Describe An Unusual Holiday You Had: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What holiday was it?
Who were you with?
What did you do?
Explain why it was unusual

30 unique answers with expert feedback

What did you learn from this spontaneous trip?

I learned that unplanned experiences can lead to some of the most memorable moments. It taught me to appreciate simplicity and the joy of exploring without a strict agenda.

How did your family feel about the unplanned nature of the trip?

Initially, there was some uncertainty, but as the day progressed, everyone embraced the spontaneity. It brought us closer together and made the experience more enjoyable.

Would you prefer more spontaneous holidays in the future?

Absolutely! This trip opened my eyes to the beauty of spontaneity. I would love to have more holidays where we can explore freely and enjoy the moment without a set plan.

Band 7

00:00

One of the most unusual holidays I ever had was a trip to a remote village in the Western Ghats. It wasn't a typical vacation spot with resorts or tourist attractions, but my friend invited me to her ancestral home and I thought, why not try something different. We travelled by train and then took a jeep through narrow, bumpy forest roads. There was no internet, very limited electricity and honestly, I was a bit nervous at first, but surprisingly, it turned out to be one of the most refreshing holidays I have ever had. We helped with farming, ate food cooked on firewood stoves and went for long walks surrounded by nothing but nature. The silence was calming and the night sky was full of stars, something that I rarely see back home. It was unusual because I had zero expectations, but ended up gaining so much peace, perspective and appreciation for a slower lifestyle. I still think about that trip when I need a mental break. So whenever I feel I am facing a difficult situation, I will think about this trip and I will think to myself that if I have overcome this trip, then I can overcome anything.

Follow up questions

What did you learn about yourself during this unusual holiday?

I learned that I can adapt to new environments and situations. The trip taught me to embrace uncertainty and find joy in simplicity. It helped me realize that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life.

How did this holiday compare to your typical vacations?

This holiday was vastly different from my usual vacations, which often involve sightseeing and busy itineraries. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, I experienced a slower pace of life, which allowed me to connect more deeply with nature and myself.

Would you recommend this type of holiday to others?

Absolutely! I think everyone should try an unusual holiday at least once. It can provide a fresh perspective and help people disconnect from their hectic lives. Experiencing nature and a simpler lifestyle can be incredibly rejuvenating and fulfilling.

Band 7

00:00

One unusual holiday I had was a trip to a remote village in the mountains about two years ago. It wasn't a typical tourist spot and we hadn't planned it in advance. A friend of mine invited me to his hometown during a festival and I thought it would be a unique experience. We went by train and then took a long bus ride into the hill. The village was small, peaceful and surrounded by nature. There were no big hotels or restaurants, just simple houses and local food. I stayed with his family who were very welcoming and kind. What made the holiday unusual was how different it was from my normal trips. There was no internet, no mobile signal and no modern entertainment. We spent the time helping with farming activities, joining in the local festival celebrations and even learning traditional dance steps. It was a completely new way of living and I actually enjoyed the simplicity. It was unusual because I expected to be bored but instead I felt refreshed and connected to nature and people in a different way. The trip taught me that sometimes the best experiences come when you step out of your comfort zone. Hence, I really enjoyed that moment with my friend and it was the first and last experience in my life. That's it.

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy the most during your stay in the village?

I really enjoyed helping with the farming activities and participating in the local festival. Learning the traditional dance was also a highlight, as it allowed me to connect with the culture and the people in a fun way.

How did the lack of modern technology affect your holiday experience?

The absence of internet and mobile signals made me feel more present and engaged with my surroundings. It allowed me to focus on the people and the environment, leading to a deeper appreciation for the simplicity of life in the village.

Would you consider taking a similar holiday in the future?

Absolutely! This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of simplicity and nature. I would love to explore more remote places and immerse myself in different cultures, as it can be incredibly refreshing and fulfilling.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travelers

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Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit

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Describe a tourist attraction that very few people visit but you think is interesting

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Describe A Quiet Place You Like To Go

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Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would like to recommend to visitors/travellers

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Describe a place you have been to and would like to recommend others to live there (not your hometown)

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Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g. a forest, oasis)

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Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

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Describe a place you went to and an outdoor activity you did there

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Describe A Place Where You Are Able To Relax

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Describe a garden you remember visiting.

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Describe a popular place for sports (e.g. a stadium) that you've been to

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Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country.

