Tag: Travel and Holiday

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.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Backpacking is a cost-effective way for people to travel to many different places. With a limited budget, they tend to make the most of out of their trip by staying in inexpensive hotels and living like a local.

However, there are also backpackers who do not have enough money to fund their trip. Some of them turn to the kindness of local people by begging, selling, or performing on the street in exchange for money.

Let’s read the article and know more details about the begpacking phenomenon.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/asia-begpackers-intl-hnk/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “portmanteau” mean in this context? “The term is a portmanteau of “begging” and “backpacking” and is usually used to negatively describe people who are asking the public for money to fund their travels.” Give examples.
2. Define the verb “pigeonhole“. “A Cantonese-speaking colleague waited nearby to see who interacted with Pratt, then pigeonholed them to ask questions – and, in some cases, return the money they’d given.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. What does the phrase “if the shoe were on the other foot” mean? “If the shoe were on the other foot, begpacking would be simply called vagrancy.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on begpackers? Does it make a difference if they are simply begging, selling or providing entertainment in exchange for money?
2. Do you agree that much of the hatred for begpackers are from foreigners too?
3. What is passport privilege? How does it play a part in begpacking?
4. Do you think Asian countries should set financial requirements to all tourists?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traveling by plane is the quickest way to get to your destination. Due to technological advances, it is also considered one of the safest forms of transportation. Another selling point for airline companies is the comfort they provide to their passengers. They offer wider seats, in-flight entertainment, more legroom and many more at additional costs.

However, for plus-size travelers the experience of flying can be daunting.

Let’s read the article and know more about the struggles of plus-size travelers and one particular plus-size traveler’s petition.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/plus-size-travelers-slam-airline-seat-policies/index.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “slippery slope” mean? “It can be a slippery slope.” Give an example scenario.
2. What does the idiom “to be hit in the pocket” mean? “This ultimately means that more and more passengers are likely to be finding it difficult to fit into airplane seats, and some may be hit in the pocket as a result.” Use it in your own sentence.
3. Define the word “encroach“. “One of the various demands listed in Chaney’s petition, which had received over 17,000 signatures at the time of writing, is that all airlines “provide accessible additional seats to customers-of-size” who may require more space or “encroach onto another passenger’s space.” Give one synonym and use “encroach” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on Jae’lynn Chaney’s demand? Is it reasonable or a form of entitlement?
2. Do you agree that charging more to plus-size passengers is a human rights issue? Why or why not?
3. What else do you know about airline policies in your country regarding plus-size passengers?
4. Just as airline companies are charging plus-size travelers more, do you think passengers with smaller bodies should be charged less? Explain your stand.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Passport photos are notable for their strictly enforced rules and standards, frequently perplexing travelers as to why they must uphold a stern face without looking happy. While it may appear to be an utterly pointless regulation, there are justifiable reasons for this seemingly unusual mandate.

Learn more about the reasons for not being allowed to grin in passport photos, taking into account things like standardization, identity verification, and facial recognition technology, by clicking the link.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-cant-you-smile-passport-photo_l_64775504e4b0b4444c7c29f9

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “grand scheme of things” mean in the sentence, “But these kinds of rules are still relatively new in the grand scheme of things.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
2. What does “not pass muster” mean in the sentence, “Showing your teeth won’t pass muster ― and apparently it’s a matter of border security.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
3. What does “in effect” mean in the sentence, “Photos with exaggerated expressions can make it more difficult to readily identify the passport holder,” he explained, noting that the agency’s photo requirements have “been in effect for United States passports for decades.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Can you explain the reasoning behind the decision to have a neutral expression in passport photos instead of allowing smiles?
2. How does facial recognition technology play a role in the requirement to not smile in passport photos?
3. Are there any alternative methods or technologies being explored that could overcome the limitations of smiling in passport photos? Tell me more.
4. Are there any specific guidelines or regulations regarding passport photos in different countries that deviate from the general practice of not smiling? Please share.