Describe a Recent Travel Experience - IELTS Cue Card

Read our expert-written sample answers for the cue card topic - Describe an Advertisement You Remember Well - IELTS Cue Card and the IELTS Speaking Part 3 follow-up questions related to it here! 

The ‘Describe a Recent Travel Experience’ IELTS Speaking Part 2, wants you to talk about a favourite travel experience of yours that you took in recent times and you can explain how you felt about it when you experienced it! 

Let us now learn the perfect trick of framing answers to the, ‘Describe a Recent Travel Experience' topic to brush up your IELTS Speaking skills! Also, you get to read our expert-written sample answers to boost exam preparation.

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Describe a Journey That You Remember Well - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• Where you had this experience?

Last year, I had the pleasure of embarking on the most memorable trip of my life. It was a trip from Patiala to Shimla, which is a distance of around 160 miles by automobile. It was my first self-driving travel experience.

• What the experience was?

My friends called me a week before my 24th birthday to inquire about my plans. We decided to go to Shimla and celebrate my birthday there on the spur of the moment. After completing my driving lessons and acquiring my driver’s license, I advised doing the road trip in our car. So, I requested my father lend me his car.

• Who you did it with?

I was accompanied by four of my closest friends. They were concerned since I had never driven in a steep area before. However, I assured them that the ride would be pleasant. We had no clue about the road conditions while planning the route, and it was made worse by leaving the highway for a time; anyhow, the following 10 kilometers or so were on some of the worst, never-ending roads. As a result, it took us around 4 hours to get to the Shimla hotel we had reserved. Regardless, contrary to my worries, driving on hills was not difficult, and this was the first lesson that gave me the confidence to drive on hills.

• And say how you felt while you were doing it.

Overall, the journey was delightful. We all had a good time on vacation. Fortunately, because it was a holiday, the roads were mostly empty. However, it took a long time to get there since we stopped at numerous places for food and beverages. There was a lot of merriment there, and we weren’t in the mood to leave sooner.

Describe a Recent Travel Experience - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• Where you had this experience?

Journeys have always been an enjoyable part of my life. Every trip has taught me something fruitful, and I have become a better person at the end of every trip. Also, by planning and executing random trips, I have enhanced my observation skills to a great extent. The knowledge I have gathered through these trips is tough to accumulate through other means. So, to tell you about a journey that is still immaculate in my conscious, it is the last travel that I arranged. So, all this while, I wanted to visit secluded and quaint places. However, my previous trip was to Ladakh – one of the dream places of almost every adventure lover.

• What the experience was?

Initially, I had decided to travel by cab as Ladakh is approximately 800 km from my place. But I changed this decision all because of one video on Instagram. While scrolling through this social media platform, I stumbled upon a video that showcased snow-laden mountains captured from an airplane’s window on the way to Ladakh. The mesmerizing beauty of those mountains compelled me to drop the idea of traveling by cab, and I booked plane tickets.

• Who you did it with?

This was my first-ever solo trip and I loved every bit of it!

• And say how you felt while you were doing it.

I am an adventure lover, and Ladakh is one of the prettiest places on the earth. I visited there for its scenic beauty, to try delectable cuisines, to relish colorful local festivals, to explore gompas and monasteries, and to rejuvenate and relax.

Describe a Recent Travel Experience - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

• Where you had this experience?

Journeys, after all, are always unforgettable. It exposes us to new experiences and allows us to unwind ourselves. I like traveling because it allows me to explore new places and experience new things around the world. However, there are certain travels on which I have had less than good encounters. I would like to discuss one such journey.

• What the experience was?

I went on a road trip with my friends around three months ago. It was my first extended road trip with my friends, and it was the most unforgettable event of my life. Because my friends and I don’t get to see each other very frequently due to our busy job schedules, we decided to take a long road journey from Punjab to Rajasthan.

• Who you did it with?

Ten of our friends decided to come along, so we managed two cars accordingly. Everyone was requested to arrive at a mutually agreed-upon location on the scheduled day of the voyage.

However, due to tremendous traffic congestion that none of us had expected, everyone was an hour late. Thus, our adventure began after considerable hardship. Nevertheless, because of the nature of the trip, it was a joyful and exhilarating experience for me. For a few hours, everything was working well, and everyone was having a great time. We were enjoying our little giggles and the sight of the road flanked by trees. There was relaxing music playing in the background, and we were enjoying our fullest.

