card 1 travel and tourism

Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge igcse travel and tourism (0471).

• Syllabus overview

Cambridge IGCSE Travel and Tourism is designed to help meet the need for skilled and knowledgeable individuals in this rapidly diversifying industry.

The syllabus:

• provides an understanding of the nature of travel and tourism globally, nationally and locally
• develops the concepts, models and theories used within the industry
• highlights the importance of sustainability, resilience, the customer, destinations and marketing in travel and tourism
• enhances learners' analysis, interpretation and evaluation skills.

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

• -->2023 Syllabus (PDF, 390KB)
• -->2024 - 2026 Syllabus update (PDF, 136KB)

Syllabus updates

We have updated this syllabus to make it clearer and more accessible for both teachers and learners and to make sure that it reflects current educational thinking.

What are the main changes to the syllabus?

To support teachers and learners we have:

• removed the coursework component to ensure a fair and valid qualification for all candidates
• updated the subject content to reflect current developments in travel and tourism by moving, updating and adding new topics such as sustainable and responsible tourism
• presented the content in a more logical way by no longer splitting the content into specific Paper 1 and Paper 2 content, meaning both papers may now draw from any section of the content
• increased the number of assessment objectives (AOs) from three to four to ensure a smoother progression for learners on to Cambridge International AS & A Level Travel & Tourism qualification, which uses the same set of AOs.

What are the main changes to the assessment?

• Paper 1 now covers the introductory key concepts, customer service and impacts of tourism at destinations, whereas Paper 2 has now widened its content and focuses on the management and marketing of destinations.
• We have reduced the number of marks in both papers to 80.
• The duration of both papers has decreased, Paper 1 is now 1 hour 30 minutes, and Paper 2 is now 2 hours.
• We have revised the mark schemes for both papers.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination in from June 2024 onwards. Examinations are available in June and November. Please see the 2024-2026 syllabus above for full details.

Coming soon

We are developing a comprehensive range of resources to help teachers deliver this updated syllabus.

We aim to provide a scheme of work and other relevant classroom resources. Example Candidate Responses will be available following the first examination in 2024. Visit the School Support Hub from June 2022 onwards for details.

Endorsed resources

Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Travel & Tourism (Second edition) (Cambridge University Press)

Engage students with global case studies on topics such as domestic tourism, along with questions to develop their critical thinking skills. Includes key word definitions and opportunities for group/pair work. Digital Teacher’s Resource also available.

Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

School Support Hub

Teachers at registered Cambridge schools can unlock over 30 000 teaching and learning resources to help plan and deliver Cambridge programmes and qualifications, including Schemes of work, Example candidate responses, Past papers, Specimen paper answers, as well as digital and multimedia resources.

Schemes of work

Example responses, past papers, specimen paper answers.

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• Past papers, examiner reports and specimen papers
• Published resources

IGCSE Travel and Tourism 2019 Past Papers

Complete igcse travel and tourism 2019 past papers.

IGCSE Travel and Tourism  October & November Past Papers

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This month’s Teacher’s Corner explores the world of travel and tourism. Specifically, each week covers travel-related topics that students can use to practice speaking, reading, and listening.

For many English learners, traveling the world is one of the many reasons they study English. No matter where you travel, it is easy to find a speaker of English to help you on your journey. However, as every good traveler knows, it is best to be prepared. This month’s Teacher’s Corner is devoted to giving students the chance to practice and prepare their English for the world of travel.

The activities this month are designed to give students the opportunity to creatively practice their English while thinking about travel both at home and abroad:

• Week 1 – Around the World
• Week 2 – What to See in Town
• Week 3 – Planning a Trip
• Week 4 – Over-tourism

Week 1 begins the month with a Pecha Kucha style presentation. In these fast-paced presentations, students must describe an around-the-world trip in three minutes using only six presentation slides. In Week 2, students practice common phrasal verbs used in travel and tourism. In Week 3, students describe the tourist attractions in their home countries by preparing a six-day trip for a new visitor. Finally, this month’s Teacher’s Corner concludes with a debate activity focused on the increasing concern of over-tourism.

Table of Contents

In this week’s Teacher’s Corner, students are tasked with creating a Pecha Kucha presentation on an around-the-world trip. Pecha Kucha is a presentation style where each presenter is allowed twenty slides which are shown for twenty seconds each. The goal is to encourage the speaker to be concise – to not talk too long. For this activity, students will get six slides shown for thirty seconds each, with each slide showcasing a place they would like to visit on a trip around the world.

Intermediate to Advanced

LANGUAGE FOCUS

Speaking, reading (primary focus) Listening (secondary focus)

Students will practice speaking, reading, and listening through

• Researching locations they would like to visit on a trip around the world
• Delivering a three-minute presentation about their around-the-world trip
• Teacher: computer, projector, stopwatch or other timing device, a map
• Students: notebook, pencil, paper, computers (for research to be done as homework, or books and encyclopedias)

PREPARATION

• Read through all the materials carefully.
• For this activity, students will be giving presentations to the class. To save time, be sure that students submit their presentations as a homework assignment before the day they will present them. The teacher should then have all the presentations loaded onto the class computer, ready to go at the start of the class. Having the presentations already loaded will save time, compared to each student separately loading his or her presentation on the computer. Having the presentations ready to go at the start of class will save time, compared to each student separately loading his or her presentation on the computer. If a computer is not available, this can be done on sheets of large paper as well.
• During this activity, students will be giving presentations that have a set time limit of three minutes. To keep students on time, the teacher controls when the slides of the presentation change. Optionally, a student can be selected as the official timekeeper. This student can sit at the presentation computer to advance the slides instead of the teacher.

PART ONE: PREPARING TO DEPART

• Begin the class by showing a map of the world. To warm students up for the activity, ask students to come to the board and point to countries that you name.
• If none of the students know the meaning of the word, give them a clue. For example, point to the United States and tell the students, “The United States is a country.” Next, point to Mexico and tell the students, “Mexico is a country, too.” Finally, point to Canada and say, “Canada is also a country.” Then tell the students, “The United States, Mexico, and Canada are all on the same continent.” While speaking, use your finger to draw a large circle around the North American continent. (Don’t forget to include Central America too!)
• To check the students’ comprehension of the word continent ask the class, “How many continents are there in the world?” Students should respond with “seven”; if they answer “six,” they may have forgotten about Antarctica!
• Ask the students which continent they most want to visit and why. Tell the students to think about their answers.
• Next, have the students form pairs and share their answers with their partners.
• Finally, have students share their answers with the entire class.
• Inform the class that for homework they are going to plan an around-the-world trip.
• Explain to the students that they will prepare a presentation to show the class about their around-the-world trip.
• Instruct the students that their one location per continent must be a city, national park, or sightseeing location. An entire country is too large to select as one location!
• Students must travel in one direction around the world (either east or west).
• Each slide should have some basic information about the location and at least one picture of the location.
• Finally, inform the students that they will only have three minutes to give their presentation to the class, and each slide will only be shown for thirty seconds. So, students should practice their presentations before class!

PART TWO: CLASS PRESENTATIONS

• On the day students give their class presentations, remind them they only have thirty seconds for each slide. If time permits, give the students a few minutes to check their notes and prepare for their presentations.
• Have the first student presenting come to the front of the class.
• Open the student’s presentation and start the timer. After thirty seconds move to the next slide; after another thirty seconds move to the third slide; and so on.
• Optional: After all the students have presented their around-the-world trip, have the class vote on the most interesting trip!

This week’s Teacher’s Corner provides students with the opportunity to practice using phrasal verbs in an activity about New York City.

Reading, speaking (primary focus) Listening (secondary focus)

During this activity, students will

• Practice speaking skills through a matching activity
• Practice reading skills and using travel-related phrasal verbs in a worksheet activity
• Teacher: whiteboard or chalkboard, markers or chalk
• Students: pencils or pens, notebooks or writing paper
• Print out copies of the phrasal verb cards in Appendix 1. a. Students will use the phrasal verb cards in a pair-work activity. Print enough copies of the phrasal verb cards for each pair of students to have a set.
• Cut out the phrasal verb cards and for each set, mix the cards so that the phrasal verbs and definitions are mixed well.
• Print out copies of the phrasal verbs fill-in-the-blank worksheet in Appendix 2. Students will use the worksheet in a pair-work activity. Print enough copies of the worksheet for each pair of students to have one. The answer key is in Appendix 3.

ACTIVITY PART ONE: PHRASAL VERB WARM-UP

• Begin the class by having the students form pairs. 
• Give each pair a set of phrasal verb cards (already mixed up) from Appendix 1.
• Have the students work together to match each phrasal verb to its correct definition.
• After the students have completed the matching activity, review the answers as a class.
• Next, ask the students, “What do the phrasal verbs have in common?” a. Answer: Each of the phrasal verbs is related to travel.
• Next, ask the students, “What is the one city in the world you would like to visit?” a. Optional: Ask the students this question as part of a Think, Pair, Share activity.     i. First, have the students think about their answer individually.     ii. Next, have the students share their answer with their partner.     iii. Finally, encourage the students to share their answer or, even better, to share their partners’ answers with the class.

ACTIVITY PART TWO: PHRASAL VERB WORKSHEET

• Begin this part of the activity by asking the students if they would like to visit New York City.
• Next, ask why they would like to visit the city, or ask what they would like to do if they visited the city.
• As students answer the questions, pass out the phrasal verb fill-in-the-blank worksheet to the pairs of students. Instruct them to read through the worksheet and circle any vocabulary they don’t know. a. If students have questions about vocabulary, take a few moments to answer their questions before moving on to Step 4.
• Next, have the pairs of students fill in the blanks on the worksheet with the phrasal verbs on the cards they used in Part 1 of this activity. As students work, walk around the room to check on their progress.
• Once the pairs have finished filling in the blanks, check their answers as a class.

APPENDIX 1: PHRASAL VERBS MATCHING CARDS

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APPENDIX 2: PHRASAL VERBS FILL-IN-THE-BLANK WORKSHEET

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New York has been called “The City That Never Sleeps!” With so many things to do at any time of day, New York is a great place to visit on vacation. Thanks to New York’s many transportation options, you don’t need anyone to __________ you __________ at the airport. Instead, you can take a bus or the subway into the city, or even have one of the city’s famous yellow taxis __________ you _________ at your hotel. After you ___________________ to your hotel, you can ____________________ on your NYC adventure!

