The topic of describing a holiday experience that didn’t go as planned is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and reflect on experiences. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about holidays and travel. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Do you enjoy going on holidays?

Band 6-7 answer:
Yes, I do. I find holidays relaxing and a good way to take a break from work. It’s nice to explore new places and try different foods.

Band 8-9 answer:
Absolutely! I’m passionate about traveling and experiencing diverse cultures. Holidays provide an excellent opportunity to broaden my horizons and create lasting memories. They also help me recharge my batteries and return to work with renewed enthusiasm.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a holiday experience that didn’t go as planned.
You should say:

• Where you went
• Who you went with
• What happened
• How you felt about it

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about a holiday experience that took an unexpected turn during my trip to Bali, Indonesia, last summer. I went there with my best friend, Sarah, for what we thought would be a relaxing beach getaway.

We had meticulously planned our itinerary, which included visiting famous temples, lounging on pristine beaches, and exploring the vibrant local markets. However, on the second day of our trip, we were caught off guard by an unforeseen event.

As we were getting ready to head out for a day of sightseeing, we received an alert about a volcanic ash cloud from Mount Agung, which had started to erupt. The airport was closed, and many outdoor activities were suspended due to safety concerns.

Initially, I felt incredibly disappointed and even a bit anxious. We had been looking forward to this trip for months, and suddenly our plans were thrown into disarray. However, as we came to terms with the situation, we decided to make the best of it.

We ended up spending more time in our hotel, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We struck up conversations with other stranded travelers and the friendly local staff, learning fascinating stories about Balinese culture and traditions. We also took advantage of the hotel’s spa facilities and attended impromptu cultural workshops organized for the guests.

In retrospect, this experience taught me the value of flexibility and adaptability when traveling. While it wasn’t the holiday we had envisioned, it turned out to be an enriching experience that allowed us to delve deeper into the local culture and form unexpected friendships.

Looking back, I’m grateful for this unplanned adventure. It broadened my perspective on travel and reminded me that sometimes the most memorable experiences come from embracing the unexpected.

Unexpected holiday experience in Bali due to volcanic eruption

Follow-up Questions

1. How did this experience change your approach to planning holidays?

Band 6-7 answer:
This experience made me realize that things can go wrong on holidays. Now, I try to be more flexible with my plans and always have a backup plan.

Band 8-9 answer:
This experience was a real eye-opener for me. It fundamentally altered my approach to trip planning. Now, I strike a balance between having a structured itinerary and leaving room for spontaneity. I also make sure to thoroughly research potential risks or challenges at my destination and purchase comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.

2. Do you think unexpected events during holidays can be beneficial?

Band 6-7 answer:
Yes, I think they can be good sometimes. Unexpected events can make holidays more interesting and give you new experiences. They can also teach you how to solve problems.

Band 8-9 answer:
Absolutely. While unexpected events can be challenging, they often pave the way for unique and enriching experiences. They push us out of our comfort zones, encouraging personal growth and adaptability. These unplanned occurrences can lead to serendipitous encounters and off-the-beaten-path discoveries that we might have otherwise missed. Moreover, overcoming such challenges can foster resilience and provide memorable stories that last a lifetime.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think the tourism industry can better prepare for unexpected events like natural disasters?

Band 6-7 answer:
I think the tourism industry should have good emergency plans. They should train their staff well and provide clear information to tourists about what to do in emergencies. It’s also important to have good insurance for travelers.

Band 8-9 answer:
The tourism industry needs to adopt a multi-faceted approach to prepare for unexpected events. Firstly, they should invest in robust early warning systems and collaborate closely with local authorities to ensure swift and coordinated responses to emergencies. It’s crucial to implement comprehensive staff training programs that cover various scenarios, from natural disasters to health crises.

Moreover, the industry should leverage technology to provide real-time updates and guidance to travelers through mobile apps or SMS alerts. Developing flexible booking policies and offering comprehensive travel insurance packages can also help mitigate financial risks for both businesses and tourists.

Lastly, the industry should focus on building resilience in popular tourist destinations by supporting sustainable infrastructure development and promoting responsible tourism practices. This holistic approach can help minimize the impact of unexpected events and ensure the long-term viability of the tourism sector.

Examiner: In what ways do you think unexpected travel experiences contribute to personal growth?

Band 6-7 answer:
Unexpected experiences can teach us new things about ourselves and others. They help us become more flexible and better at solving problems. These experiences can also make us more confident in handling difficult situations.

Band 8-9 answer:
Unexpected travel experiences are often catalysts for significant personal growth. They challenge our preconceptions and force us to adapt to unfamiliar environments, which can greatly enhance our problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence.

These experiences also foster resilience by pushing us out of our comfort zones and teaching us to navigate ambiguity. They can broaden our cultural understanding and empathy as we interact with diverse people and perspectives in unplanned situations.

Moreover, overcoming unexpected challenges during travel can boost self-confidence and self-reliance. It teaches us to trust our instincts and make decisions under pressure, skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional contexts.

Lastly, these unplanned moments often lead to profound self-discovery. They can reveal hidden strengths, challenge long-held beliefs, and inspire new passions or interests, ultimately contributing to a more well-rounded and adaptable individual.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Meticulously planned (adverb + verb): /məˈtɪkjələsli plænd/ – Carefully and precisely organized
   Example: We had meticulously planned our itinerary to make the most of our short vacation.

2. Caught off guard (idiom): /kɔːt ɒf ɡɑːd/ – Surprised and unprepared
   Example: The sudden change in weather caught us off guard during our hiking trip.

3. Thrown into disarray (phrase): /θrəʊn ˈɪntə dɪsəˈreɪ/ – Put into a state of disorder or confusion
   Example: Our travel plans were thrown into disarray when the flight was canceled.

4. Come to terms with (phrasal verb): /kʌm tə tɜːmz wɪð/ – Accept or become reconciled to
   Example: It took some time, but we eventually came to terms with the change in our holiday plans.

5. Strike up conversations (phrasal verb): /straɪk ʌp ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃənz/ – Begin talking to someone in a friendly way
   Example: We struck up conversations with locals to learn more about the culture.

6. In retrospect (phrase): /ɪn ˈretrəspekt/ – Looking back on or reviewing past events
   Example: In retrospect, the unexpected turn of events made our holiday more memorable.

7. Delve deeper (phrasal verb): /delv ˈdiːpər/ – Investigate or examine more thoroughly
   Example: The change in plans allowed us to delve deeper into the local customs and traditions.

8. Embrace the unexpected (phrase): /ɪmˈbreɪs ði ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/ – Welcome or accept surprising situations positively
   Example: Learning to embrace the unexpected can lead to more enriching travel experiences.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a holiday experience that didn’t go as planned:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language and idiomatic expressions to make your narrative more engaging and natural.

2. Demonstrate your ability to reflect on experiences by discussing how the unexpected events affected you and what you learned from them.

3. Practice structuring your answers coherently, using appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

4. Expand on your answers in Part 3 by providing well-reasoned opinions and specific examples to support your points.

5. Work on your pronunciation and fluency by regularly practicing speaking about various travel-related topics.

6. Develop a broad vocabulary related to travel, emotions, and problem-solving to express yourself more precisely.

7. Be prepared to discuss both positive and negative aspects of your experiences, showing balanced and mature reflection.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar, but about communicating effectively and demonstrating your ability to use English in a variety of contexts.