IELTS Speaking Vocabulary: Holiday Topic with Part 1, 2, & 3 Sample Answers

Part 1: IELTS Speaking Topic: Holiday Vocabulary

The “Holiday” topic is quite broad, covering many different aspects of travel. To make it easier for you to study, we have categorized the vocabulary into smaller groups:

1. Types of Holiday

• Package holiday/ Package tour: A holiday arranged by a travel company that includes flights, hotels, meals, etc.

Note: Usually booked through a travel agency; convenient but less flexible.

• Adventure holiday: A trip involving exciting, often physically demanding activities.

Note: Includes activities like mountain climbing, hiking, kayaking, etc.

• Beach holiday: A holiday spent at the seaside.

Note: Involves relaxing on the beach, sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

• Camping holiday: A holiday spent camping.

Note: Sleeping in tents and staying close to nature.

• City break: A short holiday spent in a city.

Note: Usually lasts a few days, focusing on exploring a city’s tourist attractions, culture, and cuisine.

• Cruise: A holiday spent on a cruise ship.

Note: Traveling by ship and visiting multiple destinations.

• Ecotourism: Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.

Note: Focuses on sustainability and protecting local culture.

• Staycation: A holiday spent at home or near home.

Note: Not traveling far; exploring local attractions in your own area.

• Working holiday: A holiday that includes working.

Note: Traveling while working to cover expenses.

• Self-catering holiday: A holiday where you stay in a rented apartment or house with a kitchen to cook your own meals.

Note: Ideal for families or groups who want to save on dining costs and have more privacy.

2. Holiday Activities

• Sightseeing: Visiting famous tourist attractions.
• Sunbathing: Sitting or lying in the sun.
• Hiking: Going for long walks in the countryside.
• Trekking: Long, arduous journeys on foot, often in mountainous areas.
• Scuba diving: Swimming underwater with breathing equipment.
• Snorkeling: Swimming with a mask and snorkel.
• Surfing: Riding waves on a surfboard.
• Windsurfing: Riding a board with a sail.
• Sailing: Traveling in a boat with sails.
• Fishing: Catching fish.
• Camping: Staying in a tent.
• Rock climbing: Climbing rock faces.
• Exploring local culture: Learning about local traditions.
• Trying local cuisine: Sampling regional dishes.
• Shopping for souvenirs: Buying gifts to remember a trip.
• Relaxing by the pool/ beach: Chilling out by the water.
• Visiting museums/ art galleries: Exploring cultural institutions.
• Attending festivals/ events: Participating in local celebrations.
• Taking a cooking class: Learning to cook local food.
• Go on a guided tour: Touring with a professional guide.

3. Accommodation

• Hotel: A commercial establishment providing lodging.
• Resort: A place for vacationing with various amenities.
• Hostel: Budget-friendly lodging, often with shared dorms.
• Guesthouse: A private house converted into a small hotel.
• Bed and breakfast (B&B): A small lodging that provides a room and breakfast.
• Campsite: A place for camping.
• Holiday home/ villa: A house rented for vacation purposes.
• Self-catering apartment/ flat: An apartment with kitchen facilities.

4. Transportation

• Flight: Air travel.
• Train: Rail travel.
• Bus: Public road transport.
• Coach: Long-distance bus.
• Car rental/ hire: Renting a vehicle.
• Ferry: A boat for crossing water.
• Cruise ship: A large passenger ship for travel.
• Bicycle/ bike: Two-wheeled transport.
• On foot: Walking.

5. Feelings and Descriptions

• Relaxing: Making you feel calm.
• Exciting: Causing great enthusiasm.
• Adventurous: Willing to take risks.
• Peaceful: Quiet and calm.
• Tranquil: Free from disturbance.
• Breathtaking: Astonishingly beautiful.
• Stunning: Extremely impressive.
• Spectacular: Visually striking.
• Unforgettable: Impossible to forget.
• Memorable: Worth remembering.
• Touristy: Overrun by tourists, losing its authentic feel.
• Crowded: Full of people.
• Off the beaten track: Remote or isolated.
• Remote: Far away from populated areas.
• Picturesque: Visually attractive, like a painting.
• Get away from it all: To escape daily stress.

Note: Going somewhere to relax and forget about life’s pressures.

• Recharge (one’s) batteries: To regain energy.
• Let (one’s) hair down: To relax and behave freely.