If it is your first visit to New York, be sure to take some time to ____________________ the city by taking a walk. It can be a great way to get to know the city and experience the New York way of life. Some of the best things about New York can be found by ___________________ the many diverse neighborhoods full of great food, interesting events, and historical landmarks. Even though New York is famous for its busy streets, you can ___________________ from the crowds by visiting Central Park. There you can walk through the trees, sit by the lake, and even get a famous New York City hot dog.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty. To visit, you need to ____________________ a ferry at Battery Park. While crossing the water, you can ____________________ a wonderful view of the city. Once on Liberty Island, you can walk around the statue, visit the museum, or climb the 377 steps to the top of the Statue of Liberty. It is an incredible experience, but tickets sell out quickly!

As you leave New York and your plane ____________________, be sure to enjoy the view out the window to get one last look at the city that never sleeps!

APPENDIX 3: PHRASAL VERBS FILL-IN-THE-BLANK ANSWER KEY

New York has been called “The City That Never Sleeps”! With so many things to do at any time of day, New York is a great place to visit on vacation. Thanks to New York’s many transportation options, you don’t need anyone to ____pick you up_____ at the airport. Instead, you can take a bus or subway into the city, or even have one of the city’s famous yellow taxis ______drop you off________ at your hotel. After you _____check in________ to your hotel, you can ____set out_________ on your NYC adventure!

If it is your first visit to New York, be sure to take some time to __look around____ the city by taking a walk. It can be a great way to get to know the city and experience the New York way of life. Some of the best things about New York can be found by __checking out___ the many diverse neighborhoods full of great food, interesting events, and historical landmarks. Even though New York is famous for its busy streets, you can ___get away_________ from the crowds by visiting Central Park. There you can walk through the trees, sit by the lake, and even get a famous New York City hot dog.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty. To visit, you need to ____get on__________ a ferry at Battery Park. While crossing the water, you can _____take in________ a wonderful view of the city. Once on Liberty Island, you can walk around the statue, visit the museum, or climb the 377 steps to the top of the Statue of Liberty. It is an incredible experience, but tickets sell out quickly!

As you leave New York and your plane ___takes off________, be sure to enjoy the view out the window to get one last look at the city that never sleeps!

This month’s Teacher’s Corner explores travel and tourism. This week’s activity asks students to think about their own cities or countries by designing a six-day trip for a visiting tourist.

LEVEL Intermediate to Advanced

FOCUS Reading, writing (primary focus) Speaking, listening (secondary focus)

GOALS During this activity students will

• Practice speaking skills while creating a travel plan for their country or city
• Practice presentations skills while delivering their travel plans to the class
• Teacher: whiteboard or chalkboard, markers or chalk, poster paper (optional)

In this activity, students will prepare a travel plan for someone visiting their country or city for the first time. This activity can take place during one class period or across two classes depending on how much time your students need to prepare their travel plans.

• Print out copies of Appendix 1 Travel Plans. Print enough copies so that each group of two to three students has one to complete.

ACTIVITY PART ONE: HOMEWORK – TRAVEL PLANNING

• Begin this activity by having the students form groups of two to three students.
• Give each group a copy of the Travel Plan from Appendix
• Have the students work together to brainstorm a six-day travel plan to their country. a. If your students are from a large city, they could plan the entire six-day trip just in their city. If your students are from a smaller city or more rural area, they can plan a regional or nation-wide trip.
• As the groups work, walk around the room asking groups for details about their trip. Encourage them to be as specific as possible. For example: if they write “stay in a hotel,” instruct them to be more specific: What hotel? Where in the city? What makes that hotel or area of the city interesting?
• Optional: Depending on time and student levels, this activity can also be a homework assignment. After the groups have finished their travel plans, the homework can challenge the students to use the travel plans to create a poster, a flyer, or even a video where students can show off their six-day travel plans.

ACTIVITY PART TWO: TRAVEL SHOWCASE

• After the groups have finished their travel plans, give them time to prepare a speaking presentation to the class. a. Instruct the students that for the presentation each student in the group must speak. For example, in a group of three students, each student can present on two days of the trip. b.  Note: Depending on students’ level and ability, this presentation part of the activity can be done on a separate day to give the students more time to prepare.
• Next, have each group come to the front of the class and describe the travel plan they made to the rest of the class. a. For additional speaking practice, encourage the rest of the class to ask questions about the trip.
• After each group has presented their travel plan, have the class vote on the presentations. Which travel plan was the best? Which was the most adventurous? Which was the most historic?

APPENDIX 1: TRAVEL PLANS

Directions: Plan a six-day trip to your country for a person who has never visited before. Choose a city, region, or the entire country. Include everything, such as what to visit, where to stay, and what to eat!

This month’s Teacher’s Corner explores the world of travel and tourism. With travel becoming easier and cheaper all around the world, people who live in popular tourist locations have begun to ask if too much tourism can be a problem. In this week’s activity, students will debate the positives and negatives of tourism.

Speaking, listening (primary focus)

Reading, writing (secondary focus)

• Practice reading skills while reading an article about over-tourism
• Practice speaking and listening during a debate on tourism
• Teacher: whiteboard or chalkboard, markers or chalk, a timing device, Internet (optional)
• Before class, read the article " Too Much Tourism "and listen to the audio version of the story.
• Print out copies of Appendix 1: “Too Much Tourism” article. Print enough copies so that each student has one. Note: If a computer lab is an option for your class, have the students read the article by visiting this URL: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/too-much-tourism/4118421.html
• On the website, the article has an audio version that can be streamed over the Internet or downloaded and played on a computer in class.

ACTIVITY PART ONE: "TOO MUCH TOURISM" ARTICLE

• Direct students' attention to the board.
• On the board write the word tourism . Ask the students what the word tourism means.
• Next, as a check of their understanding, ask the class where in their country is popular for tourism?
• Then, write the word over in front of the word tourism to create the new word over-tourism.
• Again ask the students to provide a definition for this word. a.    Note: Over-tourism is a recent issue that has gained attention in the news and travel industry. It does not have an exact definition, but as long as students describe a problem of too many visitors to a place, their definition is acceptable.
• Once again, check the students’ understanding by asking if there are any locations in their country that they think face problems with over-tourism. a.    Note: Depending on the level of the students, this question can be asked as a Think, Pair, Share. First have the students think about the question, then have them share their answers with a partner, finally have the pairs of students share their answers with the class.
• Next, provide each student with a copy of the “Too Much Tourism” article in Appendix 1. Give students time to read the article. a.    Note: To provide students more listening practice, have them listen to the article by playing the audio version of the story from the webpage.
• To check their comprehension, ask the following questions: a.    How many trips are tourists expected to take by the year 2030? (Answer: 1.8 billion) b.    What is Croatia doing to help stop over-tourism? (Answer: Limiting the number of daily visitors to the city of Dubrovnik.)
• Finally, as a show of hands, ask the students who thinks limiting tourism is a good idea? Tell the class they will have the opportunity to share their opinions in a debate. 

ACTIVITY PART TWO: THE TOURISM DEBATE

• Note:  For this debate, students will argue for and against tourism. If you teach a large class, you may want to break students into groups and then have these groups form two teams that can debate. Another option for larger classes is for students to volunteer to participate in the debate, while the rest of the class can act as audience and decide which team won.
• Begin the debate by dividing the class (or a group of students) into two teams. Decide which team will be the For side, which will argue in favor of the topic, and which will be the Against side, which will argue against the theme of the topic.
• While the students are forming For and Against teams, go to the chalkboard and write the theme and topics for the debate: Debate Theme: Tourism  Topic #1: Whether tourism is always good for the local economy, and the economy is more important than too many tourists. Topic #2: Whether too much tourism can harm the local culture of a city. Topic #3: Whether people should travel less. a.     Note:  If time permits have the students debate all three topics. For large classes, students can take turns debating: one group of students debates one topic, then the next group of students debates the next topic, and so on.
• Direct the students’ attention to the three debate topics that you have written on the board and tell the students they should prepare their ideas on these topics for the debate. a.     Note: For more advanced lessons, assign the debate preparation as homework so students can research the topics and prepare with more details.
• Once the students are prepared, have the students who are going to debate first come to the front of the class. Have the two teams form lines on opposite ends of the board. Begin the debate by having the first student in line of the For team present his or her argument for one minute. Then the first student from the Against team has one minute to challenge the ideas presented by the For team’s student.
• After the first students from each team have spoken for a minute, have them move to the back of the line and have the second student in each line more forward. They will now debate against each other. This time the Against student goes first for one minute. The student for the For team then gets to present his or her argument on the topic. Continue until all students have had the opportunity to debate.

Remember:  An effective debate is not only about presenting an argument but also challenging the argument of one’s opponent. For more information on debates and ideas for using debates in class, check out The Great Mini-Debate on the American English webpage.

APPENDIX 1: TOO MUCH TOURISM?

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Fact sheet: 2022 national travel and tourism strategy, office of public affairs.

The 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy was released on June 6, 2022, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on behalf of the Tourism Policy Council (TPC). The new strategy focuses the full efforts of the federal government to promote the United States as a premier destination grounded in the breadth and diversity of our communities, and to foster a sector that drives economic growth, creates good jobs, and bolsters conservation and sustainability. Drawing on engagement and capabilities from across the federal government, the strategy aims to support broad-based economic growth in travel and tourism across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.

The federal government will work to implement the strategy under the leadership of the TPC and in partnership with the private sector, aiming toward an ambitious five-year goal of increasing American jobs by attracting and welcoming 90 million international visitors, who we estimate will spend $279 billion, annually by 2027.

The new National Travel and Tourism Strategy supports growth and competitiveness for an industry that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generated $1.9 trillion in economic output and supported 9.5 million American jobs. Also, in 2019, nearly 80 million international travelers visited the United States and contributed nearly $240 billion to the U.S. economy, making the United States the global leader in revenue from international travel and tourism. As the top services export for the United States that year, travel and tourism generated a $53.4 billion trade surplus and supported 1 million jobs in the United States.

The strategy follows a four-point approach:

• Promoting the United States as a Travel Destination Goal : Leverage existing programs and assets to promote the United States to international visitors and broaden marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved communities.
• Facilitating Travel to and Within the United States Goal : Reduce barriers to trade in travel services and make it safer and more efficient for visitors to enter and travel within the United States.
• Ensuring Diverse, Inclusive, and Accessible Tourism Experiences Goal : Extend the benefits of travel and tourism by supporting the development of diverse tourism products, focusing on under-served communities and populations. Address the financial and workplace needs of travel and tourism businesses, supporting destination communities as they grow their tourism economies. Deliver world-class experiences and customer service at federal lands and waters that showcase the nation’s assets while protecting them for future generations.
• Fostering Resilient and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Goal : Reduce travel and tourism’s contributions to climate change and build a travel and tourism sector that is resilient to natural disasters, public health threats, and the impacts of climate change. Build a sustainable sector that integrates protecting natural resources, supporting the tourism economy, and ensuring equitable development.

