Describe A Travel You Were Looking Forward To But Was Delayed: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where were you going?
Why was it important for you?
Why was it delayed?
What happened in the end?

42 unique answers with expert feedback

What other places have you traveled to that left a lasting impression on you?

I've traveled to several places, but one that stands out is Japan. The culture, food, and hospitality were incredible. I loved visiting Kyoto's temples and experiencing the cherry blossom season. It was a unique blend of tradition and modernity that really captivated me.

How do you usually plan your trips and what factors do you consider?

I usually start by researching the destination's culture, attractions, and best travel times. I consider factors like weather, local events, and accommodation options. I also look for activities that suit my interests, such as historical sites or outdoor adventures.

What advice would you give to someone planning their first international trip?

I would advise them to do thorough research on their destination, including visa requirements and local customs. It's also important to pack appropriately for the climate and to have a flexible itinerary. Lastly, keeping an open mind and being ready for unexpected experiences can make the trip memorable.

Band 7

00:00

సంపగ్సను పేటిక పేటికా పేటికంగు వారత్ పిటికు పేటిక సానువ మించం పేటిక పేటిక పేటిక పేటిక పేటిక పనుపటి నిష్పతే తో వెరిత� షేన్స్ ఘొన్ను వద్ద సంవత్సరం పేటికంగు పేటిక పేటిక పేజీదాన్ చార్గలు జూడి . One trip I was really looking forward to but unfortunately got delayed was a vacation to Japan. I had been planning to go to Tokyo and Kaito with a group of friends during the cherry blossom season which is usually around late March to early April. I was extremely excited about this trip because I have always been fascinated by Japanese culture, food and especially the scenery during spring. We had made detailed plans to visit temples, try local street food and even booked tickets to a sumo wrestling match. The idea of experiencing the cherry blossoms in full bloom was something I have been dreaming about for years. However, just a few weeks before our departure, a major earthquake struck Japan and while the areas we planned to visit went heavily affected, the transformation systems were disrupted and some tourist sites were closed temporarily due to safety concerns and the uncertainty we had to choose but the postponed our trip. I felt really disappointed at first because we had been planning it for months and it was something I had been saving up for but at the same time I understood that safety comes first. We eventually rescheduled the trip for the following year and when we finally went it was absolutely worth the wait.

Follow up questions

What specific activities were you most excited about in Japan?

I was particularly excited about visiting the historic temples, trying authentic street food, and attending a sumo wrestling match. The cherry blossoms were a huge draw as well, as I had always wanted to see them in person during the peak bloom.

How did you feel when you had to postpone your trip?

I felt really disappointed at first because we had invested so much time and effort into planning. However, I understood the importance of safety, especially after such a significant earthquake. It was a tough decision, but I knew it was the right one.

What was your experience like when you finally went on the trip?

When we finally went the following year, it was absolutely worth the wait. The cherry blossoms were breathtaking, and the experiences we had, from the food to the cultural sites, exceeded my expectations. It felt like a dream come true.

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently, I have planned a trip to Bangalore with my family for a three-day trip but unfortunately due to my university exam I was not able to go looking and I was more the Bangalore trip was most looking forward trip but later after university exam I have rescheduled the travel and last week I went to Bangalore with my family and that was so enthusiastic that it was for 3D trip and we were able to explore each aspects of Bangalore as we know it is a shopping paradise we were able to explore and indulge the shopping culture like commercial street, brigade road and chickpea. Additionally, we visited Nandi hills as the morning

Follow up questions

What activities did you enjoy the most during your trip to Bangalore?

During our trip to Bangalore, we particularly enjoyed shopping at Commercial Street and Brigade Road. The vibrant atmosphere and variety of shops were exhilarating. Additionally, visiting Nandi Hills was a highlight, as the sunrise view was breathtaking and made the early morning trek worthwhile.

How did you feel when your trip was delayed due to your exams?

I felt quite disappointed when my trip was delayed because I had been looking forward to it for a long time. Balancing university exams and personal plans can be challenging, but I understood the importance of my studies. Ultimately, rescheduling the trip made it even more special.

What are some other places you would like to visit in the future?

In the future, I would love to visit places like Goa for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, and Kerala for its beautiful backwaters. I also have a keen interest in exploring historical sites in Delhi and the cultural richness of Jaipur. Traveling to these places would be an exciting experience.

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Band 6-7

00:00

As many of you might have a group of friends whom you might have decided to go for a trip. In same way I also have few of my friends group whom we decided ok so this is the trip we have to go and we planned for Rajasthan. But as you might have guessed our trip had got cancelled at the last minute. The reason was that I could still remember the reason that one of my friend had decided not to go in the last minute because he had some of his girlfriend issues so that's why he had decided he was not allowed to come to the trip. Then what to do then we decided ok he has cancelled however he has cancelled the trip so we might have also might be also cancelled the trip. But after few days one of my friend again called me and told me that we have planned for the Rajasthan this time and it might be great if you could come. So not ignoring this opportunity I joined with them and I was so happy that I joined it was really a wonderful trip that we had planned and enjoyed it a lot. And I would definitely remember this for a whole lifetime about this trip and would definitely want to plan it once again to go there.

