4 Travel

A Traf c problems

Preparation task
Match the de nitions (a–k) with the vocabulary (1–11).

Vocabulary De nitions
1. congestion a. tted with a metal device on the wheel to
2. a tailback prevent it from moving
3. head-on collision b. two vehicles hitting each other directly in
4. skidded the front
5. a toll c. a charge you have to pay to use the road
6. a pile-up d. area where your car may be taken away if
7. road rage you park illegally
8. a tow-away zone e. anger or violence between drivers because
9. disruption of dif cult driving conditions
10. diverted f. when a system, process or event is
11. clamped prevented from continuing as usual or as
expected
g. crash between several or many cars
h. directed away from the road
i. lost control of the steering so that the car
slid across the road
j. situation in which there is a lot of traf c that
can’t move
k. line of slow or stopped traf c

• There was a long tailback on the motorway due to an accident involving a lorry.

• A head-on collision between two cars caused the road to be closed for several hours.

• Drivers have to pay a toll to cross the new bridge.

• Incidents of road rage have increased, with drivers becoming more aggressive in heavy
traf c.

• The car skidded on the wet road and almost hit a lamppost.

• There was a massive pile-up on the motorway involving multiple cars and lorries.

• Her car was towed away because she had parked in a tow-away zone.

• The roadworks caused signi cant disruption to the traf c ow in the town centre.

• The illegally parked car was clamped, and the owner had to pay a ne to have it
released.

• Traf c was diverted through residential streets due to the road closure.

• Traf c congestion in the city centre was so bad that it took an hour to travel just a couple
of miles.
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 4 Travel

B Booking travel and holidays

Preparation task
Match the de nitions (a–i) with the vocabulary (1–9).

Vocabulary De nitions
1. travel itinerary a. a detailed schedule of a trip, including
2. a stopover dates, destinations and activities
3. to get away from it all b. one you will always remember
4. holiday of a life time c. a short stay somewhere between two parts
5. a berth of a journey
6. embarkation point d. go where you want when you want
7. nancial repercussions e. the place where you start your journey on
8. come and go as you please a ship or plane
9. cancellation waiver f. a place to sleep on a ship or train, or in
a caravan
g. to escape your daily life and routine
h. a provision that allows for cancellations
without penalty under certain conditions
i. nancial consequences or costs

Embarking on the holiday of a lifetime requires crafting a meticulous travel itinerary to

ensure each stopover is well-planned. Sometimes, one simply desires to get away from
it all and enjoy the liberty to come and go as one pleases. Securing a berth on a train
or ship adds a touch of comfort to the journey, especially from the embarkation point
where the adventure begins. A cancellation waiver offers invaluable peace of mind by
allowing you to alter plans without nancial repercussions. With these elements in
place, one can look forward to a truly memorable and stress-free holiday.
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 4 Travel

C Accommodation when travelling

Preparation task
Match the de nitions (a–h) with the vocabulary (1–8).

Vocabulary De nitions
1. villa a. a building that provides cheap
2. hostel accommodation and sometimes meals to
3. bed and breakfast (B & B / B and B) students, workers or travellers
4. cottage b. a small lodging establishment that offers
5. guesthouse overnight accommodation and breakfast
6. motel c. go where you want when you want
7. self-catering d. a small, relatively cheap hotel
8. penthouse suit e. a small house, typically in a rural or semi-
rural location, available for holiday rental
f. an expensive set of rooms at the top of a
hotel or tall building
g. a luxurious and spacious private house
available for rent, often located in a resort
area
h. a hotel for people who are travelling by car,
with space for parking cars near the rooms

For their summer holiday, the family chose a variety of accommodations to experience
different living arrangements. They began with a cosy bed and breakfast (B&B) in the
countryside, where they enjoyed personalised service and a homemade breakfast each
morning. Next, they stayed in a budget-friendly hostel in the city, which provided
affordable lodging and the chance to meet other travellers.

In search of a peaceful retreat, they moved to a quaint cottage in a rural village. For a
different experience, they booked a guesthouse by the coast, which offered the comfort
of a small hotel. Seeking luxury, they opted for a penthouse suite in a bustling city,
enjoying the stunning views from the top oor.

