IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

Something many people are excited about today is travelling. In fact, for some people, seeing the world may be more important than owning a house. One reason for this mindset is social media. Young minds are bombarded by videos of others experiencing the wonders of the world. Thus, they too dream of doing the same when the opportunity arises. Secondly, travel has also become more affordable. Advancements in technology and stiff competition have brought ticket prices down. There are even more accommodation options available, namely hotels, motels, dormitories, condominiums for rent, and even rooms for rent within a host's home.

As for where people travel, many go for tried-and-tested tourist spots. These may be popular theme parks, resorts, monuments, museums, and other landmarks. Though such places are often pricey, tourists are usually willing to pay, so they can proudly state that they were there too. Seasoned travellers, however, may opt for places less travelled, searching for hidden gems within the city or even outside. Aside from an authentic experience of the local culture - since touristy places often overdo things to impress visitors, less-visited places are not as packed.

For far-away locations, most tourists take the airplane so that they can arrive at their destinations faster. But because plane tickets are often costly, especially when one has a lot of luggage, other travellers may take the train or bus. The travel time may be longer, but at least they can save money for food or souvenirs. Travel by boat is another popular form for some, especially if aboard a luxury liner. The cruise itself is already an exciting part of the journey as such ships have many amenities like a swimming pool, dance floor, game room, and others. Then there's the road trip, often taken by families or close friends. Similar to the cruise, the trip itself is already an adventure as the travellers see the sights while travelling in their vehicles.

Although many agree that travelling is great, there are critics of leisurely travel. Leisurely travel normally means that people visit places purely for enjoyment and recreation, not business or other important matters. One concern is the impact of travel on the environment. Unless one bikes or hikes to their destination, most probably much carbon-based fuel is burned to bring them there, adding smoke to the atmosphere. Another issue is the garbage left behind by uncouth travellers. Some even destroy the beautiful landscapes in their attempt to take the perfect selfie, impress the people they are with, or take home something as a form of remembrance.

Fortunately, not all tourists are like that, so it is rare for travel bans to occur. Knowing that tourism helps boost the economy, local businesses hope to educate visitors so that the travel industry can continue.