Travel Vocabulary for Band 9
Recommended vocabulary
Breathtaking – Stunningly beautiful or awe-inspiring.
- Example: “The view from the mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking.”
Picturesque – Visually attractive, often referring to charming or quaint scenery.
- Example: “The town had picturesque cobbled streets lined with colourful houses.”
Wanderlust – A strong desire or urge to travel and explore the world.
- Example: “After seeing so many travel documentaries, I developed a serious case of wanderlust.”
Off the beaten track – A place that is far from the usual tourist routes.
- Example: “I prefer visiting locations that are off the beaten track to avoid the crowds.”
Cultural immersion – Fully engaging and experiencing the culture of a destination.
- Example: “Staying with a local family allowed me to have a deeper cultural immersion.”
Jet lag – Extreme tiredness and other physical effects felt after a long flight across different time zones.
- Example: “It took me a few days to recover from jet lag after my trip to Australia.”
Itinerary – A detailed plan for a journey, especially listing places to visit.
- Example: “We followed a well-organised itinerary, ensuring we saw all the major attractions.”
Exotic destination – A faraway or culturally different place, often tropical or mysterious.
- Example: “Bali is considered an exotic destination due to its unique culture and beautiful landscapes.”
Sustainable tourism – Travel that minimises environmental impact and benefits local communities.
- Example: “I try to practice sustainable tourism by staying in eco-friendly accommodations.”
Backpacking – A low-budget, independent way of travelling, often with just a backpack.
- Example: “Backpacking across Europe allowed me to explore many countries on a limited budget.”
Idiomatic language
These idioms will not only make your travel discussions more engaging but also demonstrate your proficiency in using natural English expressions!
Hit the road – To start a journey or set out on a trip.
- Example: “We’re all packed and ready to hit the road early tomorrow morning.”
Wanderlust – A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
- Example: “After a year of staying home, my wanderlust is stronger than ever.”
Off the beaten path/track – A place that is not frequently visited by tourists.
- Example: “I prefer exploring off the beaten path to experience the true culture of a place.”
Live out of a suitcase – To travel frequently and not settle in one place for long.
- Example: “As a travel photographer, I’m used to living out of a suitcase.”
Red-eye flight – A flight that leaves late at night and arrives early the next morning.
- Example: “I took the red-eye flight to New York to maximize my time there.”
At the drop of a hat – To do something immediately, without hesitation.
- Example: “She loves traveling so much that she’s ready to go on an adventure at the drop of a hat.”
Travel light – To pack only the essentials when traveling.
- Example: “I always travel light to avoid the hassle of checking luggage.”
Catch the travel bug – To develop a strong passion for traveling after experiencing it.
- Example: “After my trip to Thailand, I definitely caught the travel bug and now I want to see the world.”
Jet-setter – Someone who travels frequently, often to luxurious or exotic locations.
- Example: “He’s a real jet-setter, always flying off to another glamorous destination.”
Around the clock – Constantly or all the time, often used when talking about long journeys.
- Example: “We drove around the clock to reach our destination by sunrise.”
Popcorn Time
Watch the video and note down any interesting vocabulary. It could be expressions like ‘an all-inclusive resort, ‘hustle and bustle’, etc.
Part 2 example question and Band 9 answer
Describe a place you have visited that you particularly enjoyed. You should say:
- Where it is
- Why you went there
- What you did there
- And explain why you enjoyed it.
Model Band 9 Answer:
One of the most memorable places I’ve visited is Kyoto, Japan, a city famous for its picturesque temples and rich cultural heritage. I decided to visit Kyoto because I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese history and architecture, and Kyoto seemed to be the perfect blend of both.
During my trip, I explored several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Golden Pavilion, which was absolutely breathtaking. I also indulged in the local cuisine, trying traditional dishes like sushi and ramen, which were delicious. One of the highlights of the trip was taking part in a cultural immersion experience, where I stayed at a traditional ryokan, or inn, and participated in a tea ceremony.
What I enjoyed most about Kyoto was how peaceful and serene it felt, despite being a popular tourist destination. Many of the temples were nestled in quiet, forested areas, making me feel like I was truly off the beaten track. The combination of the beautiful landscapes, the rich culture, and the exotic atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience.
Part 3 Questions and Model Band 9 Answers
Question 1: How do you think tourism has changed over the past few decades?
Model Answer: Tourism has evolved significantly over the last few decades due to technological advancements and increased accessibility. In the past, travel was considered a luxury, but now with budget airlines and online booking platforms, it has become more affordable for the average person. Additionally, there has been a noticeable shift towards sustainable tourism, where travelers are more conscious of their environmental impact and seek ways to travel responsibly. Destinations that were once considered off the beaten track are now accessible to more people, which has also led to the phenomenon of overtourism in certain places. However, with the rise of social media, people’s desire for authentic and immersive travel experiences has also grown, leading to more demand for local and cultural immersionactivities.
Question 2: What are the benefits of travel for young people?
Model Answer: Travel offers numerous benefits for young people, both on a personal and educational level. It broadens their horizons, allowing them to experience different cultures and lifestyles firsthand, which fosters a sense of global awareness and empathy. Travel also encourages independence, especially if one chooses backpacking or solo trips, as it requires young people to plan their itineraries and navigate new environments. Additionally, by stepping out of their comfort zones, young travelers often develop better problem-solving skills and adaptability. Visiting exotic destinationsor historical landmarks can be particularly enriching, providing young people with a deeper understanding of world history, geography, and even new languages.
Question 3: Do you think people should be encouraged to travel to less famous tourist destinations?
Model Answer: Absolutely. Traveling to less famous tourist destinations not only reduces the pressure on overcrowdedhotspots but also allows travelers to discover hidden gems that offer equally enriching experiences. Many of these places offer more authentic cultural interactions and are often more environmentally sustainable, as they are not as overrun by tourism. Moreover, venturing off the beaten track can provide economic benefits to local communities that don’t usually see as much tourism, thus promoting sustainable tourism practices. By encouraging people to explore lesser-known areas, we can create a more balanced and responsible form of travel that benefits everyone involved.
