Talk about your last holiday is one of the most common and engaging topics you may encounter in the IELTS Speaking test. Whether it was a memorable trip, a relaxing break at home, or a spontaneous adventure, being able to describe your experience fluently and vividly will help you score high.
In this article, we will provide you with useful talking points, topic-related vocabulary, and sample answers to help you confidently tackle any question related to this topic across all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
1. Common Questions – Talk About Your Last Holiday – IELTS Speaking Part 1
In Part 1, questions often focus on your general preferences and holiday experiences. This section allows the examiner to get to know you and assess your basic communication skills.
Sample questions:
Do you like holidays Why
Is it important to have holidays
What kind of holiday do you like
Where did you go on your last holiday
What do you usually do during holidays
Which public holiday do you like the best
What do you like to do when you have a holiday
Do you like to spend your day at home
Do you prefer a leisurely or a busy holiday
Who do you usually spend the holiday with
Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group
2. Sample Answers – Talk About Your Last Holiday – IELTS Speaking Part 1
Q: Do you like holidays Why
Yes, I absolutely love holidays. They offer a much-needed escape from the daily grind and give me a chance to unwind and rejuvenate. Holidays also allow me to broaden my horizons by exploring new destinations, trying different cuisines, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.
High-scoring vocabulary:
much-needed escape
daily grind
unwind and rejuvenate
broaden my horizons
sampling diverse cuisines
meaningful time
Q: Who do you usually spend the holiday with
Generally, I spend my holidays with a close-knit group of friends. We enjoy hanging out and spending quality time together by going on road trips or food tours. Sometimes, I celebrate holidays with my family too, which makes the experience even more special.
High-scoring vocabulary:
close-knit group of friends
quality time
embarking on road trips
gather together
all the more special and memorable
Q: Do you prefer a leisurely or a busy holiday
I prefer a well-balanced holiday that combines both relaxing moments and exciting activities. I like to explore new places and stay active, but I also enjoy having time to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
High-scoring vocabulary:
well-balanced holiday
leisurely moments
energetic adventures
packed with activities and sightseeing
downtime to unwind
immerse yourself in the atmosphere
3. Analysis – Talk About Your Last Holiday – IELTS Speaking Part 2
When asked to describe a holiday, focus on your personal experience. What made the trip memorable Who did you travel with What new things did you discover
Cue Card: Talk about your last holiday.
You should say:
Where you went
How long the trip lasted
Who you went with
What interesting things happened during the trip
4. Sample Outline – Talk About Your Last Holiday
Where you go for the holidays
| a fantastic trip to Phu Quoc Island last summer Phu Quoc is a beautiful island in the south of Vietnam, famous for its pristine beaches and clear turquoise water It was a much-needed getaway to relax and recharge after a stressful period of studying. |
How long they last | I went there for five days in July, which is typically the dry season, so the weather was perfect for outdoor activities. |
Who you go with & how you got there
| went with my best friend, Sarah. We decided to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, which only took about an hour The flight was smooth, and we enjoyed the aerial views of the coastline as we approached the island. |
Talk about anything interesting that happens during your holidays.
| spent most of our time relaxing on Long Beach, swimming in the crystal-clear water, and sunbathing went on a snorkeling trip to the southern islands, and I was absolutely amazed by the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life explored the night market, trying all sorts of delicious local seafood and street food |
Conclusion | I absolutely loved my holiday in Phu Quoc. It was incredibly refreshing and exactly what I needed to escape the hustle and bustle of city life came back feeling completely recharged and ready to tackle my studies again It was truly a memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful beach getaway. |
5. Sample Answer – Talk About Your Last Holiday – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Describe your last vacation
I would like to talk about my last holiday, which was a fantastic getaway to Phu Quoc Island last summer. It was a much-needed escape after a stressful academic term.
Phu Quoc is a stunning island in southern Vietnam, well known for its pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters. I spent five days there in July, during the dry season, which made it perfect for outdoor adventures. The atmosphere was laid-back and peaceful, just what I needed.
I traveled with my best friend, Sarah. We flew from Ho Chi Minh City, and the flight only took an hour. We had amazing aerial views before landing and then headed straight to our beachfront resort.
We spent most of our time swimming in the sea, sunbathing, and enjoying the tranquility. One highlight was a snorkeling tour where we saw vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life—it felt like being in a giant aquarium.
