IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe memorable experiences, including travel mishaps. This topic allows test-takers to showcase their ability to narrate events, express emotions, and reflect on challenging situations. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a travel experience that went wrong, with sample responses for different band scores.
Have you ever been to an island where things didn’t go as planned? That’s just one example of a travel experience that could have gone wrong. In this article, we’ll provide strategies and sample answers to help you excel in discussing such experiences during your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about travel experiences. Here’s a sample question with suggested responses:
Question: Do you enjoy traveling?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy traveling. It’s a great way to relax and experience new cultures. I try to take at least one trip every year, usually to a nearby country.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m passionate about traveling as it offers a unique opportunity to broaden my horizons and gain fresh perspectives. I make it a point to embark on diverse journeys annually, ranging from backpacking adventures to cultural immersions in both domestic and international destinations.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a travel experience that went wrong. You should say:
- Where you were going
- What happened
- How you dealt with the situation
- And explain how you felt about this experience
IELTS Speaking: Describing a travel experience that went wrong
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about a trip to Bali that didn’t go as planned. My friend and I were really excited about our vacation, but things started to go wrong from the beginning.
Our flight was delayed for several hours due to bad weather, which meant we missed our connecting flight in Singapore. We had to spend the night at the airport, which was really uncomfortable. When we finally arrived in Bali, we found out that our hotel had overbooked and didn’t have a room for us.
To deal with the situation, we had to stay calm and be flexible. We called around and found another hotel, although it was more expensive. We also had to rearrange our itinerary because we lost a day of our trip.
I felt really frustrated and disappointed at first. It wasn’t the relaxing start to our vacation that we had hoped for. However, looking back, I can see that it taught me to be more adaptable when traveling and to always have a backup plan.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to recount a rather ill-fated expedition to the Peruvian Amazon that took an unexpected turn. My travel companion and I had meticulously planned this adventure, anticipating an immersive experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Our journey began to unravel when our domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado was inexplicably canceled at the eleventh hour. This unforeseen setback triggered a domino effect of complications. We were forced to embark on an impromptu 20-hour bus journey through treacherous mountain roads, arriving at our destination thoroughly exhausted and a full day behind schedule.
Upon reaching the Amazon lodge, we discovered that our reservation had been erroneously allocated to another group due to the delay. Faced with this predicament, we had to summon our resourcefulness. We negotiated with the lodge manager and eventually secured alternative accommodations, albeit in a more rudimentary facility deeper in the jungle.
Initially, I was overwhelmed with frustration and a sense of powerlessness in the face of these cascading misfortunes. However, as we adapted to our circumstances, I began to appreciate the serendipitous nature of our new situation. The unplanned detour actually provided us with a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, allowing us to interact with local communities we wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
This experience was a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel. It honed my ability to remain composed under pressure and reinforced the importance of maintaining a flexible mindset. Ultimately, what began as a series of mishaps transformed into a uniquely enriching adventure that I now look back on with a mixture of amusement and pride in our resilience.
Follow-up Questions
- How did this experience change your approach to travel planning?
Band 6-7 Answer:
This experience taught me to be more careful when planning trips. Now, I always make sure to have travel insurance and keep important contact information handy. I also try to be more flexible with my plans.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This experience was a catalyst for overhauling my entire approach to travel planning. I now meticulously research potential obstacles and devise contingency plans for various scenarios. Additionally, I’ve become more adept at risk assessment, ensuring I have comprehensive travel insurance and maintaining a financial buffer for unforeseen circumstances. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve cultivated a more philosophical outlook towards travel mishaps, viewing them as opportunities for growth and unique experiences rather than mere inconveniences.
- Do you think it’s important to have bad travel experiences?
