Tag: Travel and Holiday

No Screaming in Japanese Amusement Parks

B1 – Intermediate

Amusement parks are by far one of the most thrilling places on earth. As you wait in a long line to get in, you can hear numerous kids, adults, and tourists shouting at the top of their lungs due to a tremendous jaw-dropping drop on their beloved rollercoasters.

But what if you are not allowed to scream, shout, or laugh during the ride? What would you do?

Let’s read the article below.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2005/200531-amusement-parks.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What images are in your mind when you hear the word ‘amusement’?
  2. What do you think of rollercoasters and haunted houses?
  3. Should everyone talk more quietly and wear masks?
  4. What is the “new normal” in the world today?
  5. What coronavirus guidelines are there in your country?

Ecotourism

B1 – Intermediate

Ecotourism is the alternative to mass tourism. It began in the 70s. At present, it is a fast-growing part of the tourism industry. It is because a lot of people are finding out about it.

Read about ecotourism from the link below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.english-online.at/travel/ecotourism/ecotourism-sustainable.htm

Discussion Questions:

1. What is ecotourism?
2. What are the advantages of ecotourism?
3. What are examples of ecotourism in your country?
4. Talk about your experience going on an ecotouristic trip.

Beautiful Spanish Beach Towns

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain is a hugely popular destination for tourists. Pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, a thriving nightlife, and dozens of unique festivals draw millions of people to this culturally-diverse country every year. Many people have flocked to the partying capital Mallorca or the magnificent Costa Brava strip in Catalonia but what about the other lovely seaside towns that Spain has to offer?

Take a look at the gallery and find out more about 10 lesser-known but no less beautiful seaside destinations in Spain.

https://www.thelocal.es/galleries/travel/spains-ten-most-beautiful-beach-towns-

Discussion Questions:

  1. In your opinion, what is the most famous tourist destination in your country?
  2. What can you say about these other seaside towns? Do you know any of these from the list?
  3. Describe the most beautiful beach you’ve ever been to. What is special or unique about it?
  4. What may be some pros and cons of visiting popular and off-the-beaten track beaches?

Travel Accommodations

B1 – Intermediate

Accommodation is a concern of every traveler, whether looking for a place to pitch a tent or a luxury suite in a fancy resort. Booking accommodation, dealing with the vast array of accommodation options, and considering alternative lodging options are all issues that travelers face.

https://veesko.com/post/114961446726/different-types-accommodation-tourism

Discussion Questions:

1. Which do you prefer to stay in when you travel:  hotels, hostels, or another type of place? Why?

2. What are the best and worst things about staying in hotels?

3. Do you feel comfortable when you are staying at a hotel?

4. Couch surfing is staying for free at people’s homes in different countries. Is this a good idea or bad idea? Why?

5. What is the most common accommodations in your country?

6. Do you have any interesting stories about staying somewhere other than your house, like a hotel or hostel?

Avoiding the Post-Vacation Blues

C1 – Advanced

After few weeks or a month-long holiday some employees feel sad and depress of the workload that they left.  This sensation is called post-vacation syndrome (PVS) or post-vacation blues it is a type of mood that persons returning home from a long trip (usually a vacation) may experience.

In this video, we will tackle how to overcome Post-Vacation Blues and bounce back immediately after your summer vacation. Watch the video below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the symptoms of post-vacation syndrome?
2. What are the ways to prevent PVS according to the video?
3. Do you sometimes spend time working for few hours during your vacation?
4. Do you have a lot of work load after your vacation?
5. What do you think are the pros and cons of “Workcation” (working from a vacation destination)?

Generation Vacation: Holiday with Our Parents

B2 – Upper Intermediate

I bet you have heard of the word “quarter-life crisis” wherein at the age of 25, you are no longer too young to be an adult and you are already too old to be a teenager. Nowadays, it’s becoming more common to stay living with your parents because it’s too expensive to rent on your own. Sometimes, because of generation gap, we experience misunderstanding with our parents.

Here’s a unique article about a boy’s experience traveling with his mom and how this memorable trip changed how he thinks about her.

Read the interesting story below and let’s answer the questions together!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/relationships/generation-vacation-happens-millennials-like-go-holiday-parents/

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever traveled with your parents before? If yes, how was it and where did you go?
2. Can you tell me one of your most memorable trips abroad with your parents?
3. Talk about the difference between traveling with friends and family. What are the advantages and disadvantages when you travel with your family?
4. Do you prefer to travel with friends, relatives, or alone? Why?
5. What do you think it was like traveling for our parents “during their time”?

How to Survive Seasonal Dysfunction

B2 – Upper Intermediate

For most, Christmas time might be the most joyous holiday. However, it’s not the case for everyone. It’s quite surprising that some aren’t as ecstatic about this season.

Read on the article to find out how to get over Christmas jitters.

Christmas presence: how to survive seasonal dysfunction

Discussion Questions:

1. According to what you’ve read, what are the ways on how to survive “seasonal dysfunction”?
2. In your opinion, what are some reasons why people dread the holidays?
3. How do you feel about the holiday season?
4. How do you deal with the pressures of this season?
5. What do you enjoy the most during this time of the year?

Top Cities to Visit

B1 – Intermediate

There are many cities in the world that most people like to visit. Perhaps you’ve been to one of them.

It is very important to know some information you can use if you’re planning your next out-of-the-country trip.

Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the top 25 cities to visit.

http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/top-25-cities-to-visit-in-the-world/2760339.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the cities in the article have you been to? Talk about your experiences there.
  2. Which ones do you want to visit one day and why?
  3. Which cities are the easiest and hardest for you to visit and why?
  4. What is your ultimate dream destination? Why do you want to visit this country so much?
  5. What are some of the best things to do when someone visits your city/country?