📖 Key Vocabulary — Pre-teach Before Class
Introduce or review these words with students before starting the lesson so they can use them during speaking practice.
1to book in advanceto arrange and pay for something before the date it is needed
2an itinerarya detailed plan of a journey, including dates and places
3budget traveltraveling in a way that keeps costs as low as possible
4a tourist trapa place that attracts visitors but overcharges them
5off the beaten pathnot well known or often visited by tourists
6a landmarka well-known building or feature that easily identifies a place
7to immerse oneself into become fully involved in an experience or culture
8culture shockthe feeling of confusion when experiencing an unfamiliar culture
9a souveniran object bought to remember a trip or place
10overtourismwhen too many visitors overwhelm a destination
11a layovera break between two flights at an airport
12to haggleto negotiate the price of something before buying it
13all-inclusivea holiday package where meals and drinks are already paid for
14a backpackersomeone who travels cheaply, carrying their belongings in a bag
15jet lagtiredness caused by traveling quickly across time zones
16a local guidesomeone from the area who shows tourists around
17sustainable tourismtravel that limits harm to the environment and local community
18a hidden gema wonderful place that is not widely known
19to splurgeto spend a lot of money on something enjoyable
20hospitalitythe friendly treatment of guests and visitors
✍️ Vocabulary Practice — Fill in the Blank
Complete each sentence below with the correct word or phrase from the 20 vocabulary words above. Use each word only once.
▼
a backpacker
a hidden gem
a landmark
a layover
a local guide
a souvenir
a tourist trap
all-inclusive
an itinerary
budget travel
culture shock
hospitality
jet lag
off the beaten path
overtourism
sustainable tourism
to book in advance
to haggle
to immerse oneself in
to splurge
- Staying in hostels and cooking your own meals are common strategies for across Southeast Asia.
- The Eiffel Tower is such that millions of photos are taken of it every single year.
- The small café down the alley turned out to be that none of their friends had ever heard of.
- In many street markets, locals expect tourists over the price rather than paying what is first asked.
- The family chose an resort so they wouldn't need to worry about paying for meals separately.
- Before the trip, she spent hours planning so that every day included at least one activity.
- Visitors to the region often comment on the warm shown by families who invite strangers in for tea.
- Choosing eco-friendly hotels and respecting wildlife are both examples of practicing .
- After the long flight across time zones, she struggled with for the first two days of the trip.
- Because flights get expensive close to the date, it's wise whenever you already know your travel dates.
- On their last night, they decided on an expensive dinner overlooking the harbor.
- With just one bag and a tight budget, can travel through several countries for months at a time.
- Their flight to London included of nearly six hours in Singapore, so they explored the airport.
- After landing in a country with such different customs, many travelers experience noticeable during the first week.
- Before flying home, he bought from the market to remind him of his time in Hanoi.
- The best way to learn about a country is the local culture instead of staying in your hotel.
- They hired who knew hidden stories about the temple that weren't mentioned in any guidebook.
- Some famous cities in Europe are now struggling with as narrow streets fill with far too many visitors.
- The restaurant right next to the famous statue turned out to be charging triple the normal price.
- Instead of visiting the crowded capital, they chose to explore villages that were completely .
1.budget travel
2.a landmark
3.a hidden gem
4.to haggle
5.all-inclusive
6.an itinerary
7.hospitality
8.sustainable tourism
9.jet lag
10.to book in advance
11.to splurge
12.a backpacker
13.a layover
14.culture shock
15.a souvenir
16.to immerse oneself in
17.a local guide
18.overtourism
19.a tourist trap
20.off the beaten path
🕐 0'–10': Warm-up & Opening Question
Purpose
Help everyone relax, get comfortable speaking, and activate ideas.
Teacher asks👉 "What's the most memorable trip you've ever taken?"
Follow-up questions- What made it so memorable?
- Would you go back there again?
➡ Each student answers briefly (about 1 minute); the teacher asks 1–2 short follow-ups to keep it natural.
🗣️ 10'–45': IELTS Speaking – Part 2 Practice
Format: 1 minute preparation · 2 minutes speaking per student. Students choose or are assigned ONE of the topics below:
Topic 1
Describe a memorable trip you have taken.
You should say:
- Where you went and who you went with
- How you planned the trip
- What you did during the trip
- And explain why this trip was memorable for you
Topic 2
Describe a foreign country you would like to visit.
You should say:
- Where it is and what you know about it
- What you would like to do there
- How you would prepare for the trip
- And explain why this destination appeals to you
Topic 3
Describe a time when you experienced a different culture while traveling.
You should say:
- Where and when this happened
- What differences you noticed
- How you reacted to these differences
- And explain what you learned from the experience
➡ Timing suggestion: 1 minute for preparation, then start speaking.
💬 45'–55': Follow-up Discussion (Part 3 style)
The teacher chooses questions related to the topics above, for example:
Trip Planning & Budget
- Do you think it's better to plan a trip carefully or travel spontaneously?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of budget travel compared to luxury travel?
- How has technology changed the way people plan their trips?
Tourism & Culture
- How does tourism affect local communities and their traditions?
- What problems can overtourism cause for popular destinations?
- Why do you think some tourists behave disrespectfully in foreign countries?
overtourism – when too many visitors overwhelm a destination
a tourist trap – a place that attracts visitors but overcharges them
sustainable tourism – travel that limits harm to the environment and local community
culture shock – the feeling of confusion when experiencing an unfamiliar culture
➡ Students discuss briefly; the teacher adds ideas, vocabulary, and useful structures.
🌟 55'–60': Wrap-up & Closing
- Quick recap of interesting or strong answers.
- One student summarizes what they learned today.
- Thank the teacher for joining.