Travel experiences often make compelling topics in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when discussing unexpected discoveries. Let’s explore how to excel in describing a travel destination that surprised you, a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Speaking Part 2.
Similar to describe a holiday experience that didn’t go as planned, this topic requires careful preparation and strategic response structure.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you might encounter:
- Do you like traveling?
- What kind of places do you usually visit?
- How do you plan your trips?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m absolutely passionate about traveling. I typically gravitate towards off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer unique cultural experiences. When planning trips, I thoroughly research the location while leaving room for spontaneous exploration.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a travel destination that surprised you. You should say:
- Where it was
- When you went there
- Why it surprised you
- And explain how you felt about this surprise
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience visiting Hoi An, Vietnam, which describe a place you visited that was very different from your expectations.
The ancient town completely defied my expectations. I visited during the Lantern Festival last September, and what struck me most was the harmonious blend of various cultural influences. The architecture seamlessly combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and French colonial styles, creating an extraordinarily atmospheric setting.
What particularly caught me off guard was the town’s transformation at sunset. The streets came alive with thousands of colorful lanterns, creating an almost magical atmosphere. The experience was absolutely mesmerizing, far exceeding anything I had imagined.
This unexpected discovery left an indelible impression on me. I found myself thoroughly immersed in the local culture, from the bustling morning markets to the tranquil evening boat rides along the Thu Bon River.”
Colorful lanterns illuminating Hoi An ancient town at night
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to tell you about my trip to Hoi An in Vietnam. I went there last year in September. It was different from what I expected because it had lots of old buildings and nice lights. The town was really pretty at night because of all the lanterns. I liked it because it was different from other places I’ve been to. The food was good too, and the people were friendly.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has modern tourism changed the way people travel?
A (Band 8-9): “Modern tourism has undergone a radical transformation. Social media has fundamentally altered how people choose destinations, often leading to what I’d call ‘Instagram-driven travel‘. This has both positive and negative implications. While it has made destinations more accessible and information more readily available, it has also led to over-tourism in some places, similar to describe a tourist attraction that disappointed you.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Exceed expectations (phrasal verb) /ɪkˈsiːd ɪkˈspekteɪʃənz/ – to be better than expected
- Cultural amalgamation (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl əˌmælɡəˈmeɪʃən/ – mixture of different cultures
- Architectural heritage (noun phrase) /ˌɑːkɪˈtektʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – historical buildings and structures
- Off the beaten track (idiom) /ɒf ðə ˈbiːtn træk/ – away from familiar routes
- Immersive experience (noun phrase) /ɪˈmɜːsɪv ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/ – fully engaging experience
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your answer using clear time markers and transitions
- Include specific details and personal reactions
- Use a mix of simple and complex grammatical structures
- Incorporate descriptive vocabulary naturally
- Show genuine enthusiasm through tone and expression
Remember to describe a place you visited that had an unexpected impact on you by focusing on both factual details and emotional responses.
