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 destinations are on your travel wishlist?

I have always wanted to visit Japan for its rich culture and history. Exploring the cherry blossoms in spring and experiencing traditional tea ceremonies are high on my list. Additionally, I'd love to see the Northern Lights in Iceland and enjoy the beautiful landscapes there.

How do you usually prepare for a trip?

I usually start by researching the destination to understand its culture, attractions, and local cuisine. I also create a packing list based on the weather and activities planned. Booking accommodations and planning an itinerary helps ensure I make the most of my time there.

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

The most memorable part was visiting the Burj Khalifa and seeing the stunning view from the top. It was breathtaking to see the entire city from such a height. Additionally, experiencing the local cuisine and shopping at the traditional markets added to the excitement of the trip.

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 major highlight, and I had planned to take many photos to capture the beauty of the season.

How did you feel when you learned about the earthquake?

I felt a mix of disappointment and concern. It was heartbreaking to see our plans disrupted, but I also understood the importance of safety. It made me realize how unpredictable travel can be and that sometimes, we have to prioritize our well-being over our plans.

What did you do during the delay before rescheduling your trip?

During the delay, I focused on researching more about Japan and its culture. I also spent time planning a more detailed itinerary for when we eventually went. It helped me stay excited about the trip and made the eventual experience even more rewarding.

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 was the most memorable experience during your trip to Bangalore?

The most memorable experience was visiting Nandi Hills early in the morning. The sunrise was breathtaking, and the view from the top was stunning. It was a perfect way to start our day, and the fresh air and tranquility made it even more special.

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. However, I understood the importance of my exams, and I tried to stay positive, knowing that I could reschedule and still enjoy the trip later.

What places did you enjoy shopping at in Bangalore?

In Bangalore, I particularly enjoyed shopping at Commercial Street and Brigade Road. Both places are vibrant and full of shops offering a variety of items, from clothing to accessories. The atmosphere was lively, and I loved exploring the local culture through shopping.

Practice other cue cards

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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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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 my trip to Rajasthan was visiting the beautiful forts and palaces. The architecture was stunning, and I loved learning about the history behind each site. Additionally, the local cuisine was delicious, and trying the traditional dishes was an experience I will never forget.

How did you feel when the trip was initially canceled?

I felt quite disappointed when the trip was initially canceled. I had been looking forward to exploring Rajasthan with my friends, and it was frustrating to have to change our plans. However, I understood my friend's situation and was hopeful that we could reschedule the trip.

Would you recommend Rajasthan as a travel destination to others?

Absolutely! I would highly recommend Rajasthan as a travel destination. It offers a rich cultural experience, stunning landscapes, and vibrant traditions. The hospitality of the locals and the variety of activities available make it a perfect place for travelers seeking adventure and history.

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 doing in Kullu Manali?

We were really excited about trekking in the beautiful mountains, enjoying the local cuisine, and experiencing the culture. We also wanted to visit the famous Solang Valley for adventure sports like paragliding and skiing, which we had heard so much about.

How did you feel when you realized your travel plans were delayed?

I felt quite disappointed at first because I had been looking forward to this trip for so long. 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 planned to save more money for an even better experience.

Have you managed to visit Kullu Manali since the delay?

Yes, fortunately, we were able to visit Kullu Manali a few months later. We saved enough money and planned our trip carefully. It turned out to be an amazing experience, and it was even more beautiful than we had imagined. The delay made us appreciate the trip even more.

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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