Travel and Holidays
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Travel and Holidays
"Travel and Holidays" is a common topic in the IELTS exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Discussing travel experiences, holiday preferences, and tourism trends requires a good command of relevant vocabulary. Below is a curated list of 26 vocabulary terms ranging from commonly used expressions to advanced academic terms, all formatted and explained with examples to help you use them effectively in the IELTS test.
1. Accommodation: [Meaning: A place where travellers can stay]
Example 1: We booked our accommodation well in advance to get the best rates.
Example 2: The hotel offers luxury accommodation with sea views.
2. All-inclusive: [Meaning: A holiday deal where all services are included in one price]
Example 1: We opted for an all-inclusive package to avoid unexpected expenses.
Example 2: The resort's all-inclusive deal covered meals, drinks, and activities.
3. Backpacking: [Meaning: Travelling with a backpack, usually on a budget]
Example 1: After graduation, she went backpacking across Europe.
Example 2: Backpacking allows travellers to explore places off the beaten path.
4. Charter flight: [Meaning: A flight booked by a travel company for a specific trip]
Example 1: We took a charter flight to the island resort.
Example 2: Charter flights are often more affordable than regular flights.
5. City break: [Meaning: A short holiday spent in a city]
Example 1: They enjoyed a weekend city break in Paris.
Example 2: A city break is perfect for exploring urban culture and cuisine.
6. Cruise: [Meaning: A holiday on a ship, visiting various places]
Example 1: They went on a Mediterranean cruise for their honeymoon.
Example 2: A cruise offers a luxurious way to see multiple destinations.
7. Destination: [Meaning: The place to which someone is going]
Example 1: Bali is a popular tourist destination.
Example 2: They reached their destination after a long journey.
8. Eco-tourism: [Meaning: Tourism directed towards natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts]
Example 1: Eco-tourism promotes sustainable travel practices.
Example 2: The park offers eco-tourism packages to educate visitors about wildlife.
9. Excursion: [Meaning: A short journey or trip, especially one taken as a leisure activity]
Example 1: We went on an excursion to the nearby mountains.
Example 2: The tour includes daily excursions to local attractions.
10. Guided tour: [Meaning: A tour led by a guide who provides information about the places visited]
Example 1: The guided tour of the museum was very informative.
Example 2: We joined a guided tour to learn more about the city's history.
11. Holiday resort: [Meaning: A place where people go for holidays, typically with facilities and entertainment]
Example 1: They stayed at a luxury holiday resort by the beach.
Example 2: The resort offers various activities for guests.
12. Itinerary: [Meaning: A planned route or journey]
Example 1: Our travel agent prepared a detailed itinerary for our trip.
Example 2: The itinerary includes visits to several historical sites.
13. Jet lag: [Meaning: Fatigue caused by air travel across time zones]
Example 1: She experienced severe jet lag after the long flight.
Example 2: Adjusting sleep schedules can help reduce jet lag.
14. Long-haul flight: [Meaning: A flight covering a long distance, typically over six hours]
Example 1: The long-haul flight from London to Tokyo took 12 hours.
Example 2: Long-haul flights often offer more amenities for comfort.
15. Passport control: [Meaning: The place where passports are checked at borders]
Example 1: We had to wait in line at passport control.
Example 2: Passport control ensures that travellers have valid documentation.
16. Package tour: [Meaning: A holiday organized by a travel company, with arrangements for transport, accommodation, etc.]
Example 1: We booked a package tour to Italy.
Example 2: Package tours can be cost-effective for travellers.
17. Sightseeing: [Meaning: The activity of visiting places of interest in a particular location]
Example 1: We spent the afternoon sightseeing around the city.
Example 2: Sightseeing tours are available daily.
18. Souvenir: [Meaning: An item kept as a reminder of a place visited]
Example 1: She bought a handmade souvenir from the local market.
Example 2: Souvenirs are great mementos of your travels.
19. Tourist trap: [Meaning: A place that attracts many tourists and charges high prices]
Example 1: The restaurant near the monument was a complete tourist trap with overpriced food and poor service.
Example 2: While the souvenir shops in the old town were charming, most were clearly tourist traps aimed at foreign visitors.
20. Travel agency: [Meaning: A business that arranges travel and accommodation for clients]
Example 1: We consulted a travel agency to customise our honeymoon itinerary.
Example 2: Traditional travel agencies are evolving to provide more bespoke travel experiences.
21. Staycation: [Meaning: A holiday spent at home or nearby, rather than travelling far]
Example 1: Due to budget constraints, many families opted for a staycation during the summer.
Example 2: My staycation involved exploring hidden gems right in my city.
22. Jet-set lifestyle: [Meaning: A lifestyle involving frequent, luxurious international travel]
Example 1: Social media influencers often promote a jet-set lifestyle that looks glamorous but can be exhausting.
Example 2: He lived a jet-set lifestyle for years, constantly flying between continents for business and pleasure.
23. Cultural immersion: [Meaning: Fully engaging in the culture of a foreign place, often through experiences and interactions]
Example 1: Volunteering in rural Nepal offered me complete cultural immersion unlike any tourist experience.
Example 2: Cultural immersion programmes help travellers connect deeply with local communities.
24. Travelogue: [Meaning: A written or filmed account of a person’s travels]
Example 1: Her published travelogue about solo hiking across Patagonia became a bestseller.
Example 2: The documentary is a visual travelogue capturing the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia.
25. Off the beaten path: [Meaning: Unusual, less-travelled or hidden places]
Example 1: I prefer destinations that are off the beaten path because they offer more authentic experiences.
Example 2: The guidebook suggested some off-the-beaten-path villages that were truly breathtaking.
26. Sustainable tourism: [Meaning: Tourism that minimises environmental impact and supports local communities]
Example 1: Many young travellers now seek sustainable tourism options to reduce their carbon footprint.
Example 2: The resort is recognised for its commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices.
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