Tag: Travel and Holiday

Muslim-Friendly Hotels for Islamic Travelers

B1 – Intermediate

The halal travel industry is booming because of the ease and affordability of transportation and the eagerness of Muslims to explore different countries.

Western countries would like to take a bite of the apple by providing this group of travelers with their needs that are in accordance with their religious beliefs.

Let’s read the article and find out how western countries provide hospitality to Muslim travelers.

https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/living/islamic-travellers-in-search-of-muslim-friendly-hotels.htm

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “tend to” mean in this context? “In contrast to other people Muslims tend to travel in larger groups, stay longer and spend more.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the verb “ignore“. “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of the verb “afford” in this sentence, “Western tourism cannot afford to ignore them.“? Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. According to the article, how do western countries adapt to the needs of Muslim travelers?
  2. Share your thoughts on this trend.
  3. Is your country Muslim-tourist-friendly? How so?
  4. Do you have establishments in your country that are Muslim-friendly? What amenities or special treats do they have for their Muslim clients?
  5. As a traveler, do you usually have special requests when staying at a hotel or eating at a restaurant? What are they?

Airports on High Alert after Bomb Warning

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..

    The End of the Mediterranean Beach 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?

    Friday 13th Superstitions on Seat Rows and Ticket Prices

    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.

    Over-Tourism Threatens Mt. Fuji’s World Heritage Status

    B1 – Intermediate

    Mt. Fuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It got this status in 2013. 

    Many people, not just from Japan, but from all over the world, dream of visiting and climbing this famous mountain that in Japan, is even considered sacred.

    Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a massive increase in the number of people who has visited and wishes to visit Mt. Fuji. This has caused a lot of problems for this World Heritage Site.

    Read the article about how Mt. Fuji’s World Heritage status is at risk because of over-tourism. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

    https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2309/230911-climbing-mt-fuji-5.html

    Vocabulary Questions:

    1. What does “eyesore” mean in this sentence, “These are an eyesore on the mountain’s once-pristine habitat.”? Use this word in a sentence in the same context.
    2. What is a “bullet climber“? “Another headache for authorities is “bullet climbers“.” Use this term in a sentence.
    3. What does “altitude sickness” mean? “They risk getting altitude sickness.” Use this term in a sentence.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What are some problems in Mt. Fuji?
    2. What is your reaction to this news about over-tourism in Mt. Fuji?
    3. What should the Japanese authorities do to tackle this problem with over-tourism in Mt. Fuji?
    4. Would you like to climb Mt. Fuji? Why or why not?
    5. What other World Heritage Sites that would you like to visit one day? Why do you want to visit these places?

    A Happier Summer Vacation

    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?

    Overcoming Vacation Guilt

    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.

    Titanic Wreck Lucrative Tourism Industry

    B2 – Upper Intermediate

    Off the isolated coast of Newfoundland, more than two miles under the water, lies the rusting, decaying skeleton of a ship that has fascinated the public for more than a century. Discovering its tragic past is still appealing to scholars, adventurers, and common people.

    Tourists have been paying for years to have a chance to see the Titanic shipwreck from below. Five individuals boarded the underwater vehicle Titan on Sunday to undertake the trip.

    Let’s read the article below to know more about it.

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/titanic-tourism

    Vocabulary Questions:

    1. What does “insatiable” mean in this sentence, “More than a century after the ship’s sinking, interest in the Titanic remains insatiable.” Use it in a sentence.
    2. What does “pretty penny” mean in this sentence, “And for a pretty penny, tourists have been able to go too.” Use it in a sentence.
    3. What does “to catch a glimpse” mean, “For decades, tourists have been paying for a chance to catch an undersea glimpse at the wreck of the Titanic.” Use it in a sentence.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What are your thoughts on this style of tourism and the impacts of the submersibles on the deteriorating site?
    2. Should the site be left undisturbed in memory of the more than 1,500 people who died there? Explain.
    3. What do you think happened to the explorers?
    4. Would you be willing to give this type of tourism a try? Why or why not?

    Europe’s Night Trains

    B1 – Intermediate

    Europe’s night trains offer a unique and pleasing way to travel across the continent while you sleep. These overnight train travels allow you to wake up in a new city, ready to explore it.

    With comfortable sleeping accommodations, and a relaxing atmosphere, night trains provide an adventurous and time-efficient option for travelers who wants to maximize their European experience.

    Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Europe night trains.

    https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/europes-night-trains-level-2/

    Vocabulary Questions:

    1. What does “launch” mean in this sentence, “The launch of a new affordable night train service from Brussels to Berlin by European Sleeper could have a big impact on rail travel in Europe.” Use it in a sentence.
    2. What does “demand” mean in this sentence, “Hopefully, there will be demand for night train services and it will support night train travel in Europe.” Use it in a sentence.
    3. “More and more people are looking for sustainable travel and an alternative to budget airlines, and the Brussels-Berlin service wants to offer this.” What does “budget” mean? Give 1 synonym and use “budget” in a sentence.

    Discussion Questions:

    1. What is the purpose of Europe’s night trains?
    2. Would you like to try going on the European Sleeper? Why or why not?
    3. How do night trains make traveling across Europe more convenient?
    4. What are some of the benefits of using night trains as a mode of transportation in Europe?
    5. How can night trains enhance the overall travel experience in Europe?

    Begpackers – Asia’s Most Disliked Travelers

    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?