Describe an unusual holiday or vacation you went on – IELTS speaking
Describe an unusual holiday or vacation you went on
You should say:
- When and where it was
- Who you went with
- What you did there
And explain why it was unusual
Example 1.
“Last summer, I went on a truly amazing food tour in Bangkok with my best friend, and it was hands down the most unique and memorable holiday I’ve ever been on.
We’re both big foodies, so we couldn’t wait to explore the local cuisine and try out all the new and unusual dishes. Our tour guide was actually a local food expert, and took us to many hidden gems that only the locals knew about. We ate our way through the city, sampling everything from spicy curries to sweet and savoury snacks, and my taste buds were in heaven!
We also got to learn a lot about the history and culture behind each dish, which made the experience even more special, and the best part was getting to interact with the street vendors and seeing the care and passion they put into their food.
What made this holiday even more unusual was that we didn’t plan anything beforehand. We just went with the flow and let our taste buds guide us. It was such a refreshing change from our usual itinerary-packed vacations.
Overall, it was an incredible experience that left me with a deep appreciation for Thai cuisine and street food culture in general. I really can’t wait to go back and try even more dishes.
Thank you.”
- Idioms
The idiom “hands down” means without a doubt or easily. It is most commonly used to indicate that something is a clear or definite winner, without any competition or opposition.
Example: The reigning champion won the race hands down, with no one coming even close to beating him.
For example, “She is hands down the best athlete on the team and always wins first place in every race.”
The idiom “hidden gem” refers to something or someone that is not well known but is of exceptional quality or value.
Example: The small town restaurant may not have a lot of reviews, but it is truly a hidden gem with delicious food and friendly service.
To go with the flow means to adapt to a situation or follow the general trend, rather than resist or try to change it.
Example: When my friends suggested going to a different restaurant, I decided to go with the flow and try something new instead of sticking to my original plans.
Example 2.
“Last summer, I went on an absolutely unforgettable holiday with my family in China. It wasn’t your typical sightseeing trip or beach vacation,as we decided to do something different and stay in a homestay in a small village in rural China.
It was a once in a lifetime experience, as we got to immerse ourselves in the local culture and live with a Chinese family. We stayed in a beautiful traditional wooden house and learned all about their local customs, traditions, and daily routines. The family we stayed with were wonderful, and treated us like one of their own, and we got the chance to practise our rusty Chinese language skills.
One of the highlights of our trip was helping out on the family’s farm. We got to pick vegetables to cook, fed the animals, and even got to ride on a water buffalo, which was a totally new experience for us. We also joined in on a local festival where we tried traditional dances and ate delicious homemade dishes.
The best part of the trip was getting to know our host family and making new friends. We laughed, shared stories, and created memories that will last a lifetime. It really was such a refreshing break from our hectic city lives.
I must say, this holiday was like a breath of fresh air. It was such a unique and eye-opening experience that allowed me to see China in a different light. I’m grateful for this heart-warming vacation, and I’m already planning to go back again next year. After all, there’s no place like a homestay in China to live like a local and experience the true essence of the country.
Thank you”
- Idioms
The idiom “like a breath of fresh air” means something or someone that is refreshing, pleasant, or invigorating. It is often used to describe someone or something that brings a positive change or a welcome break from the norm.
Example: After months of working in a high-stress environment, the new boss was like a breath of fresh air with her positive attitude and encouraging leadership style.
An eye-opening experience is something that makes you see things in a new or different way, often revealing something unexpected or changing your perspective.
Example: My trip to a rural village in India was an eye-opening experience as I was able to witness the simple yet fulfilling way of life of the locals.
The idiom “to see something in a different light” means to view or understand something in a new or different way.
Example: After reading the article, I was able to see the situation in a different light and realised that I might have misjudged my friend’s actions.
Describe an unusual holiday or vacation you went on – IELTS speaking part 3
How do people usually react to unexpected situations in your culture?
“I think that in my culture, people tend to have a mix of reactions when faced with unexpected situations.
Some people may get flustered and lose their cool, while others stay calm and handle the situation with ease.
For example, when there is a sudden change in plans, some people may immediately panic and try to find a solution, while others may laugh it off and go with the flow.
Personally, I think it’s important to stay flexible and adaptable in these situations, as they can often lead to new and exciting experiences.
However, it’s also important to acknowledge and understand that everyone reacts differently.”
Do you think that young people are better at handling unexpected situations than older people?
“Personally, I believe that young people are often better at handling unexpected situations than older people.
I guess this is because they are usually more adaptable and open-minded than older people.
For example, young people are more tech-savvy and able to navigate through unexpected challenges online, while older people may struggle and become more flustered.
As well as that, young people are usually more physically fit and able to handle the physical demands of unexpected situations, while older people may have physical limitations.
However, I do think that experience and wisdom come with age, which can also help in handling unexpected situations.”
Do young people like to go on the same kinds of holidays as older people?
“Well, I guess it depends, but generally speaking I think that a lot of young people tend to prefer more active and adventurous holidays, while many older people might enjoy more relaxing and cultural vacations.
For instance, my friends and I love to go on hiking trips or beach vacations, while my parents prefer sightseeing tours or staying at luxury resorts.
Mind you, there are also many young and older people who have similar travel interests. They might both enjoy city breaks or an all-inclusive holiday at a tropical destination.
In my opinion, everyone has their own unique preferences, and it’s important to choose a holiday that suits our interests and budget.”
Why do you think that some people don’t enjoy going on a holiday?
“In my opinion, I think some people don’t enjoy going on a holiday because they may find it very stressful and overwhelming. Planning and organising a trip can be quite intimidating, especially if they have a tight budget or limited time.
On top of that,some people also may not like the idea of being away from their daily routine and comforts of home.
What’s more, for some people, travel can also trigger anxiety or fear of unfamiliar places and situations.
Personally, I believe that a well-planned and relaxing holiday can do wonders for the mind and body. So, it’s important to find what works best for each individual and respect their choices.”
Do you think that people in your county have enough holidays?
“Honestly, I think that people in ________ definitely don’t have enough holidays. Yes, we have the national holidays like ________and ___________, but these are only a few days scattered throughout the year.
Compared to other countries, I feel like we have a lot less time off. For example, my cousin who lives in France gets around two months of paid vacation every year while I only get a few weeks.
This makes it hard for people to travel or just relax and spend time with family and friends.
Personally,I believe that having more holidays would greatly benefit the well-being and work-life balance of people in ________.
More links to IELTS speaking part 2 and part 3 answers
Describe a useful item in your home you could’t live without
Describe a movie that you felt strongly about
Describe a time you bought something at a street market
Describe an area of science that interests you
Describe an advertisement you think is useful
