Over recent weeks I have been correcting student writings and listening to students practising for upcoming Cambridge Advanced English exams. One piece of feedback in response I gave was to create a series of topic ‘Post-It notes/cards with six or seven general expressions about a topic that could be used in speaking or writing situations.
Around the same time, I also came across Tim Warren’s CAE writing Part 2 Phrase sheets and really like the ‘Killer lines’ section for each type of writing.
So, as ever I got thinking of a new post to write (but this time actually started writing it) and the result is this list of 10 pieces of vocabulary and expressions connected to travel.
If you are looking add a little more variety to your writing or speaking vocabulary, why not review this short list and pick a few favourites. You could add your own ideas and create your own topic flashcards. Either way, be sure to revise, drill and practise using your vocabulary time and again to get them into your vocabulary repertoire (the vocabulary that you not only know, but also use).
clicking here you can view and download the word file with definitions and example sentences in the context of speaking and writing activities.
Click here for a Quizlet flash card set and here for a memory matching game for all of the below definitions
| Put your feet up (Phrasal Verb) | Relax |
| “I like to get to the hotel and just put my feet up for a week or two instead of rushing around from place to place”
“In addition to the morning classes, students also have the chance to either explore the city or put their feet up and unwind for a few hours in the afternoon” |
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| Get/have itchy feet | To have the feeling that you need to travel and see new places |
| “I wouldn’t describe myself as having itchy feet. I’m happy just putting my feet up on the local beach, we have everything I need right here.”
“Suffering from itchy feet but also lacking the time and the energy to plan your next adventure? Well this new website might be just for you.” |
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| Escape the 9-to-5 (routine) | Change your routine from that of your regular working |
| “I’m very much looking forward to the summer holidays as I want to escape the 9-to-5 and spend some time in the mountains.”
“…while the man in the third picture might be feeling so happy as while he is out on his bike be is escaping his normal 9-to-5 routine” |
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| To go/wander off the beaten track | Go to where people do not normal visit or travel to. |
| “After a day in the city it could be a very relaxing option to wander off the beaten track and maybe visit some mountains and forest, don’t you think so?”
“This holiday offers students the change to exchange a busy classroom for the experience of going off the beaten track and staying on a rural farm.” |
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| Globetrotter (noun) – go globetrotting (phrase) | A person who frequently travels to different places |
| “no, I’m no globetrotter, I much prefer to stay at home and relax during my holidays than put up with busy airports”
“falling ticket prices and the increasing number of local airports means that it now easier than ever to be a globetrotter; But what effect is this air travel having on our planet?” |
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| Holiday/adventure/experience of a lifetime | Something extra special and memorable that you may be unlikely to repeat again in the future |
| “Many websites offer to help you plan your next holiday; but TravelCheap.eus promises to deliver not just the chance to have the adventure of a lifetime but also to do so without breaking the bank.”
“well, my last holiday was the holiday of a lifetime, we caught a plane to America and then started a 15 cruise…” |
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| Get away from it all (phrasal Verb) | Escape from (the stresses and routines of daily life) |
| “that’s an interesting question, I’ve been extremely busy latterly but I did get the chance to get away from it all during the Easter break when we went to…”
In conclusion, should you be the type of person who just wants to get away from it all without having to worry about all the arrangements, then this cruise is perfect. However, if you take satisfaction from organising every last detail of your holidays then….” |
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| Horde(s) of tourists/sightseers/holidaymakers (collective noun | Big group of |
| “The resort offers excellent amenities however, many might be put off by the hordes of other holidaymakers in the restaurants and on the beaches. This is particularly true during high season.”
“That’s true! Although, don’t you think many people would prefer to go more off the beaten track and avoid the hordes of sightseers that are often in big cities such as London? |
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| Get a taste of different cultures/lifestyles | Experience and learn about, an insight to |
| “This resort offers less of an authentic taste of life in Tenerife and more of a standard beach holiday experience.”
“Oh yes! I’m especially keen on travel books as they can give a real taste of different cultures and lifestyles without having to leave home.” |
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| To wander around | Walk in a relaxed way |
| “No, I’m not a lover of beach holidays. I much prefer to wander around the streets of an old town and get a real feel for everyday life there.”
“On balance, it is essential that we do encourage younger generations to step away from their games consoles and wander through the countryside at weekends. However, education alone is evidently not the answer. Therefore, it is essential that parents are encouraged to present themselves as role models…” |
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Glyn's English Online 
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