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Describe A Natural Place (E.G., Parks, Mountains)

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Describe Someone You Know Who Has Recently Moved To A New Place

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Band 6-7

00:00

I went to holiday suddenly on 15th April. It was a unnatural holiday given by my father because I just started my vacation. So he just surprised us, my whole family with unnatural holiday on Singapore trip. We really really really enjoyed it because we experienced something really new. I never been to abroad and he suddenly took us to travel abroad in Singapore. The experience was so good, the beaches, the environment, the peoples were so kind and polite and the environment and the atmosphere was so cool and fresh, not dusty. And about the hotel, we stayed in Singapore hotel which was really really good because they really treat us with so much love and care and they gives really good services and my whole Singapore trip was really memorable for me. I was really grateful for it. I'm still grateful for it and yeah I'm looking ahead for more international trips and abroad traveling.

Follow up questions

What was the most memorable experience during your trip to Singapore?

The most memorable experience was visiting the beautiful beaches and enjoying the fresh atmosphere. I was amazed by the kindness of the people and the vibrant culture. It was a completely new experience for me, and I loved every moment of it.

How did your family react to the surprise holiday?

My family was incredibly excited and surprised! We couldn't believe that my father had planned such a wonderful trip for us. It brought us closer together as we shared this unexpected adventure and created lasting memories.

What are some activities you did while in Singapore?

We explored various attractions, enjoyed local cuisine, and relaxed on the beaches. We also visited cultural sites and experienced the vibrant nightlife. Every activity was unique and contributed to the overall enjoyment of our holiday.

Band 6-7

00:00

The unusual holiday which I had with my family was a trip to Karnataka which was unplanned to explore the scenic beauty of the city Ooty which is located on the hill station. The city experienced a temperature of minus 2 degrees celsius when we were on the vacation. Moreover the city was surrounded by beautiful gardens with a great dense forest named Pandipura forest. While we were back to home after visiting the Ooty, we thought of going to Mysore to witness the palace with great Mughal architecture and unexpectedly we witnessed the famous Durga temple where we can feel stress-free by the vibes all over the temple surroundings. Then we witnessed the Lepakshi temple where we can see the evidence of existence of Lord Rama and Sita. Furthermore the building, the temple was built on the single floating pillar which was a mesmerizing experience we had through.

Follow up questions

What made the trip to Ooty feel unusual for you?

The trip felt unusual because it was unplanned, and we experienced such low temperatures, which was unexpected for a family holiday. The scenic beauty and the unique experiences, like visiting the floating pillar at Lepakshi temple, added to the unusual nature of the trip.

How did the weather affect your holiday experience?

The minus 2 degrees Celsius temperature made the holiday unique and challenging. It was cold, but it also allowed us to enjoy the beauty of Ooty in a different way, as we were bundled up and could appreciate the warmth of the local culture and hospitality.

What was your favorite part of the trip and why?

My favorite part was visiting the Lepakshi temple. The floating pillar was fascinating, and it felt surreal to be in a place with such rich history and spirituality. The vibes around the temple were calming, making it a memorable experience.

Show all 30 answers

Cue 1:What holiday was it?

Begin by naming the holiday and providing some context about when it took place.
Mention any specific location or event that made this holiday memorable.

Example

The unusual holiday I want to talk about is my trip to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat during the Rann Utsav. It was in January last year, and I had always wanted to experience this unique festival.

Cue 2:Who were you with?

Describe the people you traveled with and your relationship to them.
Explain why you chose to go with these particular individuals.

Example

I went with my family, including my parents and my younger sister. We decided to go together because we all love exploring new cultures and wanted to create lasting memories as a family.

Cue 3:What did you do?

Outline the activities you participated in during the holiday.
Highlight any special experiences or events that stood out.

Example

During the Rann Utsav, we enjoyed traditional music and dance performances, tried local cuisine, and even went on a camel safari under the full moon. The vibrant colors and the festive atmosphere were truly captivating.

Cue 4:Explain why it was unusual

Discuss what made this holiday different from your usual vacations.
Mention any unique experiences or cultural aspects that were particularly striking.

Example

This holiday was unusual because it was my first time visiting a salt desert and experiencing a festival that celebrates local culture so vibrantly. The vast white landscape of the Rann was unlike anything I had seen before, and the warmth of the local people made it even more special.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, my trip to the Rann of Kutch was not just a holiday; it was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to connect with my roots and appreciate the rich culture of India. It’s a memory I will cherish forever.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It may leave the examiner confused about the details of your unusual holiday.

Tip

Provide specific details about the holiday, such as the location, activities, and unique experiences to create a vivid picture.

2: Don't Rush Your Answer

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear communication and missed opportunities to elaborate on your experiences. It may also affect your fluency score.

Tip

Take your time to think and speak clearly. Use pauses to gather your thoughts and ensure your answer is well-structured.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Failing to express your feelings about the holiday can make your response less personal and relatable. It may not fully convey why the holiday was unusual for you.

Tip

Include your emotions and thoughts about the holiday. Explain how it impacted you personally to make your answer more engaging.

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