Suddenly, our journey was interrupted by an accident. The first car in the lineup came to a complete stop because a youngster was crossing the road in a hurry, and the rest of the cars crashed because they couldn’t control their speed. Everyone was upset and anxious for a few hours. After that, everyone felt sad and worried.

• And say how you felt while you were doing it.

After that, the thrill of the trip vanished, and towards the end of the journey, we just hoped to reach our destination safely.

‘Describe a Recent Travel Experience’ - IELTS Cue Card Vocabulary

• Unwind

Meaning: relax after a period of work or tension.
Eg: Music is a good way to unwind.

• Encounter

Meaning: unexpectedly be faced with or experience (something hostile or difficult).
Eg: I have had a brief encounter with a wild dog.

• Tremendous

Meaning: very great in amount, scale, or intensity.
Eg: We witnessed tremendous change in our country.

• Exhilarating

Meaning: making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling.
Eg: An exhilarating workout is a great way to start the day.

• Interrupted

Meaning: changing direction abruptly
Eg: The meeting was interrupted by a knock on the door.

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Describe a Recent Travel Experience - Follow-Up Questions Part 3

1. How do you think travel experiences differ between solo travelers and those who travel in groups?

Solo travel and group travel offer distinctly different experiences. Solo travelers often enjoy more freedom and flexibility in their itinerary, allowing for spontaneous decisions and personal growth. They may find it easier to immerse themselves in local cultures and meet new people. On the other hand, group travel provides a sense of security, shared experiences, and the opportunity to strengthen bonds with friends or family. It can also be more cost-effective due to shared expenses. However, group travel may require more compromise and coordination among members.

2. In what ways do you think technology has changed the way people travel?

Technology has revolutionized travel in numerous ways. Smartphones and apps have made navigation, language translation, and booking accommodations much easier. Online reviews and travel blogs provide valuable insights and recommendations. Social media allows travelers to share experiences in real-time and stay connected with loved ones. Additionally, advancements in transportation technology have made travel faster and more accessible. However, the constant connectivity might also detract from the immersive experience of exploring new places.

3. How do you think travel experiences contribute to personal growth?

Travel experiences significantly contribute to personal growth by exposing individuals to new cultures, perspectives, and challenges. They foster adaptability, problem-solving skills, and cultural sensitivity. Travelers often gain independence and self-confidence as they navigate unfamiliar environments. Encountering diverse ways of life can broaden one's worldview and challenge preconceived notions. Moreover, overcoming travel-related obstacles can build resilience and enhance communication skills, especially when interacting with people from different backgrounds.

4. What impact do you think mass tourism has on local communities and environments?

Mass tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on local communities and environments. On the positive side, it can boost local economies, create job opportunities, and promote cultural exchange. However, it can also lead to environmental degradation, overcrowding of popular destinations, and the erosion of local cultures. Increased demand for resources and infrastructure can strain local ecosystems and communities. To mitigate these negative effects, there's a growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism practices that aim to balance economic benefits with environmental and cultural preservation.

5. How do you think the concept of travel might change in the future?

The future of travel is likely to be shaped by technological advancements and growing environmental concerns. Virtual and augmented reality might offer immersive travel experiences without physical displacement. Space tourism could become more accessible for civilian travelers. There may be a greater focus on sustainable and eco-friendly travel options, such as electric vehicles and carbon-neutral accommodations. Personalized travel experiences tailored to individual preferences using AI and big data could become more prevalent. Additionally, there might be an increased interest in slow travel and authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences as a reaction to over-tourism in popular destinations.

‘Describe a Recent Travel Experience’ - Follow-Up Vocabulary

• Immerse

Meaning: To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.

Example: Solo travelers often find it easier to immerse themselves in local cultures.

• Revolutionize

Meaning: To change something radically or fundamentally.

Example: Technology has revolutionized travel in numerous ways.

• Adaptability

Meaning: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or circumstances.

Example: Travel experiences foster adaptability as individuals navigate unfamiliar environments.

• Mitigate

Meaning: To make it less severe, serious, or painful.

Example: Sustainable tourism practices aim to mitigate the negative effects of mass tourism on local communities.

• Prevalent

Meaning: Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.

Example: Personalized travel experiences could become more prevalent in the future.

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