We also explored the local night market, tasting mouthwatering seafood. Another fun activity was renting a scooter and discovering hidden waterfalls and pepper farms.
Overall, it was an incredibly rejuvenating experience. I came back feeling fully refreshed and ready to focus on my studies. It was truly a memorable trip, and I highly recommend Phu Quoc for anyone looking for a peaceful beach retreat.
High-scoring vocabulary:
fantastic getaway
much-needed escape
stressful academic period
pristine beaches
crystal-clear turquoise waters
laid-back and tranquil vibe
breathtaking aerial views
memorable experiences
diverse marine ecosystem
mouthwatering seafood
rejuvenating experience
hustle and bustle
peaceful beach retreat
6. Sample Answers – Talk About Your Last Holiday – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q: Do you think it's important for people to go on holiday
Absolutely. Holidays are essential because they offer a chance to decompress, recharge, and take a break from the fast-paced routine of daily life. Travel also helps people grow personally by learning about new cultures and building strong emotional bonds through shared experiences.
Q: What are the differences between travelling alone and with others
Travelling alone offers freedom and independence. You can do what you want at your own pace, but it can also feel lonely. Travelling with friends or family provides companionship, shared memories, and emotional support, though you may need to compromise on plans.
Q: What are the benefits of going on holiday
Holidays improve mental health, reduce stress, and can promote physical activity. They also provide a great learning opportunity and help develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and cultural awareness.
High-scoring vocabulary:
decompress
recharge energy levels
broaden horizons
personal enrichment
cherish memories
emotional bonds
self-exploration
collective memories
built-in emotional support
educational perspective
stimulate creativity
alleviate stress
7. Vocabulary – Talk About Your Last Holiday
Common Travel Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Getaway | Short trip for relaxation | We took a weekend getaway to the mountains. |
Itinerary | Travel schedule | We planned a detailed itinerary for our trip. |
Sightseeing | Visiting attractions | We spent the day sightseeing in Rome. |
Local cuisine | Traditional food | Trying local cuisine is a highlight of every trip. |
Pristine beaches | Clean natural beaches | Phu Quoc has some of the most pristine beaches. |
Bustling city | Busy urban area | I prefer beaches over a bustling city holiday. |
Tranquil atmosphere | Peaceful environment | The resort had a tranquil atmosphere. |
Cultural immersion | Experiencing local culture | Traveling gives me cultural immersion. |
Souvenir | Travel gift or memento | I bought a souvenir to remember my trip. |
Recharge one's batteries | Refresh energy | A quiet holiday helps recharge my batteries. |
Off the beaten track | Remote or undiscovered places | We love exploring places off the beaten track. |
Hustle and bustle | Busy, noisy city life | I needed a break from the hustle and bustle. |
Picturesque | Visually attractive | The village was picturesque and peaceful. |
Unwind | Relax and rest | I like to unwind by the beach. |
Cherished memories | Special memories | That trip created many cherished memories. |
Useful Idioms and Collocations
Idiom or Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
A breath of fresh air | Something new and refreshing |
To get away from it all | Escape everyday life |
To hit the road | Start a journey |
To live it up | Enjoy life to the fullest |
To travel light | Travel with few belongings |
To broaden one's horizons | Expand one’s knowledge or perspective |
Strengthen the bond | Deepen a relationship |
Holiday-Themed Idioms
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
To have a whale of a time | Have a great time |
To be bitten by the travel bug | Become addicted to travel |
To get itchy feet | Desire to travel |
To be on cloud nine | Feel extremely happy |
To have a blast | Enjoy a lot |
A thirst for adventure | Desire for exploration |
Live out of a suitcase | Travel constantly |
Hit the tourist trail | Visit popular attractions |
In the middle of nowhere | In a remote location |
Conquer the Topic Talk About Your Last Holiday with IDP
The topic Talk about your last holiday is a great chance to share personal experiences while demonstrating your storytelling skills, descriptive ability, and emotional expression. To score high in IELTS Speaking, practice speaking fluently, use a wide range of vocabulary—especially idioms and travel-related collocations—and be honest and expressive in your answers.
IDP offers both IELTS General Speaking and IELTS Academic Speaking formats. You can choose the one that matches your goals. If you need to retake only one skill, consider IELTS One Skill Retake, which allows you to improve one module without redoing the entire test.
When you're ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today.