Travel is one of the most common topics in the IELTS exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Many candidates mistakenly think this topic is very easy because it is closely related to daily life. However, without paying attention to details like vocabulary and sentence structures, you could lose valuable points.
Let’s explore essential vocabulary, linking phrases, and useful noun phrases to help you boost your score.
1. Vocabulary for Transportation
Air Travel
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Airline schedule | Flight schedule |
Baggage allowance | Permitted luggage weight |
Boarding pass | Flight ticket for boarding |
Loyalty programme | Frequent flyer program |
Excursion or promotion airfare | Discounted airline ticket |
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism | Government tourism agency |
Travel desk agent | Travel consultant |
Airline route map | Flight route chart |
Ground Travel
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Minicab / Cab | Rental car or taxi |
Subway | Underground train |
Bus station | Bus terminal |
High speed train | Fast train |
Go by rail | Travel by train |
Sea Travel
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Cruise ship | Tourist ship |
Voyage | Long journey by sea |
Sailboat | Boat powered by sail |
Port | Harbor |
Set sail | Start a journey at sea |
2. Từ vựng về các hoạt động du lịch
Từ vựng | Ý nghĩa |
|---|---|
Exploit and enjoy pristine beauty | Khám phá và cảm nhận vẻ đẹp hoang sơ |
To promote tourism image | Quảng bá hình ảnh du lịch |
Do extreme sports | Chơi trò chơi thể thao mạo hiểm |
To laze around on the sandy beach | Nghỉ ngơi, thư giãn bên bãi biển |
To enjoy bustling trade | Tận hưởng nhịp sống nhộn nhịp |
Go in the low/peak season | Đi du lịch vào mùa thấp/cao điểm |
Discover new culture and cuisine | Khám phá nền văn hoá, ẩm thực |
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced life | Thoát khỏi nhịp sống hối hả và bận rộn |
Immerse oneself in nature | Hòa mình vào thiên nhiên |
Horse-riding | Cưỡi ngựa |
Xem thêm: Câu hỏi luyện tập phần nói IELTS và các bài tập mẫu
3. Cụm từ vựng miêu tả địa điểm du lịch
Từ vựng | Ý nghĩa |
|---|---|
The place itself is majestic | Cảnh quang ở đây thật hùng vĩ |
Breathtaking | Ngoạn mục |
Picturesque | Đẹp như tranh vẽ |
Bewitching | Đẹp hoặc hấp dẫn đến mức không thể nghĩ về thứ gì khác |
Off the beaten track | Vùng xa, bí hiểm, chưa ai biết đến |
Isolated corner | Nơi hẻo lánh, biệt lập |
Budget-friendly | Chi phí rẻ, phù hợp với túi tiền |
Unexplored wilderness | Vùng hoang sơ chưa được khám phá |
It's a disappearing natural wonder | Đó là một kỳ quan đang mất dần đi. |
It's absolutely a must-go place for everyone | Đó là một nơi phải đến cho tất cả mọi người |
2. Vocabulary for Travel Activities
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Exploit and enjoy pristine beauty | Discover untouched natural beauty |
Promote tourism image | Boost tourism reputation |
Do extreme sports | Participate in adventure activities |
Laze around on the sandy beach | Relax on the beach |
Enjoy bustling trade | Experience vibrant local markets |
Go in the low or peak season | Travel during off or high season |
Discover new culture and cuisine | Explore new cultures and food |
Escape from the hustle and bustle | Get away from a busy life |
Immerse oneself in nature | Be surrounded by natural landscapes |
Horse riding | Ride a horse |
3. Vocabulary for Describing Tourist Destinations
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
The place itself is majestic | The scenery is breathtaking |
Breathtaking | Stunning or impressive |
Picturesque | Beautiful like a painting |
Bewitching | So beautiful it is captivating |
Off the beaten track | Remote and less known |
Isolated corner | Secluded or hidden place |
Budget friendly | Affordable |
Unexplored wilderness | Untouched natural area |
It is a disappearing natural wonder | A vanishing natural site |
It is absolutely a must-go place for everyone | A must-visit destination |
4. Vocabulary for Advantages of Travel
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
See another culture first hand | Experience a new culture directly |
Make the host destination more authentic | Attract more tourists |
Widen horizon / outlook on new culture | Expand cultural understanding |
Restore historical sites | Preserve ancient architecture |
Stimulates investments in public infrastructure | Encourage infrastructure development |
Tourism is a key driver of job growth | Create employment opportunities |
Contributes greatly to economic growth | Boost the national economy |
Get me outside my comfort zone | Step out of personal routine |
A sense of adventure | Feeling of exploration and excitement |
5. Vocabulary for Disadvantages of Travel
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
Pollute / Contaminate environment | Cause environmental damage |
Illegally exploit ecological traits | Use natural resources for personal gain |
Triggers the loss of traditional culture | Harm local cultural identity |
Threaten wildlife / Pose a threat to wildlife | Endanger wild animals |
Destroy natural habitats | Damage ecosystems |
6. Common Speaking and Reading Questions on Travel
Speaking Questions
Question: Have you ever traveled to a foreign country before?
Answer: Well, I have not. I tend to travel within my country because it is more affordable. However, I hope that one day I will be able to travel abroad to broaden my horizon.
Question: How have people’s attitudes to travel changed since your grandparents were young?
Answer: In the past, travel was a luxury only for the wealthy. The lower class could not afford it. Nowadays, thanks to affordable flights, traveling is more accessible to everyone.
Question: Describe one of your best travel experiences.
Answer: Last year, a friend and I took a long haul flight to Peru. We traveled light and stayed in quaint villages, hiking through lush rainforests. We wanted to live like locals, so we stayed with local families. We visited colorful craft markets and bought souvenirs. One of my most memorable moments was visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is off the beaten track but offers magnificent landscapes and scenic beauty.
Writing Questions
Question: Tourism is an ever-growing industry. What benefits does tourism bring to individuals and society?
Answer:
Tourism generates many job opportunities, especially in developing countries. It creates thousands of low-skilled jobs, such as housekeeping or maintenance, which require minimal education. These jobs help local people earn stable incomes and improve their quality of life.
Question: The best way to travel is in a group with a tour guide. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
Tour guides play an important role in enhancing travel experiences. I agree that traveling in groups with a guide is beneficial for two main reasons.
First, guides provide valuable information about cultural and historical sites. They are trained and knowledgeable, helping visitors understand the places they visit.
Second, guides help save time. They plan optimized routes, allowing tourists to visit many places efficiently.
In addition, guides help overcome language barriers. For example, Asian visitors who do not speak English can communicate with European locals through a guide.
Therefore, hiring a guide improves both the convenience and the educational value of travel.
Travel is not a difficult topic in IELTS. With consistent practice and effective use of personal experiences, you can achieve your desired score. Along with this Travel vocabulary guide, you can explore more topic-based vocabulary articles on the IDP website. Stay tuned for more helpful IELTS preparation tips.