Man is a born explorer. He is curious. He asks questions almost as naturally as he breathes. As soon as a child learns words, he uses them to find out more about the world around him. Exploring is a

Travelling

Man is a born explorer. He is curious. He asks questions almost as naturally as he breathes. As soon as a child learns words, he uses them to find out more about the world around him. Exploring is a man’s way of finding the answers to his questions. His explorations may take place in one spot or he may journey across the world and discover sights that he has never dreamed of.

It is now possible to travel to most parts of the world easily and quickly. The matter is that it may be quite expensive for an average Russian family.

As I see it, life has always been linked to travel and transport though mankind hasn’t always been so mobile. If some centuries ago trade used to be the only existing reason for travelling alongside with the explorations of new lands for monarchs to possess, today people have lots of good reasons to travel as much as they have never had before. Technological advance has made travelling an ordinary part of our life. People travel for different reasons: to find a better job or place of living; to develop business contacts; to study foreign languages, etc. Millions of tourists spend there holidays travelling: to see other countries and cultures, to enjoy picturesque places, to meet new people, to try exotic food and activities.

It goes without saying that travelling by air is the fastest and the most comfortable way of travelling. Many people who travel abroad prefer flying to other kinds of travelling. According to the survey, the most important for the passengers is the airline which provides the most efficient, the most comfortable, the most punctual, the safest and the friendliest service. Of course, some travellers can tell the most horrific stories of the nightmare side of international travel which will be hijacks, cases of engine failure or troubles with landing gear, cases of food poisoning, bomb scares, collisions, overbooking the flight, or faults with baggage.

Going by train has its strong points. There are no traffic jams, and you can use your time in different ways: reading, working, talking with other passengers etc. However, trains are sometimes delayed, crowded or overbooked.

Sea voyages provide your best impressions and memories unless you are sea-sick. They may be extremely comfortable and even luxurious, but it makes them expensive.

Travelling by car takes you from door to door. Another advantage is that you can plan your journey and stop wherever you want. But it may be stressful and tiring, especially for a driver. Hitch-hiking is cheap but risky, and it is likely to take more time than you have planned.

Walking is good for your health and your wallet. You can take your time and enjoy beautiful nature. But if your destination is far-away, you can’t rely on your feet. Besides, it is not comfortable.

Travelling abroad must be extremely interesting as it gives you an opportunity to see a new country, to get acquainted with its culture, its people, its customs and traditions. It is exciting to see its places of interest.

However, you can have a lot of problems if you are going to travel abroad. First of all, you must save enough money for your tour, then you must have your international passport.

You should choose means of travelling and book your tickets in advance. When everything is arranged, you should do the packing. As for me, I like to travel light, that’s why I take only the first essentials.

You should not take too many things. You should take only the things which are really necessary. If you doubt whether to take a thing or not, leave it out. The things you want to take must be packed in one bag. Take clothes that don’t need ironing.

Don’t forget an alarm clock. You’ll need it for sure, though in many hotels there is a “wake up” service.

Take along a pocket dictionary in order to be able to use it whenever you need.

If you go abroad by private invitation, it would be nice if you could bring your hosts a small gift. Besides this main gift, you should also take some souvenirs from your country. You may be invited to someone’s home and you’ll surprise your hosts with your thoughtfulness.

When you arrive at the airport, you have to go through the customs before your departure. Sometimes your luggage is examined (looked through). You should declare valuable things: precious metals, diamonds, objects of art. Foreign currency in cash is usually limited. Some articles fall under restrictions. There is duty on some things. I should say the custom duties are rather high.

Personal belongings are duty free. Some articles are prohibited, for example, drugs. It’s better to know beforehand what you are allowed to take through the customs.

You’d also better decide about the place to live. There are a lot of options for any traveller regarding a place to stay. Depending on age, individual preferences and budget people may choose different types of accommodation. For instance, if they are looking for a low-budget holiday, they may choose between a youth hostel, B & B (Bed and Breakfast), a campsite or a self-catering hotel. Family hotels offer more comfort, but they tend to be slightly more expensive. Taking a caravan with you, if you are travelling by car, is a big advantage as you can stop and sleep almost anywhere. Many young people, especially when touring big cities, choose to stay at youth hostels because they are basic and cheap, but at the same time they may turn to be a disadvantage for somebody looking for quiet and peace at night.

Young people tend to be travelling not alone and they easily make friends with strangers. I can’t say the same about myself. But in case I’m visiting a country the language of which I do not speak, I would rather prefer travelling with a jolly companion.

In my opinion, people are increasingly choosing holidays which bring them to nature. They grow tired of sightseeing, visiting museums and castles. A certain amount of holidaymakers simply don’t like doing it anymore. They would rather escape to the countryside, go on walking, rambling and backpacking, or would rather engage themselves into sport like rafting, canoeing or biking. Mountain holidays are very popular with young people. In this case finding B & B would be a convenient place to stay the night at. And besides, the atmosphere is very much homelike and friendly.

Train: buffet car, through train, left luggage office, timetable, compartment, to pull in, guard’s van

Car: the fast lane, traffic jam, bypass, to thumb a lift

Boat: cruise, boarding, quayside, life guard, to set sail, to disembark, sandcastle, sundeck, lighthouse, cabin,

harbour

Plane: hand luggage, passport control, charter flight, gate, baggage reclaim, departure lounge, trolley, aisle,

to take off, window seat, immigration officer

Situation 1. Speak about advantages and disadvantages of the following means of travelling:

· by plane,

· by car,

· by train,

· on foot.

Situation 2. Speak about advantages and disadvantages of the following means of travelling:

· by train,

· on foot,

· hitch-hiking,

· by car.

Situation 3. Speak about advantages and disadvantages of the following places to stay while travelling:

· B & B,

· a campsite,

· a hotel,

· a youth hostel.

Situation 4. Say how people choose accommodation when travelling. Speak about

• different types of accommodation,
• the way people choose one,
• your personal preferences.

Situation 5. Say how you’d prepare for a holiday abroad. Don’t forget to mention:

• choosing means of travelling,
• booking tickets,
• packing,
• checking-in and customs procedures.

Situation 6. Say why people travel. Speak about

• the role of technical progress in development of travelling infrastructure,
• different reasons for travelling,
• the way people are brought close to nature,
• your personal reasons.

TRAVELLING: Dialogue

You are talking with your Mum/Dad about your plans for the summer holidays. Discuss the destination of your travel, why you’d like to go there, what is necessary to do to prepare for your trip, where you’d like to stay in.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-04