Tag: Travel & Holiday

Florida Airport Shames Scruffy Passengers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Airports bring together people from all walks of life, often with long waits and tiring journeys. Many travelers dress for comfort in sweatpants, leggings, or even pajamas. Yet, not everyone agrees that comfort should outweigh appearance, and some airports are beginning to challenge this trend.

Let’s take a closer look at how new rules are shaping the debate over airport fashion.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/travel/news/florida-airport-shames-scruffy-passengers-in-brutal-announcement-banning-crocs-and-pajamas/ar-AA1X8Rl1?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “overreach” mean? “I mean… as a joke, this is kinda funny. But if it’s real… the government telling people what they can and can’t wear while traveling… can you say “overreach” anyone?’ someone else penned.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  2. Define the noun phrase “pet peeve“. “Wearing pajamas in public is one of my pet peeves ” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
  3. What does “to be in place” mean? “While no real ban seems to be in place on the popular shoes, the Florida-based airport jokingly posted back in September that after a ‘unanimous’ vote, Crocs had been barred from the property for ten years.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think many travelers prioritize comfort over appearance when choosing airport outfits?
  2. How might cultural differences influence what people consider appropriate clothing in airports?
  3. In what ways does airport fashion reflect broader social changes in lifestyle and values?
  4. Should airports have the authority to set rules about what passengers can wear? Why or why not?
  5. What are the possible benefits and drawbacks of dressing formally versus casually when traveling?

Wellness Retreat for the Rich at a Swiss Alps Resort

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The pandemic has put most of us in some very challenging circumstances. It hasn’t been at all easy for any of us. 

Wouldn’t it be nice to be spending the government-mandated lockdowns in a luxurious suite that costs $46,000 per night while enjoying panoramic views of the Swiss Alps?

Read the article about Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland.

https://www.insider.com/swiss-alps-luxury-resort-burgenstock-ambanis-2020-12

Discussion Questions:

  1. How would you feel about staying at The Bürgenstock Resort?
  2. Any thoughts on how the rich lived through the pandemic?
  3. Where and how have you been spending the pandemic? 
  4. How/Where would you have liked to have spent the lockdown?
  5. Have you been to the Alps? Talk about your experience.

Luxury Hotel in Outer Space

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Everything that’s been happening around us recently is quite an evidence of advanced technology.

Just like the latest COVID-19 vaccine that has recently made record of the fastest vaccine created in human history. It’s all because of the technology we have at the present time.

Although, flying cars are still on the verge of becoming reality, it is real that we are all living in the modern world.

Now, Elon Musk, creator of SpaceX, has another advanced innovation that might be available for everyone that is capable of paying a hefty price for a trip and stay in his luxury hotel located in outer space.

Read the article below about a luxury hotel in outer space.

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/lifestyle/other/a-luxury-hotel-in-outer-space-could-open-by-2024/ar-BB1cIbf8?ocid=msedgdhp

Discussion Questions:

  1. What comes to mind when you think of luxury hotels?
  2. Do you ever imagine what type of experience you’d have especially if the hotel is located in outer space?
  3. Are you willing to pay a hefty price for a once in a lifetime experience in this outer space hotel? Why or why not?
  4. Is this considered absurd or a crazy concept not to be tagged a realistic one? Explain your point.
  5. Talk about the best type of holiday accommodation you’ve ever stayed in.

Coronavirus: How Europeans Are Preparing For Christmas and New Year

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We know when Christmas is fast approaching when we start seeing Christmas lights and Christmas trees in public spaces or when we hear the ubiquitous Christmas songs. This is also a season when there is a significant increase in the number of people traveling across borders.

For ten months, the Coronavirus has limited the movement of people. With the virus still in the picture, governments are imposing various measures and restrictions to try and limit social interactions.

Click the link and read the article to find out how Europeans are preparing for the Yuletide season gutted by a pandemic.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55058362

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say about the restrictions imposed by different European countries?
  2. Do you agree with the lifting of travel restrictions temporarily for the holidays?
  3. Do you think ski resorts should be opened for the holidays?
  4. What are your plans for this year’s holidays?
  5. Before the coronavirus pandemic, how did you usually celebrate Christmas?
  6. What things may be different this coming Christmas holidays?