6. Phrasal Verbs and Idioms

• Get away: To go on holiday.
• Set off: To start a journey.
• Check in: To register at a hotel or airport.
• Check out: To leave a hotel.
• Look around: To explore a place.
• Soak up the sun: To enjoy the sunshine.
• Travel light: To travel with little luggage.
• Live out of a suitcase: To travel constantly, staying in temporary accommodation.
• Hit the road: To begin a journey.
• Travel on a shoestring budget: To travel very cheaply.

Part 2: IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, 3 Sample Answers

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

(Part 1 questions are usually about familiar topics; keep your answers concise and natural.)

Examiner: Let’s talk about holidays.

1. Do you like holidays? Why / Why not?

Sample Answer: Absolutely! I love holidays. It’s a chance to get away from it all, recharge my batteries, and experience new things. I especially enjoy exploring local cultures and trying new foods when I’m on holiday. It’s a great way to break from my routine and relieve stress.

2. Where did you go on your last holiday?

Sample Answer: My last holiday was a city break to Hoi An, in Vietnam. It’s a beautiful, picturesque ancient town with colorful lanterns, delicious street food, and tailor shops. I spent a few days wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying the local cuisine.

3. Who do you prefer to spend your holidays with?

Sample Answer: I usually prefer to spend my holidays with my close friends or family. It is way more fascinating and fun when going with my loved ones. We can share special moments and enjoy new things together.

4. What do you like to do when you’re on holiday?

Sample Answer: It really depends on the type of holiday. If I’m on a beach holiday, I love sunbathing, swimming, and reading a good book. If it’s a city break, I’ll spend my time sightseeing, visiting museums, and trying out local restaurants. I am also a big fan of adventure holidays, so activities like hiking and trekking are also my favorite things to do.

5. Are there many tourists visiting your country?

Sample Answer: Yes, definitely. Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. We have a lot to offer, from stunning natural landscapes like Ha Long Bay to vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The tourism industry is growing rapidly, although sometimes some places can feel a little touristy.

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Part 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue Card)

(You have 1 minute to prepare and 1–2 minutes to speak. Try to incorporate the vocabulary you’ve learned.)

Cue Card: Describe a memorable holiday you had.

You should say:

• Where you went
• Who you went with
• What you did
• And explain why it was memorable.

Sample Answer:

Okay, I’d like to talk about a truly memorable holiday I had a couple of years ago. I went on a trekking holiday in Sapa, which is a mountainous region in northern Vietnam. It was absolutely breathtaking.

I went with a group of close friends from university. We’d been planning it for months, and we were all really excited to get away from the city and experience something completely different. We are all fond of adventure activities, so we wanted to choose a place that offered many exciting activities, especially something related to nature.

The main activity was, of course, trekking. We hired a local guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the culture of the local ethnic minority groups, and the best off-the-beaten-track trails. We spent about four days hiking through rice terraces, visiting small villages, and staying in homestays with local families. It wasn’t a package holiday by any means; it was much more of an adventure holiday, and we were really roughing it at times – sleeping on simple mats on the floor, eating local food, and washing in cold mountain streams. The scenery was absolutely spectacular. The rice terraces were like giant green steps carved into the hillsides, and the views were just incredible.

We also had the opportunity to learn about the local culture. We visited a local market, where people from different ethnic groups were selling their handicrafts and produce. We even tried our hand at some traditional weaving. The food was also fantastic – simple but incredibly fresh and flavorful. We ate a lot of sticky rice, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables.

The reason this holiday was so memorable was a combination of factors. Firstly, the scenery was simply stunning. It was like being in a different world. Secondly, it was a real challenge, physically and mentally. It pushed us out of our comfort zones. But most importantly, it was the shared experience with my friends. We laughed a lot, supported each other through the tough parts, and created memories that I’ll cherish forever. It was a far cry from a relaxing beach holiday, but it was so much more rewarding. It really helped me to recharge my batteries in a different way, by connecting with nature and with a different culture. I think I came back a slightly different person, having experienced all of that. It was a holiday I would define as unforgettable.

Part 3: Discussion

(Part 3 questions are usually more abstract and require discussion. Try to provide opinions, explanations, and specific examples.)

Examiner: Let’s discuss holidays and tourism in more detail.