Travel and Tourism Fast Facts

• The travel and tourism industry supported 9.5 million American jobs through $1.9 trillion of economic activity in 2019. In fact, 1 in every 20 jobs in the United States was either directly or indirectly supported by travel and tourism. These jobs can be found in industries like lodging, food services, arts, entertainment, recreation, transportation, and education.
• Travel and tourism was the top services export for the United States in 2019, generating a $53.4 billion trade surplus.
• The travel and tourism industry was one of the U.S. business sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and travel restrictions, with travel exports decreasing nearly 65% from 2019 to 2020. 
• The decline in travel and tourism contributed heavily to unemployment; leisure and hospitality lost 8.2 million jobs between February and April 2020 alone, accounting for 37% of the decline in overall nonfarm employment during that time. 
• By 2021, the rollout of vaccines and lifting of international and domestic restrictions allowed travel and tourism to begin its recovery. International arrivals to the United States grew to 22.1 million in 2021, up from 19.2 million in 2020. Spending by international visitors also grew, reaching $81.0 billion, or 34 percent of 2019’s total.

More about the Tourism Policy Council and the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Created by Congress and chaired by Secretary Raimondo, the Tourism Policy Council (TPC) is the interagency council charged with coordinating national policies and programs relating to travel and tourism. At the direction of Secretary Raimondo, the TPC created a new five-year strategy to focus U.S. government efforts in support of the travel and tourism sector which has been deeply and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full strategy here

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IELTS Topics: Travel and Tourism

Posted by David S. Wills | Oct 12, 2020 | IELTS Tips | 0

One of the common IELTS topics that appears in the exam is that of travel and tourism. In today’s lesson, I will help you learn about this topic so that you can do well in your next test.

First we will look at a little vocabulary about travel and tourism , then we will explore some IELTS speaking and writing questions to give you an idea of what to expect.

Vocabulary about Travel and Tourism for IELTS

When you prepare for IELTS, you never need to know any specialist vocabulary, so for questions about travel and tourism you may find that you can give a brilliant answer with just simple language, as long as it is used with grammatical accuracy. Knowing the difference between “I went to London” and “I was going to London” is very important, for example.

Of course, there are other things to know. It helps to know modes of transport and related vocabulary. [You can learn about transport here .] Another interesting aspect is knowing things you might encounter while travelling, such as accommodation.

I made this PPT about travel accommodation many years ago, but I have just uploaded it today. 🙃 I hope you find it useful.

You should also know the necessary language to talk about types of travel or reasons for taking a trip. Sometimes, new words enter the language, such as “staycation,” which is a very recent portmanteau .

You might also find this list of synonyms for “trip” quite useful:

Travel and Tourism Questions [IELTS Speaking]

The topic of travel and tourism is really common in IELTS speaking. It could easily occur in any of the three parts of this test, so you should be prepared to answer a wide range of questions. [You can find some examples here .]

These questions will be pretty general and simple. It is entirely possible that the same basic question could be asked in a number of different ways.

Perhaps the most common question would be “do you like travelling?” This is very similar to “have you done much travelling?” Of course, the focus has changed slightly but the overall meaning is similar: it’s about you and travel .

I’ll give two sample answers to these questions so that you can understand better:

Q: Do you like travelling?

A: Yeah, I absolutely love travelling. I have visited many countries over the past few years, but of course this all stopped recently because of the virus.

Q: Have you done much travelling?

A: I have done quite a lot of travelling in my life. Altogether, I’ve visited about 50 countries and I try to spend a few weeks each year seeing new places.

Note: It is unlikely that these questions would be asked together because they are very similar. Also, I pretty much answered the second one in the middle of the first answer. I just included them to show how a “do you like travelling” IELTS answer example.

Vaguely Related: Space Travel

I definitely consider space to be a separate topic from travel, but there is some small degree of overlap here. For example, there is a reported IELTS speaking question that goes something like this:

• Do you want to travel in outer space?
• Would you want to travel in outer space?

You might also see this incorrectly reported as “do you want to travel in the outer space?” but this is not correct. We cannot say “the” before “outer space.” It is not a single, definite place. [Read about definite articles here .]

There are numerous possibilities for IELTS cue cards about travel. Here are two of them:

• Describe a place you have visited.
• Describe a place you would like to visit.

Of course, these would require basically the same sort of vocabulary to answer them, but the key difference would be the grammar. In the first instance, you are talking about the past, but in the second you are talking about a possible future.

Here is another one:

• Describe a memorable holiday.

This is pretty similar to the first cue card above, but the word “memorable” must guide our approach. You can see my answer in this video:

In part three of the IELTS speaking test, the questions will become more difficult. These will include abstract topics like age, gender, ethics, and so on. You might encounter questions like this:

Q: Do you think men and women enjoy different types of holiday?

A: I suppose that in general they probably do have different preferences, but of course we should acknowledge the fact that everyone is different and so there are women who enjoy stereotypically male holidays and men that enjoy stereotypically female ones. To give an example, it could be argued that men prefer more active, robust holidays that involve uncertainty, adventure, and even danger. However, I know some women who love this type of thing and so it is not really smart to make assumptions about people.

Q: Do you think that travelling abroad always changes people’s perspective on life?

A: No, not at all. While it certainly is possible that travelling can change people’s perspectives, it is by no means guaranteed. In fact, when you travel to places like Thailand, you see that most tourists have no understanding of the local culture and just hold on to their own original views. The experience may change some people, but I think most people live in a little bubble when they go abroad, and this prevents them from really learning anything.

Notes: I described the sort of travel that men like in interesting terms: “men prefer more active, robust holidays that involve uncertainty, adventure, and even danger.” This is good, descriptive language!

Travel and Tourism Essays for IELTS Writing

Now we shall move on from speaking and instead look at the IELTS writing test. In this section, I will show you some questions about travel and tourism, then show you my sample band 9 answer.

Here is a question that features data about people travelling. I thought that this travel and tourism essay was really interesting, so I have included it here alongside my sample answer.

The line graph displays the numbers of tourists that visited an unnamed Caribbean island between 2010 and 2017. The tourists are divided into two groups – those staying on cruise ships and those staying on the island itself – and these had a loosely inverse correlation. The total number of visitors, however, rose more or less continuously throughout the eight-year period.

In the first year recorded, which was 2010, there were about twice as many tourists staying on the island as those staying on cruise ships. A year later, the number staying on cruise ships doubled to a half million, but this dropped back to around a quarter million in 2012. When the figures for tourists on cruise ships dropped, the number staying on the island rose quickly and over the coming few years, as this sudden increased levelled off, the number of people who stayed on board their ship continued to grow again.

Between 2012 and 2017, there were more and more visitors staying on cruise ships. From just a quarter million, this rose to two million, while the figures for those on the island levelled off at just one and a half million and then dropped slightly in the penultimate year, before finishing at one and a half. This meant that, for the final two years, more tourists stayed on cruise ships than on the island.

Notes on the Answer

In the introduction, I said “an unnamed Caribbean island.” It can sometimes be difficult to introduce something whose name you don’t know, and this is a really convenient way to do it. I strongly recommend you say “an unnamed ___” when this situation arises.

I have also used very few numbers in this essay. Instead of writing 250,000 or 2,000,000, I have said things like “a quarter million” and “two million.” This is much easier. [You can read more about IELTS and numbers here .]

Here is another travel and tourism essay question:

In future, more people will choose to go on holidays in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday.

Do you agree or disagree?

Sample Band 9 Answer

In recent years, people have coined the word “staycation” to describe the phenomenon of taking a holiday closer to home. This essay will argue that such holidays will become more common in the future.

First of all, it may seem as though international travel will become increasingly common, but in fact it is quite clear that it is an unsustainable trend. The carbon cost of flying to another country is enormous, and so many people have begun to ask whether it is ethical to continue doing this. Beyond just the personal level, it is clear that pretty soon governments will have to impose restrictions to limit the number of flights; otherwise, the world will suffer immensely from the burden of so many journeys.

In many parts of the world, people are probably ready to embrace this situation. Humans have had a terrible impact upon the world and many feel that it is time to undo the damage done. This involves some measure of personal sacrifice, which in this case could be forgoing the sort of international trips that used to be quite common. However, this is not all bad. Although foreign countries and exotic locations are exciting, there are treasures almost everywhere. Countries like the UK have poor weather, which is why so many people travel to warmer climates, but the natural beauty of the landscape and the extraordinary historical and cultural sites present myriad options for curious travellers. There will likely be a resurgence of interest in such trips.

In conclusion, it is quite possible that in the future people will realise how much damage humans have done to the world. Many of them may endeavour to make the sort of sacrifices necessary to counteract this ecological destruction, and one small step is embracing local travel.

Notes on the Essay

First of all, you can see that I incorporated the word “staycation” right at the beginning. When you use modern language like this, please don’t just jam it carelessly into your essay. Often, it is very informal, so you can only use it when properly introduced. In this case, I clearly explained its meaning and commented upon it from a sociological perspective.

Here is some more travel and tourism vocabulary from my essay:

• unsustainable trend
• carbon cost
• impose restrictions
• international trips
• exotic locations
• warmer climates
• myriad options
• ecological destruction

You can see that a lot of my language related to the environment, and of course that is often tied to the topic of travel and tourism because of the negative impacts these have on our planet.

I hope that you enjoyed my IELTS essays on travel and tourism, as well as the sample speaking answers I provided. Please remember that your own answers should be unique to you . Don’t try to copy others too much. Your vocabulary will depend upon your life experiences and the places you would or wouldn’t like to visit.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Travelling, Tourism, Holidays IELTS Speaking Test with Answers

42 min read

Updated On Nov 22, 2023

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This article contains the  Travelling, Tourism, and Holidays  Speaking sample answers.

IELTS Speaking consists of a short discussion between the examiner and the candidate. You will be asked a series of questions on common topics. You have to state your opinion or experiences.

Given below are the actual IELTS Speaking Part 1 stuff based on  Travel  questions and answers, followed by Speaking Part 2 and 3 on the same topic. When speaking, your tone will clarify and convey meaning.

