Travel Broadens the Mind

1.
a. How is the title related to the pictures? In which continent is each place in
the pictures? What do you know about these places? Have you ever visited them?
Which would you like to visit? Why?
b. Which of the following do you think you can do in each place? You can
add your own ideas.
visit galleries/museums/ancient castles/historical sites
see animals in their natural environment
go scuba diving/snorkelling/hiking/kayaking/ white-water rafting
walk along white sandy beaches
try delicious local cuisine
see spectacular falls
take leisurely strolls
buy handmade souvenirs
see people in traditional dress
admire interesting architecture
 In Russia you can visit galleries, museums, ancient castles and historical
sites. You can also...
2.
a. Listen and match the people to the type of holiday. Which of the places in
the pictures is each person going to?

Carl adventure holiday

Sonya cultural holiday
Rick package holiday
Moira island holiday

b. Listen again and write down what each person is going to do, then make
up sentences, as in the example.
Carl is going on a cultural tour of Russia. He is going to visit the Hermitage
Museum.
c. Where do you like spending your holidays: by the sea? on an island? Why?
Which country would you most like to visit? Why?

3.
a. Look at the subheadings of the article. In which country are these places
situated? What information do you expect to read?
b. Ask questions about the hotels, using the key words: situated? shops?
countryside? sea? modern? room service? activities? facilities?
c. Read the article and answer the questions. Write A, B, C or D.
Which place(s):
is not a hotel?
are perfect for a luxury break?
offers the chance to visit a famous person's home?
is situated on a hill?
are not far from shops?
offers the chance to eat outdoors?
is suitable for fitness fanatics?
is near the sea?
is not in the countryside?
was built more than 100 years ago?
d. Read the article again and explain the words in bold. Then, give a
synonym for the highlighted words. Can you find any words in the text similar
to your language?
e. Which place would you like to stay at? Why?

Getting away from it all

A Radisson SAS Portman Hotel, London
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, a break at the Radisson SAS
Portman Hotel will be right up your street. This deluxe four-star hotel is just a
minute's walk away from Marble Arch and a stone's throw from the stylish
boutiques of Oxford Street. After spending a day shopping and sightseeing in
London's trendiest area, you can relax in your room, watch cable TV and enjoy
something from the extensive room service menu. At this hotel, you will also be
in the ideal place to visit the many sights of London such as Buckingham Palace
and the Houses of Parliament. You must also be sure to allow yourself the time
to enjoy the leisure facilities of the hotel itself. The hotel has a fully equipped
gym and two fantastic restaurants where you can sample gourmet cuisine.
B Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland
For a touch of medieval magic why not take the time to visit Langley Castle
Hotel. Set in its own ten-acre woodland this fabulous castle hotel dates back to
1350. All guest rooms have got private facilities and are luxurious. Some have
special features such as four-poster beds, stained glass windows and window
seats. The hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hadrian's Wall and the
Northumberland countryside, as well as the Scottish Borders and the Lake
District. At night, relax in the hotel lounge in front of the roaring log fire or
dine in style in the award-winning restaurant. During your stay, you can go hot-
air ballooning or try your hand at archery. You can even have a picnic
especially prepared for you by the hotel's chefs. However you choose to spend
your time, you will never forget your stay.
C The Metropole Hotel, Cornwall
This Victorian Hotel, situated in one of the most scenic areas of the British
Isles, stands on a hilltop with an amazing view out over Padstow Harbour. Walk
along the waterfront or one of the area's many unspoiled beaches. Try some
fabulous seafood - the local speciality. Wander through Padstow's narrow streets
and buy some handmade souvenirs from one of the many colourful shops. This
is an area with a fascinating history. Take a short trip to Tintagel where you can
visit the ruins, claimed to be those of the legendary King Arthur's castle. You
can end the day with a swim in the hotel's heated outdoor pool. The Metropole
Hotel is ideal for those who want to experience the mystery of Cornwall.
D Old Oxenhope Hall Cottage, West Yorkshire
Fans of English Literature should not miss the opportunity to spend a few
days at Old Oxenhope Hall Cottage. This attractive 17th century building is just
five minutes from the village of Haworth, where the famous Bronte sisters lived.
Their house, Haworth Parsonage, is open to the public and is well worth a
visit. The moors, where they would wander for hours, are perfect for those who
enjoy walking. The cottage itself is fully self-contained and has been restored
to a high standard of comfort. It is furnished with all the modern conveniences,
and will certainly appeal to history lovers and aspiring writers alike.

