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 embrace spontaneity and appreciate the simple joys of life, like spending quality time with family and enjoying the beauty of a serene environment.

How does this holiday compare to your usual holidays?

This holiday was vastly different from my usual ones, which are often packed with activities and sightseeing. Instead of rushing from one place to another, this trip allowed us to relax and truly connect with each other and our surroundings, making it feel more meaningful.

Would you consider taking more spontaneous trips in the future?

Absolutely! This experience opened my eyes to the joys of spontaneity. I would love to explore more places without a strict plan, as it allows for unexpected adventures and deeper connections with both family and the places we visit.

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 was the most memorable experience during your unusual holiday?

The most memorable experience was definitely the long walks in nature. I felt so connected to the environment, and the tranquility was unlike anything I had experienced before. Watching the sunset and stargazing at night was breathtaking, and it made me appreciate the beauty of simplicity.

How did this holiday change your perspective on travel?

This holiday taught me that travel doesn't always have to be about luxury or popular destinations. Sometimes, the most enriching experiences come from immersing yourself in a different lifestyle and connecting with nature. It made me value simplicity and the importance of taking a break from the hustle of daily life.

Would you recommend this type of holiday to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend this type of holiday to anyone looking for a break from their busy lives. It offers a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and oneself. It's a refreshing experience that can provide new perspectives and a sense of peace that is hard to find in urban settings.

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 holiday?

I really enjoyed helping with the farming activities and participating in the local festival. It was fascinating to learn about their traditions and customs. The traditional dance was also a highlight, as it allowed me to connect with the locals and experience their culture firsthand.

How did the lack of modern amenities affect your experience?

The absence of internet and mobile signals made me feel more present and engaged with my surroundings. It allowed me to disconnect from my usual distractions and truly immerse myself in the village life. I found it refreshing to focus on simple pleasures and connect with people face-to-face.

Would you consider going on a similar holiday again in the future?

Absolutely! This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of simplicity and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. I would love to explore more remote places and learn about different cultures, as it enriches my perspective on life.

Practice other cue cards

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

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Describe A Long Car Journey You Went On

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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 Tourist Attraction You Enjoyed Visiting

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Describe a city you have been to and want to visit again.

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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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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 interacting with the friendly locals. The atmosphere was so refreshing, and I loved exploring the unique culture and trying local foods. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

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. It brought us closer together as we shared this unexpected adventure, and we all appreciated the time spent together in a new place.

What are some places you would like to visit on your next international trip?

I would love to visit countries like Japan for its rich culture, Italy for its history and food, and Australia for its natural beauty. Each of these places offers unique experiences that I am eager to explore and learn more about.

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 so memorable for you?

The trip to Ooty was memorable due to its breathtaking scenery, the unique experience of being in such cold weather, and the beautiful gardens. The serene environment and the dense Pandipura forest added to the charm, making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

How did you feel about visiting the Mysore Palace?

Visiting the Mysore Palace was awe-inspiring. The Mughal architecture left us in admiration, and the grandeur of the palace was captivating. It felt like stepping back in time, and the rich history associated with the palace made the visit even more special.

What was your experience at the Lepakshi temple like?

The experience at the Lepakshi temple was fascinating. Seeing the floating pillar was surreal, and it made me appreciate the architectural brilliance of ancient builders. The temple's spiritual ambiance and the stories associated with Lord Rama and Sita added a deeper meaning to our visit.

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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