# Travelling and Tourism
### 1. Why people travel

- For **leisure / holidays** – to relax, see new places, escape routine.
- For **business** – meetings, conferences, trade fairs.
- For **education** – language courses, student exchanges (Erasmus), study abroad.
- For **family / personal reasons** – visiting relatives, weddings, funerals.
- For **adventure** – treks, safaris, extreme sports.

### 2. Types of travel

- Family holiday (BrE) / vacation (AmE)
- Excursion – short trip with a specific purpose
- Guided tour – with a guide explaining sights
- Trek / safari / hike – nature-oriented
- School trip / day trip / road trip / camping trip / business trip

### 3. Before the trip

- Choose a destination, **book a ticket / seat in advance**, reserve accommodation.
- Pack luggage – distinguish **hand luggage (BrE) / carry-on (AmE)** vs **checked luggage**.
- Sort out documents – passport, ID card, visa if needed, travel insurance.
- Plan a route, get directions, check the weather and local currency.

### 4. At the airport

- Arrive ~2 hours before departure, **check in**, drop off luggage, go through **security and passport control**.
- Wait at the gate, then **board** the plane.
- Things you need: ticket, boarding pass, valid ID / passport.
- Classes: economy, business, first.

### 5. Accommodation

- **Hotel** – full service but expensive.
- **Hostel** – cheap, popular with backpackers, shared rooms.
- **Bed & breakfast (B&B)** – home-style, common in the UK / Ireland.
- **Airbnb / apartment** – flexibility, kitchen, often cheaper for groups.
- **Campsite / caravan** – cheap, close to nature.
- **Cottage / cabin** – Czech speciality (chata, chalupa).

### 6. Popular destinations

- **Sea & sun:** Croatia, Greece, Spain, Italy.
- **Cities:** London, Paris, Rome, New York, Tokyo.
- **Nature:** Norway (fjords), Iceland, national parks in the USA.
- **Czech favourites for abroad:** Croatia, Italy, Greece, Slovakia (mountains), Egypt.

### 7. Tourism in the Czech Republic

- **Prague** – Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock.
- **Český Krumlov** – UNESCO medieval town.
- **Karlovy Vary** – spa town, international film festival.
- **Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj)** – rock formations, hiking.
- **Krkonoše & Šumava** – mountains for skiing and hiking.
- **Moravian Karst** – cave systems.

### 8. Advantages of travelling

- You learn about other cultures, languages, food.
- It broadens your horizons and makes you more tolerant.
- You meet new people, gain independence.
- It’s a great break from school / work routine.

### 9. Disadvantages / problems

- It can be **expensive**.
- **Mass tourism** damages historical sites and the environment.
- Risk of **theft, scams, illness, language barriers**.
- **Carbon footprint** of flying.
- Lost luggage, cancelled flights, jet lag.

### 10. My experience

- Talk about a trip you took – where, with whom, how long, what you did, what you liked / didn’t like.
- Pattern: *Last summer I went to … with my family / friends. We stayed in … . We visited … . The best part was … . The worst was … .*

### 11. Useful phrases & vocabulary

- **Verbs:** to travel, to go on a trip, to go sightseeing, to book / reserve, to check in, to board, to go abroad.
- **Adjectives:** exotic, picturesque, breathtaking, off the beaten track, touristy, overpriced, affordable.
- **Useful:** itinerary, sightseeing, landmark, souvenir, guidebook, currency exchange.

### 12. Speaking strategy

Start with why people travel in general, then your own habits and a specific trip you took. Compare a city break with a beach holiday or active vs. relaxing trips. End with a recommendation (a place you’d like to visit and why).