During their road trip, they found motels particularly convenient, with parking available
right outside their rooms. To indulge further, they rented a spacious villa in a picturesque
resort area. Finally, they selected a self-catering at, which allowed them to prepare their
own meals and enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace.
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 4 Travel

Exercises

A Complete the sentences using the vocabulary provided in A:

1. The early morning fog was so thick that it caused a __________ between two cars on the
country road.
2. Parking in a __________ outside the theatre cost her dearly when she returned to nd her car
gone.
3. Every time he drove to work, he had to pay __________ to use the new expressway.
4. She __________ on the icy pavement and ended up in a ditch, thankfully unhurt.
5. Due to the parade, all traf c was __________ through narrow side streets, which caused
delays.
6. There was a __________ stretching for miles on the M25 due to a pile up involving multiple
vehicles.
7. The sudden blizzard led to a massive __________ on the motorway, involving over twenty cars.
8. The unexpected roadworks caused major __________ during the morning commute and
frustrated many drivers.
9. His __________ got the better of him and led to a heated argument with another driver at the
traf c lights.
10.During the festival, traf c __________ in the city centre made it nearly impossible to move for
hours.
11. After parking illegally outside the stadium, he found his car __________ and had to pay a hefty
ne.

B Complete the sentences using the vocabulary provided in B:

1. On their island holiday, they loved the freedom to __________, exploring beaches and markets
at their own pace.
2. Creating a __________ can help ensure your trip goes smoothly from start to nish.
3. During their ight to Australia, they had a pleasant __________ in Singapore to explore the city.
4. He was thrilled to nd a comfortable __________ on the overnight train to Scotland.
5. Everyone was excited as they arrived at the __________, ready to board the luxurious cruise
ship.
6. With a __________ in place, they could change their travel dates without worrying about losing
money.
7. After a hectic year, she decided to __________ in a quiet mountain cabin.
8. Their trip to the Maldives was truly a __________, lled with unforgettable experiences and
luxury.
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 4 Travel

C Complete the sentences using the vocabulary provided in C:

1. For their anniversary, they treated themselves to a luxurious __________ with stunning views
over the city.
2. While travelling on a budget, they found a charming __________ that offered a comfortable
night's sleep.
3. Backpackers often choose a __________ for its affordability and social atmosphere.
4. They booked a luxurious __________ for their honeymoon and enjoyed the privacy and
beautiful surroundings.
5. The gentleman stayed in a __________ during his trip and appreciated the convenience of
parking next to his room.
6. Their weekend getaway included a stay at a quaint __________ where they enjoyed a delicious
full English breakfast.
7. The family rented a __________ in the Lake District for a cosy holiday away from the city.
8. They opted for a __________ at in London which allowed them to prepare their own meals
during their stay.

D What do you think the underlined expressions mean? Write their meaning in your own
words. Use a dictionary if you can't work out the meaning from the context.

1. There were three separate accidents in the city centre during the rush hour and soon there was
total gridlock.
2. It took about two hours to clear.
3. The police car made me pull over and they checked my lights.
4. I had a minor bump yesterday. It wasn't serious, but one of my lights got smashed.
5. My car conked out on the motorway and I had to ring for assistance. It cost me £100.
6. He's a bit of a back-seat driver, so don't be surprised if he criticises your driving.

Link to Collins dictionary: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/

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 4 Travel

Answer key (preparation exercises)

A 1. j 5. c 9. f
2. k 6. g 10.h
3. b 7. e 11. a
4. i 8. d

B 1. a 4. b 7. i
2. c 5. f 8. d
3. g 6. e 9. h

C 1. g 4. e 7. c
2. a 5. d 8. f
3. b 6. h

Answer key (practice exercises)

A 1. head-on collision 5. diverted 9. road rage

2. tow-away zone 6. tailback 10. congestion
3. a toll 7. pile-up 11. clamped
4. skidded 8. disruption

B 1. come and go as you 3. stopover 6. cancellation waiver

please 4. berth 7. get away from it all
2. travel itinerary 5. embarkation point 8. holiday of a lifetime

C 1. penthouse suite 4. villa 7. cottage

2. guesthouse 5. motel 8. self-catering
3. hostel 6. bed and breakfast

D Suggested answers:
1. All the traf c in all directions was unable to move.
2. The police car made me stop at the side of the road.
3. I had a small accident where I hit something or another car, but without serious damage. (Bump
is an informal alternative to collision.)
4. My car broke down. (conk out is very informal.)
5. He's an irritating person who sits in the passenger seat and thinks he can tell the driver how to
drive.
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