1. How has tourism changed in your country in recent years?

Sample Answer: Tourism in Vietnam has changed dramatically. We’ve seen a massive increase in the number of international arrivals. This is partly due to increased marketing efforts, improved infrastructure, and more affordable flights. However, there’s also been a shift towards more sustainable tourism and ecotourism, which is positive. People are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of travel, and there’s a growing demand for experiences that are more authentic and responsible. For example, instead of just staying in large hotels, more tourists are opting for homestays or eco-lodges, which helps to support local communities. The downside is that some popular destinations are becoming overly crowded and touristy, which can detract from the experience.

2. What are the benefits and drawbacks of tourism for a country?

Sample Answer: The benefits are numerous. Tourism brings in significant revenue, creates jobs, and stimulates economic growth, particularly in the hospitality industry – hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and so on. It also promotes cultural exchange and understanding between different countries. It can help to preserve cultural heritage, as money from tourism can be used to restore historical sites and support traditional arts and crafts.

However, there are also drawbacks. Over-tourism can lead to environmental damage, pollution, and strain on local resources. It can also lead to the commercialization of culture, where traditions are altered or exploited for profit. The cost of living can increase for local people, as prices for goods and services are driven up by tourist demand. There’s also the risk of increased crime and social problems. It’s a balancing act, really.

3. Do you think it’s better to travel alone or with other people? Why?

Sample Answer: Both have their advantages. Traveling with others, especially close friends or family, can be a wonderful bonding experience. You share the memories, and you have someone to rely on if things go wrong. It can also be more cost-effective, as you can share accommodation and transportation costs.

However, traveling alone can be incredibly liberating. You have complete freedom to choose where you go, what you do, and how you spend your time. You’re more likely to meet new people and have unexpected adventures. It can be a great opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. I’ve done both, and I value both types of travel for different reasons. For a relaxing holiday, I might prefer to travel with company, but for a more adventurous trip, I might choose to go solo.

4. What impact do you think increased global travel will have on the world?

Sample Answer: Increased global travel has both positive and negative impacts. On the one hand, it can foster greater understanding and tolerance between cultures. It can break down stereotypes and prejudices, and create a more interconnected world. It can also boost economies and create opportunities for people in developing countries.

On the other hand, there are serious environmental concerns. Air travel contributes significantly to carbon emissions, which exacerbate climate change. Increased tourism can also put pressure on fragile ecosystems and contribute to the loss of biodiversity. There’s also the risk of cultural homogenization, where local traditions and languages are lost as a result of globalization. I think it’s crucial that we find ways to travel more sustainably and responsibly, to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the benefits.

5. Some people say that holidays are becoming too commercialized. What’s your opinion?

Sample Answer: I agree to some extent. There’s definitely a trend towards package holidays and mass tourism, where the focus is often on convenience and consumption rather than authentic experiences. You see the same souvenirs in every tourist shop, and the same activities being offered. This can lead to a feeling that everything is staged or artificial.

However, I don’t think it’s entirely fair to say that all holidays are becoming too commercialized. There’s still a huge range of options available, and it’s possible to find holidays that are more authentic and less commercialized if you’re willing to do a bit of research and perhaps go off the beaten track. You can choose to support local businesses, stay in smaller, family-run accommodations, and seek out experiences that are more meaningful and less focused on consumerism. I think it comes down to individual choice and being a more conscious traveler.

6. How do you think people will spend their holidays in the future?

Sample Answer: That’s an interesting question! I think technology will play an even bigger role. Virtual reality could allow people to experience destinations without actually traveling, which might be an option for those who can’t afford to travel or who are concerned about the environmental impact. I also think there will be a growing demand for more personalized and unique experiences. People will want holidays that are tailored to their specific interests and needs, rather than just choosing from a standard package. There might be more emphasis on wellness holidays, focusing on health and well-being, or on learning holidays, where people can develop new skills or learn about a particular subject. And hopefully, there will be a greater focus on sustainable tourism, with people choosing to travel in ways that are more environmentally and socially responsible. Perhaps space tourism might even become a reality for the very wealthy!

In summary, after exploring this vocabulary and practicing with these sample answers, I hope you have “pocketed” some useful knowledge to confidently express yourself in the IELTS Speaking test on the topic of “Holidays.” Remember that using vocabulary flexibly and naturally, combined with fluent expression, will help you score high with the examiner. Wishing you memorable holidays and great success in your IELTS exam!