Welcome to Lesson 2.6
Great Tourist Spots for Short Trips
All activities in Section 2.6 are based on this article and topic, so it is an important reference. You can read the article again at any time.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Talk about short trips and travel destinations
- Use vocabulary related to tourism, culture, and travel
- Compare short-term and long-term trips
- Use adjectives, nouns, verbs, and adverbs in travel contexts
- Give opinions about travel choices and experiences
Before You Begin
First reading: focus on the main idea.
Second reading: pay attention to vocabulary and grammar.
After checking your answers, read the article again to improve your understanding.
Remember: Practice makes perfect.
A. Article — Great Tourist Spots for Short Trips
The year 2020 brought many unexpected changes in nature. The trend of short-term trips is increasing instead of long-term travel. There are several places that are perfect for a short trip because of their geographical location, diversity of culture, ecotourism, history, and adventure.
The British Virgin Islands
Hurricanes Irma and Maria decreased tourism on the islands a couple of years ago. The areas faced huge damage, but they are stabilising again. A number of hotels and resorts are open to welcome visitors. You can plan a wonderful short-term trip to enjoy newly constructed sites.
The administration is working on rebuilding the islands. They have started planting new trees and palms. New constructions include improved safety and security measures.
Kyoto, Japan
Japan has strong historical and cultural roots along with modern attractions. You can visit amazing shopping complexes offering every kind of product. There are hundreds of years old historical monuments, centuries-old shrines, and rock gardens. Kyoto is a perfect city for a short trip to explore Japanese culture.
Frisian Islands, Denmark
The Frisian Islands are shared between the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, so you can experience a little of all three. The place is not very big but has a lot of things to do. The main attractions of the Frisian Islands include the seal sanctuary, Lauwersmeer National Park, the Frisian coastline, different marine and bird species, and a variety of water activities.
Rijeka, Croatia
Rijeka is home to many great attractions such as monuments, festivals, and beaches. It also offers a lively nightlife and clubs. Rijeka has some fascinating museums and contemporary art galleries with ongoing exhibitions.
Panama
Panama is home to some of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, along with untouched islands. Many places in Panama are less explored. Coffee farms and forests are worth visiting. There are a variety of islands distributed between the Pacific and the Caribbean. This is a perfect place to enjoy an eco-friendly short trip. Some of the islands may have security issues, so it is best to discuss your plans with a travel agent before booking the trip.
Rabat, Morocco
Morocco is home to a diverse culture and a strong history. Rabat has many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the old town and historical buildings. It has a distinct European feel, with Andalusian gardens, beaches, and markets. You can visit the leather tanneries in the old medina of Rabat, which still follow centuries-old methods of processing leather using organic materials.
Comparison of Short-term Trips with Long-term Trips
Short-term trips have many benefits compared to long-term trips. Long-term trips require proper planning, more money, and time away from routine and work (unless you are a digital nomad). There are several advantages that are increasing the trend of short-term travel.
Advantage of Short Term Trips — More Experiences
Frequent and short trips offer more variety and pleasant memories. You can visit more places in the same amount of time instead of spending all your time in one place. Exploring one place for too long can become exhausting. Visiting different places keeps the excitement alive and provides a wider range of experiences and information.
Increased Excitement
According to travel experts, the first week of a trip is the most exciting, and then the excitement may decrease over time. This usually happens during long-term trips. Visiting different places or nearby areas can help maintain excitement and interest throughout the trip.
Anxiety of Long Trips
During long-term trips, people may start to feel that they are wasting time and money, developing unhealthy routines, or even putting on weight. This can lead to travel anxiety. Short-term trips are often more inspiring and can enhance creativity.
Pre- and Post-trip Excitement
Studies show that planning and preparing for a trip can increase happiness and excitement. Collecting pictures, creating memories, and sharing them with others can also boost confidence.
Easy to Manage Breaks
It is often difficult to disconnect from work and daily life. Short-term trips provide manageable breaks that allow the mind to relax.
Less Stressful
Long-term trips can be stressful to plan and manage. The amount of luggage and the effort needed to handle it can also be challenging. Short trips require fewer belongings, making them easier to manage. There are also fewer flights and less jet lag.
Save More Money
Short-term trips allow you to travel with fewer belongings and reduce overall costs. You can stay in shared rooms, hostels, or eco-friendly accommodations such as campsites and organic farms. These options make travel more flexible and affordable without needing to return to one fixed place.
B. Reading Comprehension
Read the questions. Look at the article again if you need to.
Choose the correct answer.
Quick Practice (optional)
Find 3 words from the article. Write a sentence for each word.
True for You? I prefer short trips to long trips. (Write True or False.) Explain your answer in a few words.
Complete the sentences. Use words from the article.