Aiming for a high Speaking score? Take a look at the expert tips and tricks below!

Speaking Part 1

1 do you like travelling.

Yes. Travelling just changes your mind and refreshes you and makes you forget the busy work schedule. When you start enjoying yourself for some time, you get charged up.

2 Whom do you often spend the holiday with?

I often spend my holidays with my cousins at my grandma’s place in Hyderabad which is the capital of Telangana state. We enjoy each other’s company.

3 Have you done much travelling?

Yes. I have. Places which I visited have a very rich heritage and are colourful like Jaipur which is also known as the pink city, Hyderabad which is also a great metropolitan city, Nagpur famous for its oranges, Delhi famous for its shopping centres and food, Punjab famous for its lively atmosphere and etc.

4 What kind of places have you visited in your life?

I have visited almost every type of place where people enjoy their life, places where people have a lot of opportunities to express their creativity, places which are well known for their educational facilities etc.

5 When you visit new places, what do you like to do?

Whenever I visit a place the first thing I do is search about the history or past of that place ,then record the experiences I get there. I write about what I did , what I liked etc. I just jot down in my travel diary so that whenever I open and read it I can relive those memories.

6 Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?

I prefer travelling in a group as it’s always safe and most affordable. Also when we go on a trip as a group we are bonded with different type of people and make a lot beautiful ,sour and sweet memories.

7 Do you often travel abroad?

I haven’t travelled abroad yet. First I want to tour all places within my country.

8 In which seasons do you prefer to travel?

I prefer travelling in winter because the weather and atmosphere remains cool and soothing and it feels good to travel when it’s cool and soul-satisfying.

9 What is the best season to travel in your country?

The best time to travel in India is in the span of November to February when it is mixed weather. In this period it’s cold and dry simultaneously.

10 Would you say your country is a good place for travellers to visit?

Yes , definitely. India is considered to be one of the best countries to travel to because of its rich and diverse culture. The way the people in India welcome others with such a warm heart is tremendous to be felt.

11 What would you recommend a foreigner to visit in your country?

Each and every place in my country is significant for a particular thing. I would rather suggest a foreigner to tour all over India because there is not even a corner here that isn’t unique.

12 What places would you like to visit in the future?

I would like to visit New York and also Switzerland. These are my most favourite and desired destinations because of their scenic beauty and also the people who are very generous and sweet.

13 How much time do you spend travelling on a normal day?

On normal days I don’t spend much time as you know I’m pursuing my studies and working simultaneously. So it is really difficult to travel on normal days.

14 What do you do while you are travelling?

When travelling in a car I just sit back and enjoy the scenery. When on the train I really prefer sleeping and if I’m travelling by flight I would prefer reading a novel with my music on.

15 Do you think your hometown is a good place for a holiday?

Yes , definitely. My hometown is the best place to visit on a holiday as it has the best scenic views and a lot of places to roam around. Also my hometown is kind of famous for its delicious food and shopping areas.

16 Are you planning any vacations at the moment?

Yes, I am actually planning a vacation at the moment. I’ve been considering taking a trip to South Korea, which is known for its unique food and beautiful landscapes. I believe it would be a great opportunity to unwind, explore a new culture, and take a break from my daily routine.

17 Can you easily find your way around new places?

I would say that I’m quite adept at finding my way around new places. I enjoy exploring unfamiliar destinations, and I usually start by researching the area before I arrive. I rely on maps and navigation apps on my phone, which are incredibly helpful. Additionally, I often ask for directions from locals, which not only helps me find my way but also allows me to interact with people and learn about the local culture.

18 Can you tell me about the kind of things that you usually do on holiday?

I spend most of my time with my family members because my holidays are the only time I am available to them. I also pay visits to my extended family members. We as a family love to talk a lot, play games, watch films and go shopping.

Speaking Part 2

Describe a tourist attraction you once visited.

You should say

• When you visited it
• Where is it situated
• Whom you went with
• and say what about it you like the most

Sample Answer 1

I love to visit places, but due to my busy schedule, I am unable to go out on a lot of trips on holidays. Before the global pandemic started, I visited Sikkim with my family. I don’t clearly remember the exact date ,but it was in the month of May, 2019. It was summer, but the weather was very soothing there. Sikkim is  one of the smallest states of India situated in the North eastern part. Since my childhood I was drawn towards mountains more than I was towards the sea. Mountains always used to be peaceful and calm and I think that is the most attractive part of it. We started our journey from Pelling which is a small town in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, at the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga. The town is filled with monasteries and waterfalls. Pemayangtse Monastery is another equally important Buddhist shrine in Pelling. I visited the place the same day I visited Khecheopalri Lake,Rimbi fall, Kanchenjunga falls  and Singshore bridge. It is the second largest suspension bridge in Asia. The next day we visited Rabdentse Ruins and in the evening we were off to Ravangla. Unfortunately it started to rain so we were unable to visit anything but Temi tea garden on our way to ravangla. The next day we were off to Gangtok. We stayed there and went out on alternative days for sightseeing. We visited Tsomgo lake, Seven Sisters waterfall, Banjhakri falls, Rumtek monastery. The days we were not sightseeing, we used to spend quality time in the Gangtok “mail” which they used to call their shopping markets. We were unable to visit Nathula Pass as it started to snow heavily. We visited Yumthang-the valley of flowers and the flower shows of Gangtok. The beautiful snow capped mountains, the waterfalls, the monasteries, the lakes, the people and everything was so serene and beautiful. Sikkim increased my love for mountains ever since. I had a memorable trip which I will relive forever.

Vocabulary for Cue card

•  Suspension: hanging Eg: The suspension bridge is beautiful
• Sightseeing: visit places of that area Eg: She was going sightseeing before she left.
• Relive: to live again Eg: She was reliving her old memories.
• Monasteries: Buddhist Pilgrimage  Eg: The north east is full of monasteries.

Sample Answer 2

The Colosseum, one of the few intact Roman Empire constructions, stands today as a testament to ancient Rome’s architectural and engineering prowess. It is also a significant source of tourism.

I visited it with my family during a trip to Italy. I have always been very interested in the history of Rome, so I was excited about this visit. The Colosseum is a Roman amphitheatre open to the general public. It was built solely for the amusement of the Romans, and there were numerous games held there during the week in ancient times. It was famed for hosting exotic animals, chariot races and gladiatorial combat. We did the underground tour of the Colosseum. Our guide told us how the lower levels would be flooded with water to simulate naval battles during the shows. She also gave us great detail in terms of the architectural structure and cultural importance of the site. I learned a lot and was amazed by the sheer scale of witnessing it in real life as opposed to photos. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you have the opportunity.

Describe a beautiful place you once visited

• when you went to this place
• where it was
• whom you went with
• and say why you liked it so much.

Sample Answer

I happened to have a trip to Darjeeling a few years back. I don’t exactly remember the perfect date, but it was soon after my class 10 board examination. It was a trip conducted by my school authorities which can be classified as an excursion. Darjeeling is one of the prettiest hill stations in India located in the northern part of West Bengal. It’s all about magnificent views of snow capped Kanchenjunga, streams flowing down the mountain slopes, lovely tea gardens, landscapes with firs, pines & ferns, and all that combined with friendly people and modern yet colonial charm. We took a train from kolkata to NJP station. From there we took a bus that was pre-booked by our tour guide manager. There were fifty students and 8 teachers,along with our tour guides. We were served our lunch packets on the bus. We visited the beautiful himalayan railways aka toy trains. It was so beautiful to get a city ride on a toy train by the side of the mountains, stopping at every beautiful spot. The majestic view of the mountain on one side and the busy lives of people in the city was something worthy of watching. We also visited Batasia loop, Tiger Hill,ropeway,Himalayan Mountaineering Institute , the zoo,Rock Garden and several other places. We stayed there for about a week. On the evening of the fifth day, we were given permission to buy things from the shopping area of Darjeeling. As it was an excursion, it’s needless to say about the amount of fun I had there with my friends. On the sixth day we were off to the NJP station recalling the very new memories and sadness of the ending of our much-awaited trip. We bid our goodbyes to the most beautiful place of our dream, but the art of heaven, named as Darjeeling, will remain cherishable in our heart and brain forever. 

• Majestic: having or showing impressive beauty or scale. Eg: The sight was majestic in its own way
• Excursion: a long trip held by the institution Eg: our school held an excursion to hyderabad.
• Relive: to live again Eg: She was reliving her moments with her grandmother.
• Art of heaven: very beautiful Eg: The sketches she makes are like art of heaven

Describe a short trip that you usually make (or, take) but dislike

• where you travel from and to
•  how often you make this trip
•  why you make this trip
•  and explain why you dislike this trip

Since I study in Bhubaneswar and stay in Kolkata, the trip from home to college is often the trip I dislike to make. The journey from Kolkata to Kalinga is the most disliked journey I have to take every now and then. 

I return to Kolkata whenever I get a long holiday in my college and whenever I want to spend some quality time with my family. 

Being born and brought up in  a bengali family, you are bound to be home-sick. And I’m no exception. Just everytime I get a chance, I pack up and return home. So, I have to make the trip back to Bhubaneswar when the holidays are over.

Whenever I return home, my mother pampers me so much that I always feel reluctant to return to the college hostel and live on my own. Though good food is available in the hostel, it is no match to the home-cooked food. So, whenever It’s time to return to the hostel, the thought of doing everything on my own is the very reason why I dislike travelling. But there’s one more reason too. I have to travel alone most of the time and since this is long, I often get bored by the monotonous journey. I usually travel in 3 tier AC, and the people travelling are on a trip to Puri with their family, which makes me want to return. They are all to themselves, and being a grown up it seems awkward to reach out and start a conversation. Thus the dislike becomes stronger each time.

• home-sick: loving to stay at home. Eg: She was home-sick.
• homeland: a place where u grew up Eg: Nadia is my homeland .
• Pamper: give special care Eg: She often pampers her sisters.

Describe a trip that took longer than you expected.

• when it happened
• where you were travelling to
• whom you were travelling with
• and explain why it took longer than you expected.

A few years ago, we were on a  road trip to Digha. It was my elder sister’s Bachelorette party.  There were ten of us, out of which five were her friends, and 5 were cousins. We booked a ten-seater van to travel. It was air-conditioned. If I can recall, it was in 2018. 

