70,000 more than last year.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘up for grabs’ in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on subsidised holidays scheme for pensioners?
2. Share your opinion on this, “The Imserso tourism programme contributes to active ageing and the promotion of an active lifestyles, while favouring intergenerational solidarity, generating employment and economic activity and favouring inter-territorial solidarity through travel between different regions.”
3. How does improving pensioner’s health and quality of life benefit social care budgets?
4. What other benefits do old people in your country have?
5. How would you like to spend your retirement years?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

There’s no denying that practically everyone aspires to travel as much as possible.

An airport bomb threat is a grave concern that poses a significant risk to the safety and security of air travel. With the increasing number of terrorist activities around the world, airports have become prime targets for such threats. The consequences of an airport bomb threat are far-reaching, not only causing panic and chaos among passengers, but also disrupting the entire aviation industry.

Read the article to see how airport security procedures are impacted by bomb threats.

https://www.voanews.com/a/philippine-airports-on-high-alert-after-anonymous-bomb-warning-/7299417.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is the meaning of the idiom “to beef up”? “On Friday the aviation regulator released to media a Wednesday memo of the order given to airport security managers to beef up security, thoroughly inspect baggage and conduct round-the-clock surveillance after receiving the email threat.” Give 2 similar expressions and use “to beef up” in a sentence.
2. What is the meaning of the idiom  “round-the-clock”? “On Friday the aviation regulator released to media a Wednesday memo of the order given to airport security managers to beef up security, thoroughly inspect baggage and conduct round-the-clock surveillance after receiving the email threat.”  Give 2 similar expressions and use “round-the-clock” in a sentence.
3. What does “flag carrier” mean in aviation, “A source at Philippines Airlines, who declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak to media, said the flag carrier was operating “business as usual.“? Make a sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

1. What happened after the airports received a bomb threat?
2. If you are an avid traveler yourself, how does this news make you feel?
3. When you are at an airport, do you always feel safe? Why or Why not?
4. How do airports in your country handle safety and security?
5. Talk about any untoward incident you’ve encountered while at an airport..

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The beach is one of the most visited places during the holidays. A summer getaway seems incomplete without taking a trip to the coast.

As the years pass, the climate has been noticeably getting worse. That said, staying under the sun may be more harmful to us as heat waves have been recurring. Hence, beach travels to the Mediterranean might come to an end.

Read the article to learn more about the possible end of the Mediterranean beach holiday.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231016-is-this-the-end-of-the-mediterranean-beach-holiday

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “tighten one’s belt” mean? “Part of this could be down to consumers tightening their belts, with the ETC finding that nearly a quarter of respondents expressed concern about the rise of travel costs.” Use this in a sentence.
2. Define “driven by something“. “We believe it’s partly driven by the cooler climate, which makes walking and cycling delightful rather than a sweat.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
3. What does “fare” mean in this context? “Other regions fare better: the same climate scenario would see a 16% annual rise in tourism to west Wales, for example.” Give two synonyms and make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you feel about the potential decline of the Mediterranean beach holiday and what impact might it have on your future travel plans?
2. In what ways might over-tourism be contributing to the decline of the Mediterranean beach holiday experience?
3. What measures can be taken to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the Mediterranean beach holiday industry?
4. What factors do you consider when choosing a beach holiday destination? Are environmental concerns a priority for you?
5. Have you ever been on a Mediterranean beach holiday? If so, which destination did you visit and how was your experience?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Several dates in the world of superstitions cause as much anxiety as Friday the 13th. Due to the unusual combination of the day and number, which has long been linked to bad luck, many people advise being cautious on this believed ominous day. Of the many myths associated with Friday the Thirteenth, two particularly intriguing ones are the avoiding of specific airline seat rows and the allegedly drop in prices for tickets to different events and services. Are these claims based on valid reports or are they just the result of urban legends?

Click on the provided link to find out.

https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/10/13/very-superstitious-flight-prices-plummet-on-friday-13th-travel-search-engine-reveals

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “good deal” mean in the sentence, “Data shows you can usually find good deals when a Friday falls on the 13th of the month.”? Use this in your own sentence.
2. What does “get away” mean in the sentence, “Bear in mind that Friday is one of the most popular days to travel so prices are usually higher due to demand as people get away for the weekend.”? Use this in your own sentence.
3. What does “accident in the air” mean in the sentence, “Though there are superstitions surrounding the date, it isn’t any more likely that you’ll get into an accident in the air.”? Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the origin of the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th, and why is it considered an unlucky day in many cultures?
2. Are there any businesses or industries that are particularly affected by the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th?
3. How do different cultures and societies interpret and respond to Friday the 13th, and are there variations in beliefs and practices? Tell me more.
4. Is traveling on Friday the 13th something you’d consider? Why or why not?
5. Would you say that your culture tends to be superstitious? What’s your take on the belief that Friday the 13th is an unlucky date? Please share.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

It goes without saying that every vacation should be enjoyed. Even so, we still don’t get to cherish our holidays as much as we should—our phones being one of the reasons. Checking your phone constantly when traveling is a waste of time and takes the moments you should be enjoying.

Read this article to learn how to have a phone-free vacation.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cellphone-use-vacation_l_649c7d7ae4b0ffbe3abc577a

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “spill into” mean? “Behaviors like this can help create a vacation habit that maybe even spills into your day-to-day life, too.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. Define “make the most of“. “The move is meant to help people make the most of their vacation.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
3. What is an “toggle off“? “And, if you do end up needing your phone for directions or a translation app, you can toggle off airplane mode.” Make a sentence with this word.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of the tips listed in the article? Do you think they are actually helpful?
2. What is your opinion on the “phone-free island” mentioned in the article?
3. Are you guilty of using your phone most of the time during a trip? Talk about it.
4. What are the things you do to limit your screen time?
5. What is your idea of a fun-filled vacation?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Holidays are intended to be moments of leisure, relaxation, and fun. However, loads of individuals experience feelings of guilt when they take time off from work or other obligations. Vacation guilt is an unfortunate trend that can reduce the perks of a well-deserved break.
Hence, various strategies aimed at helping those struggling with beating this guilt and fully acknowledging the advantageous features of taking holidays have been put together by therapists.

Click on the link to learn about therapist-approved recommendations for dealing with vacation guilt, as well as the significance of self-care.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/vacation-guilt-tips_l_64948bb3e4b095a2925c0334

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “second thoughts” mean in the sentence, “Even though you’ve booked that much-needed vacation, you may have second thoughts about actually taking the time off.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
2. What does “weigh someone down” mean in the sentence, “So, how do you tackle the guilt that may be weighing you down and finally enjoy your vacation?”? Use this expression in your own sentence.
3. What does “draw the fine line between” mean in the sentence, “Setting clear boundaries will help you draw the fine line between taking time off on vacation and other responsibilities.”? Use this expression in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some common reasons why people experience guilt when taking a vacation?
2. How do you overcome feelings of guilt when taking a vacation?
3. What are some therapist-approved strategies for dealing with vacation guilt?
4. How essential is the idea of going on a holiday in terms of your work-life balance?
5. How frequently do you prioritize taking breaks and going on trips? Please share.