Follow up questions

What was the most memorable part of your trip to Rajasthan?

The most memorable part of the trip was visiting the beautiful forts and palaces, especially the Amer Fort. The architecture was stunning, and the views from the top were breathtaking. We also enjoyed the local cuisine, which was a delightful experience.

How did you feel when the trip was initially canceled?

I felt quite disappointed when the trip was canceled. I had been looking forward to exploring Rajasthan with my friends, and it was frustrating to hear that it wouldn't happen. However, I understood my friend's situation and was hopeful that we could reschedule.

Would you recommend Rajasthan as a travel destination? Why?

Absolutely! Rajasthan is rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. The vibrant markets, traditional music, and warm hospitality make it a unique experience. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure filled with history and beauty.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, me and my best friend once have decided to visit a beautiful place and a very famous tourist destination in our country which is placed at Kashmir and its name is Kullu Manali and it was our dream destination to visit once in our life because the beauty of the nature, the cooling temperature, all these things attract us very much. Not only us, I think it's a dream place of each and every person in India and the thing that we are struggling was the fund we can't manage because we are students now so we didn't have enough money to go there alone and we think that it will be possible in one day and we are what? The plan was came on when I was in Bangalore. I was so much exhausted by my work and I messaged, I texted my friend that I am coming back to Kerala, we can go anywhere to explore and my friend said that we can go to Kullu Manali but he thought that it will be, we have decided to go on after 4 to 3 months but in my mind I think that we can go in next month itself so on that time I had money.

Follow up questions

What specific activities were you looking forward to in Kullu Manali?

We were really excited about trekking in the mountains, enjoying the local cuisine, and visiting the beautiful landscapes. We also wanted to experience the local culture and maybe even try some adventure sports like paragliding.

How did you feel when your travel plans were delayed?

I felt quite disappointed at first because I was really looking forward to the trip. It was frustrating to have to wait, especially since I had already imagined all the fun we would have. However, I tried to stay positive and look for other opportunities to save money.

Have you been able to visit Kullu Manali since then?

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to visit Kullu Manali yet. However, I still plan to go there in the future. I am saving up and hoping that I can make the trip happen soon, as it remains a top priority on my travel list.

Show all 42 answers

Cue 1:Where were you going?

Begin by mentioning the destination you were excited to visit.
Include details about what attracted you to this place, such as its culture, scenery, or activities.

Example

I was looking forward to visiting Goa, a beautiful coastal state in India known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. I had planned this trip for months because I wanted to relax by the sea and experience the famous Goan culture.

Cue 2:Why was it important for you?

Explain the personal significance of this trip, such as a special occasion or a much-needed break.
Share your feelings about the anticipation and excitement leading up to the trip.

Example

This trip was particularly important for me because it was my first vacation after a long year of working hard at my job. I was feeling quite stressed, and I believed that a few days in Goa would help me recharge and enjoy some quality time with my friends.

Cue 3:Why was it delayed?

Describe the reason for the delay, whether it was due to external factors like weather or personal circumstances.
Make sure to convey your disappointment and how it affected your plans.

Example

Unfortunately, my trip was delayed because of unexpected heavy rains in Goa. The weather forecast predicted a storm, and my flight was canceled just a day before we were supposed to leave. I felt really disappointed as I had been looking forward to this getaway.

Cue 4:What happened in the end?

Discuss how you handled the situation and whether you were able to reschedule your trip.
Share any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.

Example

In the end, I managed to reschedule my trip for the following month. Although I was initially upset, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the weather was perfect during the new dates. I had an amazing time in Goa, and it was worth the wait!

Conclusion

Example

Overall, while the delay was frustrating, it taught me the importance of patience and flexibility in travel plans. Sometimes, things don’t go as expected, but they can still turn out wonderfully in the end.

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: Lack of Detail in Description

Candidates often provide vague answers without enough detail. This can make the response less engaging and informative, leading to a lower score.

Tip

Include specific details about the destination, your feelings, and the significance of the trip to make your answer more vivid and interesting.

2: Ignoring the Delay Reasons

Some candidates forget to explain why the trip was delayed, which is a key part of the cue card. Omitting this can leave the answer incomplete.

Tip

Clearly explain the reasons for the delay, whether it was due to weather, personal issues, or other factors, to provide a full picture.

Rushing Through the Conclusion

Many candidates rush their conclusion, failing to summarize what happened in the end. This can leave the listener unsatisfied.

Tip

Take a moment to reflect on the outcome of the trip and share any lessons learned or feelings about the experience to wrap up your answer effectively.

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