The first few days flew swiftly. Then, the west winds started. Bengalis call it Kalboishakhi. Storm, rain, and sea never go well together. Beaches were a prohibited place, and we were instructed not to leave the hotel. Thus, we were stuck inside the hotel room and were all to ourselves. The return trip was canceled, and our journey got delayed. But it was the best time of the year. We had parties and were gossiping, recollecting memories, and even were on movie marathons. 

We were supposed to return after a week. But we returned after 15 days. Even though the situation was challenging, we were having a good time. The weather was scary near the sea. No tourists were out.  But I loved the journey even though it got longer than expected. 

So when we returned, we had a lot to plan and organise for my sister’s wedding. But keeping in mind the storm and the sea, we were buckled up for whatever work stress that was about to hit. 

• Bachelorette: a celebration one gets before they get married Eg: She went to a Bachelorette party with her brother. 
• Kalboishakhi: the Western storm from Bay of Bengal that hits West Bengal during Summer Eg: There’s a possibility of kalboishakhi in the next week
• Buckled up: gather up what you dropped; gather courage Eg: She buckled her up for the upcoming competition 
• Delay: got late Eg: The train got delayed because of the rain.
• Movie marathon: watching a series of movie in a single sitting Eg: The friends were having a movie marathon . 

Describe a trip that didn’t go as you had planned/expected

• where were you travelling to
• who was travelling with you
• what didn’t happen according to plan
• what did you do there
• and explain how you felt.

Last year we were on a trip to Puri.

It was a trip with my family members. We hadn’t been anywhere for a long time, so we decided on taking a short trip to freshen our moods. My father always has this habit to pre-plan all the places according to the days.

One day, we went sightseeing in Chilka and several other places nearby. It was a long day planned till evening. It was all according to plan until my father decided to take the advice of our driver. He was a localite and knew every road and turn. He was well accustomed to the history of the temples and the places. He suggested we visit a few temples that were really beautiful. He also added that the history of those places was very intriguing. 

We returned 3 hours later than we had planned but the journey there was worth the time, we lost. We visited 3 temples, and the driver took us to a small village near Kalinga. We saw handloom works and several other things that will forever stay in our memories.

It was an unnoticed, not so famous village. The people were so humble. We wouldn’t have visited the place if he hadn’t suggested it to us. I had fun, and so did my parents. If I visit Puri next time, I will revisit the place.

• Sightseeing : places inside an area to visit Eg: She went sightseeing .
• Humble: good and polite Eg: She was a humble girl 
• Localite : local area person Eg: He was a localite.
• Intriguing:  arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity  Eg: The friends were having an intriguing conversation. 

A bicycle, motorbike or car trip you would like to go on in the future

• Where would you like to go
• How would you like to go there
• Whom would you like to go with
• And explain why you would like to go there by car, motorbike or bike

The thing that troubles me more often than not when living in the city is that majority of people are riding motorbikes rather than cars. As a result, most people don’t know how to drive a car, including me, which also annoys me, since I have always wanted to take a road trip across the country. A road trip by car from the south to the north of my country would be tough and adventurous  because hundreds of  marvelous destinations are waiting to be explored. However, it is worth  taking risks  and  stepping out of your comfort zone  to truly  experience  what life  has to offer when your legs can still carry you rather than to regret later in your life.

“If you wanna go fast, go alone. If you wanna go far, go together.” It might be fun if you were a lone traveller  and didn’t enjoy  getting lagged behind your schedule. But, the adventure could be more colourful and unexpected, when you’ve got company, especially during a long journey like the one I prefer. Hence, my choice would be to pick up a close friend or two who share the same vision, the same  eagerness  to  capture the beauty of nature. We would start from the south where we are living and move north. On the go, we could stop by our favorite beaches a little longer than other places because there isn’t anybody who doesn’t have time for juicy coconuts and white sand paradise. Traditional cuisine  would also be our  utmost priority whenever we reach a new place as the best way to live like a local is to eat like a local. A car is our best choice because it would give us room to  comfortably  converse with  each other and  shelter  from  inclement weather  during our journey if any. It is not only about the destinations but also about the time I would love to spend with my dear friends as we would share the same space in a four-wheel vehicle  along the road; and  at the end of the day , it’s the people that matter.

• more often than not: usually Eg: More often than not, people get confused with this map.
• take risks: to do something that might be dangerous Eg: You have to take risks to win .
• have to offer: have something available to be used or appreciated Eg: She has to offer prayers to God .
• get lagged behind: get fallen behind Eg: The yellow car got lagged behind.
• cuisine: style of cooking Eg: She likes Chinese cuisine.
• utmost: greatest; most extreme Eg: Knowledge is of utmost importance .
• inclement: not pleasant; cold, wet, etc. Eg: The inclement  weather is not safe for flights.
• at the end of the day: in the end, finally Eg: At the end of the day your hard work pays off.
• shelter: protect or shield from something harmful, especially bad weather Eg: The birds are in search of a shelter.

Also check :

• IELTS Speaking tips
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• IELTS Speaking recent actual test
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• Work Vocabulary for Cue Card IELTS
• IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics
• Idioms for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking

Describe an unforgettable trip you have had

• When and where you went
• Who you went with
• What you did there
• And explain why you think it was enjoyable

Well, it has been two years since I had my very first motorbike trip with my colleagues to one of the most ancient villages situated in the Northwestern part of our country. And I have to say that it was the most memorable trip that I’ve ever had.

Our group with 3 people made a decision to visit a village because we wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city  and  get off the beaten track.  Moreover ,  the village was fairly typical of the countryside in our country, so we wanted to get an insight into  the lifestyle of local people there.

We set out for a day trip quite early. I’m always a night owl , not an  early bird , so leaving the city at 5 a.m made me feel like I was deprived of sleep. However, I was  over the moon  shortly after  embarking on the trip to the village. This was because on the way to get there, we had a chance to get  the magnificent views of breathtaking landscapes  which is totally different from the city we are currently living in.  After a long drive, we got to the  picturesque village  which made me feel   deliriously happy. We rented some bikes to cycle around the village to  feel the vibes  of the village. After that,   we visited some 400-year-old ancient house and had a look at communal houses where the local people gathered for festival celebrations or public meetings. Then we had lunch and the food was scrumptious .  In the afternoon, we joined a cooking class with the villagers who were extremely friendly and  clever at making traditional cakes. The highlight of the trip to the village was going to the paddy fields to help the farmers harvest the crop. It was once-in-a-lifetime  experience which we really enjoyed. My friend was  like a dog with two tails while I was also  on cloud nine . We relished everything in the village from the fresh air, cozy ambience to beautiful landscapes such as small houses or paddy fields. We hoped that we can have a longer trip to the countryside down the road if we had more spare time.

• made a decision: Making an agreement to something Eg: She made a decision.
• get away from the hustle and bustle of the city: go to somewhere peaceful Eg: She wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• get off the beaten track: get distracted Eg: She got off the beaten track
• fairly typical of: things of the same type Eg: It’s fairly typical of her.
• get an insight into: to gain some knowledge about  Eg: She got an insight into the matter
• set out: begin a journey Eg: She sets out for the journey
• night owl: stays up all night Eg: She is a night owl
• early bird: wakes up early Eg: He is an early bird
• deprived of: devoid of Eg: She is deprived of medicines. 
• over the moon: very happy and delighted Eg: She is over the moon  for her success
• embarking on: to begin a journey Eg: She embarked on a journey to Delhi.
• the magnificent views of breathtaking landscapes: very beautiful sight Eg: She is awestruck by the magnificent views of breathtaking landscapes.
• picturesque village: Beautiful village Eg: It’s an picturesque village
• deliriously happy: very happy Eg: She is deliriously happy.
• feel the vibes: sensing the energy Eg: I can feel the vibes of winning.
• Scrumptious: delicious Eg: The meal was scrumptious. 
• Once-in-a-lifetime: happening once in your entire lifetime Eg: One should visit NYC at least once-in-a-lifetime.
• like a dog with two tails: used to emphasize how delighted someone is. Eg: She is so happy that she is like a dog with two tails
• on cloud nine: very happy Eg: She is on cloud nine today.
• Ambience: Surrounding and atmosphere Eg: The ambience is very appealing.
• down the road: down the memory lane Eg: She went down the road and realised how innocent she had been.

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Speaking Part 3

1 do people in your country like to travel.

Yes, people in India like to travel. India is a colossal country to travel around. There are so many beautiful and adventurous places here. Hence people of India are athirst to travel from one place to another. Indians are always keen on discovering the daring and quixotic moments through travel. Nowadays, Indians mostly travel with friends wherever they get a vacation or a weekend

2 How has travelling changed, compared to several decades ago?

With the growing population and economic growth, India has changed especially in regards to travel. People now travel for uploading travel blogs, pictures or everyday travel videos on social media.The mode of transportation has improved a lot, as travel now is cheaper, comfortable and faster. Nowadays content creators go to places, find stuff and share in social media which is phenomenal. Now travel has become so easy that anyone can go for a long vacation.

3 When do people travel (as tourists), whom do they usually go with?

People usually travel with family friends or loved ones for a weekend to a neighbouring country or for a family vacation or for long travel. There is something within us that triggers us to pack our bags and visit a new place. Tourists mainly visit India, especially the southern part of India, during April – May and December for experiencing the crystal blue waters and soft white sand beaches. Tourists usually visit India with family and friends. Some people come with their loved ones to spend their most adventurous moments of life.

4 Do you think travel can (or, does) change people’s ways of thinking?

I think travel has made people better communicators. It has allowed people to be more patient. Through travelling, people can get to know a lot more about the world around them. Travel increases the desire to meet new people and pushes one to explore all kinds of amazing, admirable things. You become a well-rounded person just by experience. Travelling focuses on a greater sense of empathy and we also gain knowledge about diverse cultures. Interaction with people is another pathway to revitalize our minds. I think travelling really develops a personality. They become less judgemental, more stable, more open-minded, find themselves more optimistic, and don’t panic often.

5 What are the disadvantages of not travelling?

There are many disadvantages of not travelling to a new place. Many educational and health benefits will be missed. We will be unable to learn new cultures and languages. Memories for a lifetime will really pass over. You will not be able to deal with the stress, if you don’t take a break and travel. Also, you cannot sense and appreciate independence. You cannot boost confidence within yourself. You cannot realize your passion if you are not physically exploring places.

Travelling in cities

6 how do most people in your country travel to work.

Most of the people in India own a vehicle. It could either be a two-wheeler or four-wheeler. And the ones who don’t have a private vehicle travel through public transport like metro, buses, or by local trains. Sometimes they travel by subways too.