4. Read the article again, choose one hotel and make notes under the
headings below. Then, use your notes to talk about it.
name location description facilities things to see/do

5. What type of holiday suits you best? Do the quiz to find out.

HOLIDAY QUIZ
1. How do you feel when you go shopping or sightseeing during your
holiday?
A trapped
B hot and bothered
 C excited
D bored
2. You're trying to enjoy your holiday but the weather is terrible. What do
you do?
A Get out into the countryside.
B Stay in and get warm with a cup of tea.
C Take your umbrella and do some window shopping.
D Pack up and go home.
3. You're staying in an old family friend's house for your summer holiday.
How do you thank them?
A Invite them on an adventure weekend.
B Invite them to your house for a long weekend.
C Invite them for a weekend out on the town.
D Invite them to a health spa.
4. A friend suggests a trip to a country you've never visited before. What do
you ask him about first?
A the national parks
B the beaches
C the nightlife
D the best restaurants
5. What's your ideal spring break?
A Walking over the rugged Yorkshire moors.
B Wandering along the beach in Tahiti.
C A stopover in New York city.
D A luxurious Mediterranean cruise.

Now check your answers

Mostly A)'s, you enjoy adventure and wide open spaces. You would be
happiest out hiking in rocky mountains, canoeing across deep blue lakes or
camping under the stars in the middle of a green forest.
Mostly B)'s, you enjoy gentler pastimes. You would be happiest somewhere
where you can relax. A secluded mountain resort or a sandy, palm-fringed
beach where you need do nothing but lie backhand relax is the perfect spot for
you.
Mostly C)'s, you want to be with people. You would be happiest in a
bustling city centre where you can fill your days shopping in elegant boutiques
and your evenings sampling the non-stop nightlife of the area's trendiest hot
spots.
Mostly D)'s, you appreciate comfort and luxury. Glamorous resorts,
upscale hotels and first-class cruises were created with you in mind. Your
holidays are the time when you want to experience all the finer things in life.
 Hotels

In the United States, hotels and motels are similar. The main difference
between them is the type of building and location. Motels were originally built
along highways in the United States to serve long-distance travellers. They are
often only one or two stories high and are long narrow buildings where you can
park your car right in front of the room you are staying in. They are usually
found outside of the centre of town.

Hotels and motels are not required to post rates, so it is a good idea to ask
when you check in (arrive and register). In a typical room you will find: Two
single or double beds (you can usually request what you want), a telephone and
telephone directory, a private bathroom with towels and soap, a television,
individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, a closet for your clothes and
luggage, a Bible, writing supplies (paper, envelopes, and postcards), electrical
outlets, drinkable tap water, glasses, and usually a container for ice (an ice
bucket; the ice can be obtained from machines located in various places
throughout the building). In addition, many hotels provide a directory of the
services provided, such as room service (you telephone an order for food to be
delivered to your room) and overnight laundry service. Most hotels have smoking
and non-smoking rooms or floors. Most Americans now feel strongly that you
should not smoke in a non-smoking area.
Breakfast is not usually included in the room rate. Most hotels and motels
have their own restaurant and/or coffee shop where you can obtain meals, but
you must pay separately. This is also true of room service. In both cases, you
may charge everything to your room number and pay for it when you leave.
Room service is more expensive than eating in the hotel coffee shop or
restaurant.
You should also be aware of two additional hotel/motel expenses. The cost
for using the telephone in your room is very high. It is much cheaper to use a
pay phone. Motels do not have people to help you with your luggage, but hotels
do. They are called "bell-hops" (bellboy) and they expect a tip. One dollar for
each bag is acceptable.
Less expensive places are youth hostels and YMCA/YWCA's (Young
Men's/Women's Christian Association). You do not need to be a "youth" to stay
in a youth hostel; all you need is a pass, which you can obtain in your own
country or at a hostel in the United States. Hostels provide simple dormitory
sleeping arrangements with a community kitchen. You can obtain information in
the Hostel Guide and Handbook published annually by American Youth Hostels.
Write to 20 West 17th Street, New York, New York 10011. Most YWCA and
YMCA's have overnight accommodations, and they are usually centrally located
in large cities. Their rates are about half those of hotels, and both members and
non-members are welcome. They are referred to infor mally as "the Y," and
usually, have a swimming pool and gymnasium facilities.

In recent years, another kind of hotel is becoming popular. It is called a "bed

and breakfast," and it is similar to the European pension. The building is actually
a private home that has been converted to a small hotel for overnight visitors.
Staying in a bed and breakfast house will bring you in close contact with local
people.

1. Listen to the phone conversation. A woman is booking a room at a hotel.

Imagine you are the receptionist. Fill in the registration form as you listen.

2. Listen again and complete the sentences.

a)____________________how much that'll cost?
b)____________________your name, please?
c) ____________________to leave my car with you?
d)_____________________ reserve you a place for eight days.
e)_____________________the number and make of your car, please?
f) ____________________book me another room at the same time, could you?
g)____________________now.