Band 6-7 Answer:
While it’s not enjoyable at the time, I think bad travel experiences can be valuable lessons. They help us become more resilient and better prepared for future trips. However, it’s important to stay safe and not take unnecessary risks.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe that encountering adversity during travel is paradoxically essential for personal growth and developing a nuanced understanding of the world. These challenging experiences serve as crucibles that test our adaptability, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience. They often lead to the most profound insights and memorable stories, shaping us into more empathetic and worldly individuals. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between constructive challenges that foster growth and genuinely dangerous situations that compromise one’s safety and well-being.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How do you think technology has changed the way people deal with travel problems?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made it much easier to deal with travel problems. We can use our smartphones to quickly find information about alternative flights or accommodations. Apps and websites help us communicate with locals even if we don’t speak the language. It’s also easier to stay in touch with family and get help if needed.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of travel problem-solving. It has democratized access to real-time information and resources, empowering travelers to swiftly navigate unforeseen challenges. Cutting-edge translation apps have dismantled language barriers, facilitating more nuanced communication with locals and service providers. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants offer instant support, often pre-empting issues before they escalate. Moreover, crowd-sourced platforms have fostered a global community of travelers who share invaluable insights and solutions. This technological ecosystem has not only enhanced our ability to troubleshoot issues but has also fundamentally altered our perception of travel risks, making us more confident in venturing into unfamiliar territories.
Technology revolutionizing travel problem-solving
Question: Do you think social media has changed the way people view travel experiences?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think social media has significantly changed how people view travel. People often share only the best parts of their trips on social media, which can make others feel like they’re missing out. This can create unrealistic expectations about travel. However, social media also allows people to discover new places and get helpful tips from other travelers.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Social media has undeniably transformed the lens through which we perceive and engage with travel experiences. It has democratized travel inspiration, allowing individuals to vicariously explore far-flung destinations through the curated content of others. This has led to the proliferation of ‘Instagrammable’ locations and experiences, sometimes at the expense of more authentic cultural encounters.
However, this phenomenon is double-edged. While it has broadened horizons and made travel more accessible, it has also contributed to the commodification of experiences and the homogenization of travel aesthetics. The pressure to capture and share picture-perfect moments can detract from the immediacy and personal nature of travel experiences.
Conversely, social media has also given rise to more nuanced travel narratives. Influencers and everyday travelers alike are increasingly sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and honest accounts of travel mishaps, fostering a more realistic and relatable portrayal of global exploration. This trend towards authenticity is gradually reshaping expectations and encouraging a more mindful approach to travel.
Ultimately, social media has amplified both the aspirational and cautionary aspects of travel, creating a complex ecosystem that continues to evolve our collective understanding and approach to exploring the world.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Ill-fated expedition [ɪl-feɪtɪd ˌekspəˈdɪʃən] (adj. + n.): An unlucky or unsuccessful journey
Example: Our ill-fated expedition to the Amazon was plagued by mishaps from the start.To unravel [ʌnˈrævəl] (v.): To start to fail or collapse
Example: Our carefully laid plans began to unravel as soon as we arrived at the airport.Trigger a domino effect [ˈtrɪɡər ə ˈdɒmɪnəʊ ɪˈfekt] (phrase): To cause a series of related events
Example: The flight cancellation triggered a domino effect of problems throughout our trip.Serendipitous [ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs] (adj.): Occurring by chance in a happy or beneficial way
Example: Despite the initial setbacks, we had some serendipitous encounters with locals.Hone one’s ability [həʊn wʌnz əˈbɪləti] (phrase): To refine or perfect a skill
Example: Traveling often helps hone one’s ability to adapt to unexpected situations.
Describe a memorable journey you took by car and you might encounter similar challenges. Being prepared with these vocabulary items will help you articulate your experiences more effectively.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a travel experience that went wrong:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to bring your story to life.
- Demonstrate your ability to reflect on experiences by explaining how you felt and what you learned.
- Use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your response.
- Maintain fluency by organizing your thoughts coherently and avoiding long pauses.
- Show your range by discussing both the negative aspects and any positive outcomes or lessons learned.
Remember, practice is key. Try recording yourself answering similar questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!