7 People in cities used to like living downtown but now they prefer to live in the suburbs. Can you explain why?

In suburbs there is a lot of free space available. Also in most suburbs, there is an element of peace and people lead a normal life. But in cities, the places have become more and more compact with population increase. One more advantage of suburbs is that the cost of living is low.

8 What is the impact of vehicles on people’s lives?

Owning a private vehicle is very common nowadays. It makes our life easy as we can travel at our convenience. People have started travelling from one city to another. Vehicles have made their life comfortable. People have also become a bit lazy as they tend to take vehicles even for shorter distances and also a lot of fuel is burnt in this process.

9 Do people in your country prefer to walk or take a car for short trips?

People in India mostly prefer taking a walk if it is a very short trip like walking to the nearby grocery shop. Walking is also essential for a person to maintain proper metabolism. Walking is preferred because firstly it is, of course, environmentally friendly and also it boosts up our immune system ,energy, and also keeps our heart healthy and fit

10 How can big cities deal with the problem of having many people crowded in the same place?

We can help people by providing them with valuable and good sources of information to plan a visit. E.g., Help schedule the time of travel. We can also improve the infrastructure in an area that can reduce overcrowding in the particular region. We can also encourage corporate companies to build technology parks in the suburbs and villages as well.

11 Are there any connections between transportation and the environment?

Yes, there is a direct linking between travelling and the environment. When the weather is perfect and soothing, we enjoy travelling. If the heat comes right above our head, we get irritated and will not enjoy our trip.

12 Does your hometown have problems connected to transportation??

The transportation in my hometown is not good. The public transport can’t be trusted because the buses don’t arrive on time. Also, the people aren’t educated and are unaware of the timings of public transport. The most important thing is that women are concerned about their safety in public transport.

13 How could these problems be solved?

These problems can be solved by making people aware of the timetable of the buses. They can also educate the drivers about being on time. The people can be trained to use metro options too

14 Is cycling very popular in your city?

Cycling is given a lot of importance in my hometown because it is good exercise. People are educated and know that it helps in increasing cardiovascular fitness, muscle flexibility, decreasing stress level and that it also makes our mind fresh and boosts up our energy level.

15 What are the differences between travelling by car and travelling by bicycle in a city?

Car is faster and effective than bicycles. A car can hold more stuff into it, but you can’t carry heavy items in a cycle. Also in a car, safety is guaranteed because of its compact and secured design. A car can house a group of people but a cycle cannot. Also it is way more comfortable than a cycle.

16 What are the advantages and disadvantages of cycling in the city?

Riding a bicycle helps in building mental and physical fitness. It helps in saving a lot of money too. It is rejuvenating to take a cool shower after cycling for an hour or two. As we have pros, there are cons too. We may be exposed to the day’s temperature, which can harm our body ( if it is not moderate). We can meet with accidents. Cycles are theft-prone too.

17 How could the government encourage more people to use bicycles in the city?

Government can create separate lanes for cycling. They can also introduce some schemes related to cycling. Marathons can be held in a regular interval of time. They can even distribute pamphlets regarding the importance of cycling to encourage people.

18 What are the benefits of having a good public transportation system in a city?

Having good transportation in a city makes life convenient and helps people reach their destination on time. It will be safe for girls to travel. Also, it helps in less consumption of fossil fuels like petrol or diesel. By this, we can help in reducing the pollution as we will use the buses rather than our own vehicle.

19 How will transportation in cities change in the future?

There are already many plans that our government is looking into, and one of them is the technology of the bullet trains, which can help people travel in less time at a very reasonable cost. In the coming days, people might develop a technology that can help them reach their destination within the city very fast and without pollution.

International travel

20 do people from your country like to travel abroad.

 Yes , many of my friends travel abroad when they get holidays. Also, many such people are there who go out of India to experience more about the culture, food , people ,climate , of foreign countries.

21 Can you suggest why some people (from your country) go abroad to work?

Some people go abroad to work to get more exposure and gain experience. Some people like to travel a lot. So they take up a job which will help them in travelling. They even travel to embrace a new lifestyle and also to learn a new language.

Traffic congestion in cities

22 what causes traffic problems in big cities.

Due to the increase of population and growth of the economy in big cities, people rush for work everyday which is the main cause of traffic problems. Due to an increase in the number of vehicles on the road such as at the peak hour, lack of vehicle regulation has increased the problems. Sometimes non recurring events like road accidents slows down road traffic and weather problems also result in immobility of vehicles.

23 What could be done to solve this problem?

The more the lanes, the higher the capacity a road has. So cars should be able to drive faster, but that’s a very narrow analysis of the problem. Some technical procedure is needed to control the traffic jams over roads. The use of public transport should be encouraged. Parking should be controlled via universal pay and park-in parking facilities. Proper signboards at each and every junction may also help to reduce traffic. Traffic control systems should be improved, traffic lights should be fully computerized and constantly serviced. Traffic lanes could be created for multiple-car occupancy.

24 What do you think are the benefits of having a good public transportation system in a city?

Travelling by public transport is very useful in saving money. You don’t need to spend much money on purchasing cars. Imagine that you are on a bus, taking a seat, and starting to relax by reading the newspaper or sleeping a little while. Yes, you can do this on a bus. You don’t have to concentrate on the road. This source of transportation is perfect for tourists. It is a good alternative for the older generation. Public transportation sometimes becomes adventurous, and we get to know many new people every day.

25 How do you imagine public transport might change in the future?

I think public transport might change in the future. The world is changing fast. Cities are growing, and the urban population is rising. The need to transport people and goods is increasing, but so is congestion, air pollution, road accidents, and climate change. In the present times, electric vehicles are used for public transport, and the transportation system is enabled through an integrated cloud platform, connecting vehicles, people, infrastructure, and logistic platforms. Bus platooning is improving efficiency and capacity in the city of public transportation. The future is the electric zero mission with low noise, giving the electric combat excavator access to the environmental city zone.

Long-distance travel

26 what are some of the reasons why people travel long distances.

There are many reasons like getting more of a personal perspective, giving yourself some time, grasping more adventure. Also, the most important thing is building a solid relationship with whomever you travel.People tend to travel to meet their family members who stay at a distant place. Travel bloggers travel for fun and pleasure.

27 Is it easier to travel long distances today than in the past? (Why?)

Yes, it has become much easier to travel now than in the past. Nowadays, it is much more feasible and affordable for a person or a group of people to travel even to far off places. In fact, nowadays people just travel because they are crazy to explore the latest technology

28 How does long-distance travel today differ from the past?

Nowadays it’s very convenient and affordable and also we have a lot of options as in to travel anywhere but this wasn’t the case in the old days . People used to travel mostly with bullock carts or either used to take walk for travelling which would take a lot of time but with the help of recent technology we can travel faster

29 What effects does long-distance travel have on people?

People who are old or babies usually get tired in the long-distance journey. If we are with a group of people and travelling, it becomes fun, but if we had to travel alone, we tend to get bored. And also most importantly, it can turn into travel fatigue which disturbs our daily lives.

30 Can long-distance travel ever create problems for people?

People who travel frequently tend to become lonely and may develop long-term health issues that can be very dangerous at times. Travelling long distances isn’t cheap either. Also it is very taxing. Even after reaching our destination we become lethargic and tend to sleep more rather than taking a tour of the place.

31 Does long-distance travel have any effect on the environment?

Travelling long distances by any means of transport will cost you a lot and is also not environmentally friendly. All types of transportation including air create a greenhouse effect in the topmost layer, which is way too hazardous.The most polluting vehicle is the flight. Then comes the car and train. Cars use fossil fuel and release toxic gases into the air.

32 How might long-distance travel change in the future?

With the advent of technology, it might become much easier and affordable to travel. We can reach long distances at the fullest comfort in no time. Recent research shows that electric flights might be coming up in the future to minimise pollution.

33 How would it be like to travel to space?

It would be fantastic. There are very few people who have been getting a chance to undertake such excellent travel. And if I am the chosen one I might be very proud of myself to step into the moon.

34 What are the problems people might experience when going on a trip and what could be done to avoid/solve these problems?

 There are a lot of problems which might occur during travel. We might suffer from health issues or run out of cash, or get delayed, which might affect our whole tour. The only solution for this is that we should plan adequately before we step out.We can also pool vehicles to avoid pollution. 

Preparing for a trip

35  is it important for travelers to carefully plan the trip.

Yes, planning a trip is really important for travellers. If everything happens in an organised way, we can switch to the travelling mindset with ease. Traveling to different places and staying there for a few days will help us to rejuvenate and relax if we arrange everything before the trip.

36 What are the differences between a well-planned trip and a trip that is not well-planned?

Well-planned trips are those which accommodate even the sudden changes that occur on the spot. Talk and discuss the trip with whom you are going. Make sure you have the travel plans. Let the problems be sided and let all the solutions get strained in one piece of sheet. Not planned trips will face budget problems and they will meet with unnecessary expenditures. They will not know more about where to visit how to go, and how to stay. They will not be aware of the culture and of the place they are travelling to and will always face problems.

37 In general, what factors should people consider when planning a trip?

We need to first focus on booking tickets or visas or passports. Internal currency planning, sightseeing, etc seem to be so daunting which is why people rely on travel agents and they don’t mind paying them. But making a plan under budget needs time. The factors that we should keep in mind while making the trip are the number of days needed to reach the destination, travel companions, and adventures.

38 What essential things do people need to take when they go on a trip?

I will now talk about some of the essential things people need to take when they go on a trip: a neck pillow for train or flight travel to relax the body. Eye masks are also crucial for good sleep, as we also need time to energize ourselves through sleep. We need to take our clothes accordingly by keeping in mind the weather of that particular place. You can take a camera with you to capture those beautiful moments, which would remain handy. Chargers and power banks are very crucial during travelling. Skincare products and other necessary makeup materials can make you look glamorous with a photoshoot.

39 Do you think there are any differences between men and women when they plan a trip?

Yes, I think there lies a difference between men and women when they plan a trip. Women start packing a month early. They make several lists, pack for themselves and their kids. They plan many activities for their kids, and they get busy with packing different varieties of clothes and makeup. Women stage things serially and in an organised way, but men remain leftover with last moment packing. Men drag 2 – 3 pairs of jeans, shirts and 3 pairs of socks and shorts, and they’re done. They remain excited and capture the beautiful natural beauty on a camera.

