Travelling Plans
Where will you go?
[lesson plan]
Getting Started
Pair work:  Read the texts aloud to a partner. Try your best not to look at the text as you speak.

A.  I went to the travel agency to make plans for a trip, but I can't decide where to go. I need to make a decision soon so they can book my flight. On the one hand, I could go to Alaska to a lakeside cabin. The air is clean and the water pure. I could get close to nature and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the city. I could catch up on some serious reading. On the other hand, a trip to Orlando Florida sounds good too. I could lay on the beaches and visit all the theme parks like Disney World, and Universal Studios. There are also water parks, and amusement parks with lots of rides and roller coasters. That would be fun and exciting. I am of two minds on the matter.

B.  I decided not to use a travel agency. I want to travel on my own. I made flight reservations for a trip to Europe. I will depart on the 14th of this month and return on the 28th. I'm so excited. I will visit France, Spain, Italy, and Greece. It will be a wonderful chance to explore different cultures. After booking my flight, I had trouble booking reservations at the hotels. I'm travelling during peak season, so most of the hotels are full. I will not be in hotels the whole time. I will also stay at a couple of bed-and-breakfasts and I will do a home-stay with a family in Greece for five days. They'll take care of my meals--authentic food. That should get me really close to the culture.
Comprehension Questions
  1. Who did person-A call and why?
  2. Where would they like to stay in Alsaska?
  3. What do they like about Alaska?
  4. What is their second choice?
  5. What places sound exciting about their second choice?
  6. Why did person-B not use a travel agency?
  7. When are they traveling? (season)
  8. What kinds of places will they stay at besides hotels?
Discussion
  1. Talk about whether you would prefer an Alaskan nature trip, an Orlando trip, or the European trip mentioned above. Explain.
  2. You will go on a 6 day trip. Should you book a single hotel, or split the days between two hotels in order to take advantage of the different styles and amenities each hotel offers? Explain.
  3. What is better, to book a really cheap flight with lots of transfers and long layovers, or spend the extra bucks to get a more direct flight? Explain.
  4. Do you prefer travelling with a tour group, or on your own with friends and family? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  5. Take a few minutes and make plans for your next travel trip. Lay out your itinerary to your partner.