Igloo Hotel: What’s It Like to Stay in an Ice Hotel?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Tucked away in the Swiss Alps are unique accommodations fit for a Snow Queen. It doesn’t stick around for more than a season and has but 15 rooms. But if you’re the adventurous sort with a high threshold for the cold and small spaces, it may be your ideal vacation getaway.

Watch the video below to find out more about the Igloo Hotel.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Would you stay in the Igloo Hotel?
  2. What do you think are the good and bad thing about the Igloo Hotel?
  3. Which places in your country offer holidaymakers experiences that are hard to come by anywhere else?
  4. Talk about any holiday you’ve spent in a unique travel destination.
  5. Where’s the most interesting place you’ve ever stayed in?

Maldives Resort Offers $30K ‘All-You-Can-Stay’ Holiday

B1 – Intermediate

A visit to Maldives would be a dream come true for anyone. Imagine waking up on a private island with its dreamy white beaches covered in palm trees, turquoise lagoons, and breathtaking views. Maldives is one of the best places to go snorkeling and scuba diving.

What if a hotel company in the Maldives is offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, would you be interested?

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2011/201115-maldives-resort-4.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. Where is paradise for you?
  2. Do you think the Maldives holiday package is good value? Why/Why not?
  3. What is on your travel bucket list?
  4. What is your perfect holiday? Describe.
  5. Where do you go for seclusion and privacy?
  6. What once-in-a-lifetime experience would you like?

Ride-On Suitcase

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As we travel, we want to take as many things as we need with us considering the hassles of carrying a heavy luggage on our way to the airport. For some, it may also be troublesome to find a ride to the airport if you are traveling during peak hours. Worry no more because a man from China made an invention that will make traveling even with a weighty suitcase a breeze.

Read more about this battery-powered scooter cum luggage through this article.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world/take-a-ride-on-your-suitcase-and-honk-your-way-through/story-wtQoR5SXGzNyF58gxTHPYL.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. How did He Liangcai come up with this invention?
  2. What do you think of the suitcase scooter? Would you purchase it?
  3. How often do you travel by plane? Have you ever forgotten something on your way to the airport?
  4. What are your usual preparations prior to going to the airport?
  5. What are your must-haves when traveling?

Is It Safe to Travel This Summer?

C1 – Advanced

Travel has drastically changed around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic. As borders reopened and barriers lifted, people feel the need to go on a getaway. While the pandemic still exists, there is so much uncertainty, leaving us with no clear-cut answer to our questions on traveling and safety.

Watch the video and be able to answer the discussion questions.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What things do you need to consider if you plan to travel these days?
  2. Do you think it is worthwhile to book a trip now or is it better to wait a little longer before doing so?
  3. Have you planned your summer vacation? If so, where and why have you picked out this travel destination?
  4. What are your safety precautionary measures when you travel in the midst of Covid-19?
  5. What kind of places do you think are safe to travel to nowadays?

Doing This at an Airport Will Land You in Prison

C1 – Advanced

Airports are known to have tight security measures. This is a major nuisance for passengers because they need to arrive hours earlier before their flights in order to breeze through airport security.

To avoid any delays or inconveniences, it pays to be aware of airport security rules.

Let’s watch the video and find out about these airport rules some countries impose.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you like traveling by plane? How often do you do so?
  2. Which of these airport rules were you not aware of?
  3. Which rules did you find to be unreasonable?
  4. Do you have unique airport rules in your country?
  5. Share an airport mishap you’ve experienced.

Testing the World’s Longest Flight

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Some 40 passengers and 10 crew members took a flight for about a 20-hour flight from New York City to Sydney. This flight was a test to find out how long-haul flights such as this could affect the human body. Once investors are convinced and policymakers approve, Qantas Airways aims to offer this route in the future.

Watch this video to know how it’s like to be on what might be the world’s longest flight.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think of this kind of flight?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of long-haul flights?
  3. Talk about the longest flight you’ve ever been on. How was it like? How could it be improved?