40 People with different personalities sometimes plan or prepare for a trip differently. Can you give some examples of this?

People with different personalities plan and prepare for trips differently as they want to explore and explore that destination from their inner core. Naturally, people travel for enjoyment with family and friends, but some people think differently. They remain enthusiastic about bringing out the dangerous unknown adventure. They generally make sudden plans.

41 How do people find information about places to travel to?

There are several factors which people must consider while preparing for a trip. They should not get so confused about stuffing all the things in one bag. Some usually keep everything for the last moment and get confused. These people must make a checklist and ensure that all the necessary documents, cards are adequately arranged. They should also double-check that necessary medicines and clothes are packed.

42 What factors would people consider when preparing for a trip?

Nowadays we can find information about travel on the internet . We can get information through vlogs, twitter, and different social media sites. We can easily get a detailed analysis and budget list of the particular destination. There are travel agencies that help us with information about unknown places . The encyclopedia and youtube travelogue channels, also make our travel easy.

Travelling differences

43 if you were travelling with friends, what qualities would you like them to have.

When we have to choose the travel companion we should think of a person who is compatible and has a good sense of humour, is sensible, generous and also shares the budget

44 Some people prefer to go on guided tours when they travel while others prefer to travel individually. Which do you think is better?

From my point of view taking up a guide is more preferable as these people have knowledge which may not be in books or any kind of brochure and they also will suggest the best and affordable places to stay, eat etc

45 What are the different means of transport that a person can choose when travelling?

There are different types of transport which one can use for travelling. For example, sea, rail, flight or car. Most suitable out of these is the flight as it makes our travel quick and convenient. Other means of travelling such as public transport or cabs etc also make life easy and enable us to enjoy a tour.

46 In what ways does a person’s wealth affect the quality of that person’s travelling experience?

Wealth does affect the quality of travel we do. If we are rich, we can enjoy a trip to the fullest. The opposite of it is that if we have less money to spend, we may have to compromise our comforts.

47 Whom do you think learns more from travelling, old people or young people?

Young people learn more. The youth get inspired by travelling as they get to know more people and learn how to handle them. They also get excellent exposure, and come across new opportunities. They even get to know themselves and also will have a clear vision over what should be one’s goal.

48 Do you think it’s a good idea to use a credit card when travelling?

A credit card is considered the best friend of anyone travelling. It makes the payment easier and provides certain advantages such as cashback or a reward. People prefer this, as there is a considerable risk involved in carrying cash.

49 Some people like to take a lot of things with them when they travel and other people prefer to take as little as possible. Why do you think people have this difference?

It varies according to the individual. Person A would like to carry a lot so that he/she dont have to borrow anything from others. On the other hand, person B may not like to carry much luggage because he might prefer taking only basic things and buying the rest.

50 Do you think the tourism industry is very important?

Yes, the tourism industry is vital to the world’s economy. It not only takes part in the economy but also plays a vital role as the backbone of the country. It provides job opportunities to the people of the country. It also creates a special bond between the visitors and the localities. We get to know about the history of places, culture and almost everything.

51 What do you think has led to the growth in the tourism industry?

There are several factors that have led to the growth of the tourism industry. One of the most important factors is people’s hunger to learn and see. This “interest” is the reason why people have decided to consider this as a means of employment. Now, the most significant factor of the World’s economy comes from this industry.

52 What benefits does tourism bring to society?

Tourism brings several benefits to society. The tourism industry is the largest contributor to the world’s economy and facilitates foreign trade. For example, India is rich in spices, and our country holds the biggest spice trading business. Yes, if it hadn’t been for tourism, our minerals and resources would have been unknown to the world. The handloom industry is another branch, which has flourished only because of the tourism industry. In short, it has an impact on a lot of factors that are interconnected.

53 Are there any problems caused by tourism? How to address these problems?

Yes. Alongside the benefits, it brings in some problems too. All these trade and foreign business has resulted in exposing our wealth and riches to the other countries. This is one of the very reasons why the British empire wanted to settle in India and make it their colony. If the government is weak, it can easily be taken over and ruin the nation.

54 How to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the environmental damage that is done by tourism?

The economic benefit and the environmental damage can only be balanced by limiting the trading. One should stop forcing the environment to go beyond its limit just to produce a greater yield for exports . The greed for money has led to disaster. Tourists also tend to contaminate the ground by throwing plastics or wrappers. Some throw eateries on the road.

55 What effects do you think international travel has on the different countries involved?

International travel has an impact on the relationship between the tourists and localite. It builds a bond between the people of the two countries involved. This bond will eventually mature into foreign settlements which will be beneficial for both countries in the long run. It also helps better import and export systems.

56 How has international travel changed in the past 20 or 30 years?

With the passing ages, everything has changed. Places have changed their infrastructure. Villages have turned into metropolitan cities. I think currency is an important factor too. The value for money has changed too. What cost 1rs back then, might cost 10 rs now. So yes, that’s a factor too.

57 Can you suggest some things that people should and should not do when they travel to a foreign country as tourists?

People visiting foreign should not exploit their land and properties. One should not make fun of their culture and sentiments. Thus the person visiting a foreign land should respect it as how they want to be treated by their visitors/tourists.

58 Do you think that the media has many effects on tourism?

Media has a tremendous impact on tourism. In the modern world, people rely primarily on social media and news. An unknown place can turn into a popular holiday destination overnight. So yes, the media impacts a lot. Media has also captured attractive pictures and videos which have attracted many tourists too. So behind the popularity of a place, the media played a vital role.

59 Some think it’s not necessary to go to tourist places, now that we can see these places on the internet. Do you agree?

Some people think it’s not necessary to go to tourist places because we can see places on the internet. But it’s like watching a picture of your favourite food and filling up your appetite. Unless and until you are present in that area in person, you can never feel the true essence of the place

Changes in travelling

60 how do you think travelling today is different from what it was several decades ago.

In modern times, we have different modes of communication which were not in history. Earlier people used to walk and used animal drawn carts to travel from place to place. The discovery of petroleum was the light of revolution. Now, one can visit places conveniently.

61 In 20 or 30 years, how do you think travelling will be different from what it is today?

With every passing day, the level of crude oil is decreasing. Many vehicles are being idealised to  draw fuel in alternative ways. Tesla, is one such example. I am sure there will be inventions like this. So yes, there will be a huge difference between today and the future generation. Soon there will be a way to resolve the issue, and we might be able to run a vehicle via solar energy, or any other source for that matter. Even though there will be a lot to plan and implement, mankind will overcome every hurdle. 

Modern technology and travel

62 in what ways has modern technology changed people’s travelling experiences.

 In the earlier times, people used animal drawn carts or palanquins to travel from place to place. With the inventions of technologies, the vehicles have also become modernised. Modern technologies have reduced human effort and so of animals. It has saved a lot of time and it is much more convenient.

63 Do you think the internet has had an effect on people’s travelling behaviour today?

Yes, the internet has impacted indirectly on people’s travelling behaviour today. We can sit at home and book train tickets or flight tickets. One does not have to go to the station and search for trains or go to the airport to book tickets. The Internet has made online services like Ola,Uber or Rapido, which will help us to reach our destination in a shorter period of time.

64 If you were going on a trip, what essential modern technology would you carry, and why?

If i am travelling somewhere, i will carry my cell phone. It’s the modern technology I choose to carry because it will help us in several ways. Beginning with google maps, contacts, or helpline and emergency numbers. Among all the boons of mobile phones, the advantages overshadow them. One can capture the beautiful moments of the trip on their mobiles. They can also play music during the trip. So a mobile phone serves many purposes while you travel.

Vocabulary for Speaking Part 3

• Colossal: extremely large or great. Eg: In fact, this means a colossal amount of foreign travel.
• Athirst: Very eager to get something Eg: She was athirst to get her birthday gift
• Platooning: Use the strategy of alternating (a pair of players or one player with another) in a specified field position in successive games. Eg:   Marim designed a platoon for badminton along with her friends
• Immobility: The state of not moving; motionlessness. Eg: She was almost frozen into immobility by the fear that it would be something illegal.
• Petroleum: oil used to make petrol and diesel Eg: Petroleum is used for all purpose these days
• Crude oil: source of petroleum Eg: Crude oil is a source of energy which is found deep under the ocean
• Tesla:  a modern car working on electricity Eg: He is so rich that he can afford a Tesla
• Revolution: change Eg: Revolution is the only constant
• overshadow: to overcome something Eg: He overshadows his pain with a smile
• Impact: affect Eg: Good food has an impact on people. 
• Adequately: to a satisfactory or acceptable extent. Eg:  He was adequately prepared for the situation
• Hazardous: risky; dangerous. Eg: The situation in which we are working is really hazardous
• Facilitates: beneficial Eg: Befriending the captain facilitated better understanding of the team
• Exploits: destroys Eg: “ You should not exploit anyone’s innocence.”
• Appetite: Hunger Eg: She lost her appetite.

Sample Answers (Updating)

Suggested answers for part 1, do you like travelling.

Yes, definitely! I think getting to know the world, from great historical monuments to white sandy beaches, is what life is all about . It’s a very interesting way to learn about new cultures and explore new places.

Whom do you often spend the holiday with?

It depends on what kind of holiday it is. If it’s Christmas vacation, I prefer to hang out with my friends here and there and have a chit-chat. If it’s the New Year holiday, I just want to celebrate the holiday with my family and relatives in a cozy ambience.

Have you done much travelling?

Well, I’m an international student, so I travel a lot. I’ve been on a road trip to the USA, a vacation to Japan and Korea when I was younger. Thanks to my father. And most recently Australia – a splendid country.

What kind of places have you visited in your life?

I prefer to visit the places which elevate my mood and energize me. I have been to some of the beautiful beaches and lakes in my country. These places bring me closer to nature and rejuvenate me.

When you visit new places, what do you like to do?

It seems to me that there’s a lot of stuff to do when visiting a brand-new place. At first, I would love to take photographs to bookmark my travel experience as well as share it with my best mates. Culture vulture seems to be my other character when I feel like discovering the places of great aesthetic appeal everywhere I set foot in.

Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?

Well, it depends on my current mood. A trip to the off-the-beaten-track destinations, mountainous or forested place, for instance, will be my initial choice if I feel devastated. On the contrary, I will congregate and sign up for guided tours as it’s a chance to be shown around and take photographs – one of my hobbies when feeling overjoyed.

In which seasons do you prefer to travel?