- Short trips are becoming more ______ than long holidays.
- People often travel ______ for a weekend break.
- Travelling more often can be more ______.
- Many people want to explore new ______.
Fill in the missing word. Complete each sentence with ONE word.
- Short trips are popular ______ they are quick and easy.
- People can travel more ______ during the year.
- A short trip usually lasts a few ______.
- Many travellers enjoy ______ different places.
C. Key Vocabulary
Match the words to the definitions.
1. a lot of different things, styles, environments
2. storms with a powerful strong wind that cause damage
3. something that you were not prepared for
4. to become smaller in size, amount, intensity
5. the physical feature or area of a place
6. a style of tourism that supports and protects the environment
Match the words to the definitions.
7. to build or to make something
8. the basic source or origin of something
9. becoming more controlled or steady
10. places that have a lot of interest in
11. something that needs to be fixed or repaired
12. A holiday place that is visited often as it has a certain attraction
Match the words to the definitions.
13. something that’s not harmful to the environment
14. a place where you show and display things for people to see
15. places that are holy and people visit as a place of worship
16. to improve the quality of something
17. to have observed, looked at and learned from
D. Key Vocabulary List in Context
For each word, write your own definition in English, then translate the word into your own language. The examples below are from the published vocabulary-in-context list.
E. Adjectives & Nouns I
Complete each adjective with the correct vowels: a, e, i, o, u. Example: 4 is done for you.
Example completed: main — missing vowels: a · i
F. Adjectives & Nouns II
Match the adjectives in Column A with the nouns in Column B. Only one answer is correct for each item, based on the context of the article. Check the article if you need help.
Three additional article questions (optional written practice)
1. Which three adjectives go with the same noun ‘attractions’? i. ______ ii. ______ iii. ______
2. Which two adjectives go with the same noun ‘place’? i. ______ ii. ______
3. Which two nouns go with the same adjective ‘different’? i. ______ ii. ______
Tip: Refer to the article if you need help.
G. Verbs & Adverbs
Complete the sentences. Choose a, b, c, or d.
Quick Practice and Writing (optional)
Work alone or with a partner. Ask and answer the questions.
- How often do you travel? (e.g. often, sometimes, rarely)
- How do you usually travel? (e.g. quickly, comfortably, cheaply)
- Do you plan your trips carefully or quickly? Why?
- Do you travel more frequently now than before?
- Do you prefer to travel alone or with others? Why?
Speaking: Talk about your answers. Try to use verbs + adverbs in your sentences.
Example: “I usually travel cheaply because I want to save money.”
Writing Task: Write 3–4 sentences about your travel habits. Use at least 2 adverbs (e.g. often, usually, quickly, carefully).
H. Verbs
Examples: Mary likes chocolate cakes. Ron is listening to music.
Complete the sentences using verbs from the box. Change the verb form if needed.
I. Adverbs of Place & Time
A prepositional adverb gives more information about a verb.
Adverbs of place tell us where the action happens.
Examples: I will stay there for two weeks. Dave had to travel abroad for work.
Adverbs of time tell us when the action happens.
Examples: I will reach the island soon. I will talk to you tomorrow.
Select the correct adverb from the drop-down menu for each sentence.
J. Listening — Comprehension
🎧 Listening Exercise
Scan the QR code on page 79 to watch or listen to the lesson.
(Video timestamp: Lesson 2.6 – 02:49).
- Watch or listen to the conversation between Ella and Tom.
- Choose the correct answer.
- Compare your answers with a partner, or check the answer key.
K. Listening — Adjectives & Comparatives
🎧 Listening Exercise. Use the audio from Exercise J (page 79, timestamp: Lesson 2.6 – 02:49).
- Watch or listen to the conversation again.
- Read the sentences.
- Write the correct adjective or comparative form.
- Check your answers.
L. Listening — Collocations
🎧 Listening Exercise. Use the audio from Exercise K.
- Write the correct word from the box.
- Complete the sentences using the correct word from the box.
- Check your answers.
M. Idiomatic Expressions
Match the idiomatic expressions (1–3) with the correct definitions (a–c).
| Idiomatic expressions | Definitions |
|---|---|
| 1. ‘Couple of years ago’ | a. Going from one place to another. |
| 2. ‘Putting on weight’ | b. A few years ago; not a very long time ago. |
| 3. ‘On the move’ | c. Becoming heavier, experiencing a gain in muscle mass or fat tissue. |
Your answers
N. Reflection & Application
Take a moment to reflect on what you have learned in this lesson.
Apply it: Write 1–2 sentences about a short trip you would like to take, using the language from this lesson.
Think about it: What was easy?
What was difficult?
Focus Areas: Which exercise(s) will you repeat to improve?