I guess it would be autumn. This season has little rain, clear skies, and temperature conditions. It’s really the best season as most places are at their best at that time.

What places would you like to visit in the future?

If I have the chance to visit one famous place, it will be Paris, a must-see place for me. I would love to visit the Eiffel Tower, to tuck into French delicacies in prestigious restaurants. In addition, it’d be great for me to visit the Louver Museum and discover history as well as La Sorbonne University – the oldest educational institution in modern France.

If the choice is in my hands, I’m yearning for travelling to Paris on Christmas vacation when the weather is neither too cold or too hot.

You can find some more questions about Holidays at:  2017 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic: Holidays & Sample Answers

You can also improve your Vocabulary for Cue Card about Traveling & Adventures which is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test at:  IELTS Travel & Adventure Vocabulary for Cue Card: Useful Phrases & Expressions In IELTS Speaking

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Bonus IELTS Speaking part questions with Answers

Nafia Zuhana is an experienced content writer and IELTS Trainer. Currently, she is guiding students who are appearing for IELTS General and Academic exams through ieltsmaterial.com. With an 8.5 score herself, she trains and provides test takers with strategies, tips, and nuances on how to crack the IELTS Exam. She holds a degree in Master of Arts – Creative Writing, Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has worked with The Hindu for over a year as an English language trainer.

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Moscow and St. Petersburg present a new tourist pass

Russia has introduced a new tourist pass called PassCity , which will be of use not only to foreign travelers who have come to Russia for a few days, but also to students from overseas and expatriates whose stay extends to a few months and more. PassCity has apps available for Android and iOS with free audio guides in English and Chinese.

PassCity has become Russia's first pass which is valid in two cities at once and covers all the major museums of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The price for a tourist pass for 3/5/7/10 days varies from $80 (1 person, 3 days - 5190 rubles ) to $230 (2 people, 10 days - 14,390 rubles ). A 90/180/360-day pass costs from $ 64 (1 person, 90 days -  3990 rubles  ) to $160  (2 people, 360 days - 9990 rubles ).  The package for several days was designed for tourists and includes an unlimited number of museum visits per day, as well as public transit. The 3/6/12-month card is meant for temporary residents of the cities and covers one museum visit a day, without access to public transit.

Apart from admission to museums, the pass gets you free coffee in the DoubleB chain of coffee shops , several trips on the airport express in Moscow, and subway rides in St. Petersburg or by taxi ordered through the Yandex.Taxi service.  

For the practical and the cautious

The Voxxter team spent more than two years developing the pass; while working on it, they established partnerships with Mastercard, Yandex.Money , Yandex.Taxi (a Russian taxi service similar to Uber ), and DoubleB , a popular chain of coffee shops in St. Petersburg and Moscow.  

PassCity is as easy to use as a regular credit card: It uses the Mastercard payment system, and the chosen package of services is activated upon purchase. You can deposit money on the card and use it to pay for other goods and services: Using an extra credit card instead of your primary card when traveling is a sensible security measure.

Cards are delivered through a system that has recently gained popularity among Internet banks. "You can order the pass online or through the app, and our courier will deliver it where and when you decide, for instance, your hotel, or the railway station where the airport express arrives. Our customers have confirmed that this is a lot more convenient than having to look for a sales office in an unknown city," explains Maksim Ivlev, Voxxter CEO.

Voxxter believes the pass could be useful for tourists who come to Russia to watch upcoming sporting events, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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Responsible tourism: 8 ways to support local businesses while traveling

Posted: May 17, 2023 | Last updated: January 26, 2024

What Is Responsible Tourism?

The responsible tourism movement aims to minimize and even reverse the negative effects of travel, from overcrowding and pollution to the erosion of cultural identity. A responsible tourist will make choices based on what’s best for the long-term success of the community they’re visiting.

Conscientious travelers will want to keep the following goals in mind:

• Minimize negative economic, social, and environmental impacts
• Generate economic benefit for local people while supporting improved working conditions
• Honor natural and local heritage
• Make connections with local people that foster a deeper understanding of the culture
• Take into account people with disabilities
• Be culturally sensitive overall

Responsible tourism was first defined by U.K. professor Harold Goodwin as part of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. It differs from sustainable tourism, which focuses more on conserving natural heritage and biodiversity. Both movements offer blueprints not only for tourists, but for business operators, governments, and local residents.

And remember: The negative effects of tourism, while more pronounced in poor countries, are also felt in many American communities.

Benefits of Supporting Local Economies

What travelers spend in local communities ideally benefits both locals and travelers. Most travelers are eager to help out the places they visit. And if tourists play their cards right, they’ll experience fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.

Before the pandemic, the travel sector employed 1 in 10 people around the globe. As the World Travel & Tourism Council reminds us, “[B]ehind every job in travel and tourism, there is a face, a story, a family and sometimes a whole community’s livelihood.”

Jobs in tourism offer chances at economic success to all sorts of people, including women and young people. In fact, women are employed in tourism at almost twice the rate of other sectors. And in some areas, wildlife tourism can help protect that wildlife through preservation programs and the creation of conservation jobs.

8 Ways to Support Local Economies

So how can you know if the money you spend is benefiting locals? You can start by avoiding chains of all sorts. Read on for more ideas.

1. Book Locally Owned Accommodations

Chain hotels and Airbnbs run by property managers mainly benefit their global headquarters. Plus they can damage the local culture by driving gentrification.

Instead, opt for a locally run or family-owned inn, B&B, or  small hotel . You’ll be contributing directly to the local economy, as you learn more about the place and its idiosyncrasies.

2. Eat in Local Restaurants

After enduring a long flight and arriving in an unfamiliar place grumpy and hungry, you may be tempted to pop into a familiar coffee or food establishment that you know from home. But buying food from global chain restaurants doesn’t support the local economy — nor does it expand your palate, which is one of the great benefits of travel.

3. Consider an Off-Season Visit

Travelers tend to overrun popular destinations during peak season. And in a tourism-dependent economy, their absence during low season can cause places to all but shut down. Instead of contributing to the tourist crush, try booking for a less coveted time.

Instead of  summer travel  to a northeastern U.S. beach town, try holding off till the fall, when it’s still balmy but emptying out.

4. Hire Local Cars and Drivers

Who knows the place you’re visiting better than a born-and-bred local? Rather than  renting a car  (likely from a global chain), hire a knowledgeable local driver to help you get around. You’ll learn the lay of the land and enjoy lots of insider tips and anecdotes for good measure. And you’ll put money directly into a local family’s pocket.

5. Take Trains Over Planes

Flying is one of the least sustainable parts of travel. In fact, it’s one of the least sustainable human activities, period, contributing to 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions. Sure, when you globetrot, you need to fly to get somewhere. But why make it worse by then taking a bunch of small, enticingly cheap flights within your host country? Instead, set your sights on trains and buses, which have a much lower impact than even the shortest flights.

6. Buy Local Souvenirs

You want to go shopping, and locals have stuff to sell. What could be easier? The challenge comes in avoiding massive commercial shops and purchasing items from local artisans in craft markets and tiny, proprietor-run boutiques.

It’s also important to be aware of illegal souvenirs and avoid them at all costs. These include anything made of protected animals or trees, such as souvenirs made from poached ivory, animal skins and furs, rosewood, seashells, and hummingbirds, for just a few examples.

7. Volunteer With or Donate to Local Causes

Before heading to your destination, do a search for what donated materials might be needed by local charities. Then reserve some space in your luggage (which you can then refill with your locally purchased handicrafts). For some guidance on what to bring where, check out the destinations guide from the nonprofit  Pack for a Purpose  .

8. Share Your Experiences on Social Media

Once you’ve experienced responsible travel for yourself, spread the word! Using the popular #responsibletravel hashtag, share pics and details of the local establishments where you stay, eat, and shop — you may inspire others to do the same. This way, you can go on changing the world through others.

Tips for Being a Responsible Tourist

Read up on responsible tourism ahead of your trip. The fresh mindset you’ll be left with can help you get more out of your travels. Then make a few reservations in advance at local haunts.

Once you arrive, every time you open your wallet, think: Am I benefiting the local economy? Am I contributing in a positive or negative way? Keep it positive, and your destination will thank you.

The Takeaway

Enjoy your time away from home by keeping in mind the basic tenets of responsible travel: Respect local culture, minimize your waste, shop locally, and try to keep your footprint small. The whole world will benefit in the end.

This article originally appeared on  SoFi.com  and was syndicated by  MediaFeed.org .

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content. Communication of SoFi Wealth LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor SoFi isn’t recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

Communication of SoFi Wealth LLC an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at  www.adviserinfo.sec.gov . Liz Young is a Registered Representative of SoFi Securities and Investment Advisor Representative of SoFi Wealth. Her ADV 2B is available at  www.sofi.com/legal/adv .

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Certares to Fuel FTI Tech Overhaul with Takeover, $130 Million Investment

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 16th, 2024 at 1:59 PM EDT

A leading travel and tourism investment firm acquires the third-largest tour operator in Europe.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

Certares , a travel and tourism investment firm, led a consortium that acquired FTI Group , the third-largest tour operator in Europe.

This deal ends a restructuring begun in September to strengthen FTI’s finances.

The consortium will own all of the share capital, and FTI will get about $130 million (€125 million) to funnel into its digital transformation and growth.

“Certares’ extensive industry experience and the new capital funding position FTI for exceptional growth,” said Karl Markgraf, CEO of the FTI Group.

Certares holds stakes in a range of travel companies like G Adventures, AmaWaterways and American Express Global Business Travel. The company and another private equity firm also own a majority stake in Hertz and it acquired several hotels in the last year. Certares founder and senior managing director Greg O’Hara became the chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council in November.

Munich-based FTI Group has 120 subsidiaries in German speaking markets, the Netherlands, UK, France, and other destinations.

The group had 6 million customers as of 2022, the latest figures available. The company has also signed a memorandum of understanding to be a launch partner with Saudi Arabia for increased multi-day tours in the Middle East.

Competitors to FTI include the giant TUI Group, DER Touristik, Kuoni, and Hotelplan.

Correction: This article has been updated to note that Certares owns a majority stake in Hertz with another private equity firm. An earlier version of this article also said that Certares owns a stake in Tripadvisor – its stake is in Liberty Tripadvisor.

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Tags: acquisitions , certares , europe , investment

Photo credit: Casper Urhammer, CEO of tour operator FTI Group, on stage with Skift Corporate Travel Editor Matthew Parsons at Skift Global Forum East in Dubai Skift

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