“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 2: Travel and Adventure
Story 01: Budget Travel and Backpacking
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Backpacking
- Shoestring
- Accommodations
- Hostels
- Street food
- Cost savings
- Planning and budgeting
- Like-minded individuals
- Off the beaten path
- Hidden gemss
Read or Listen to the following passage:
For those who love to travel but have a limited budget, backpacking can be an excellent option. Backpacking, also known as budget travel, is a way of exploring the world on a shoestring. It involves traveling with a light backpack, staying in inexpensive accommodations such as hostels, and often eating cheap street food.
Backpacking is not just for college students or gap year travelers; it is a great way for anyone to see the world without breaking the bank. There are several benefits to backpacking, including the opportunity to meet other travelers, the chance to see a country from a local’s perspective, and the freedom to travel at your own pace.
One of the main advantages of backpacking is the cost savings. With careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to travel for several months on a budget of a few thousand dollars. Staying in hostels or camping can save you a significant amount of money on accommodations, and eating street food or cooking your meals can be a more affordable option than dining in restaurants.
Another benefit of backpacking is the opportunity to meet other travelers from around the world. Hostels are a great place to meet people, and many backpackers form lasting friendships with fellow travelers. It’s also a great way to share travel tips and stories with like-minded individuals.
Backpacking also allows you to see a country from a local’s perspective. By staying in hostels or homestays, you can experience the local culture and get to know the people. Backpacking gives you the freedom to explore off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that many tourists miss.
In conclusion, backpacking is a fantastic way to travel and see the world on a budget. With careful planning and budgeting, you can travel for months at a time without breaking the bank. It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet other travelers, experience local culture, and discover hidden gems. So grab your backpack and set off on your next adventure!
Comprehension Questions:
- What is backpacking and how is it different from traditional tourism?
- What are some benefits of backpacking in terms of meeting other people?
- How can careful planning and budgeting help a traveler stretch their money while backpacking?
- Why is backpacking a good way to experience local culture and see a country from a local’s perspective?
- How can backpacking allow a traveler to explore off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that many tourists miss?
Conversations Starters:
- Have you ever been backpacking before? If so, what was your favorite memory from the trip?
- What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of staying in hostels while backpacking?
- How do you usually save money when traveling on a shoestring budget?
- Have you ever tried any unique street food while traveling? What was it like?
- What are some tips for effective planning and budgeting when preparing for a backpacking trip?
- How do you meet like-minded individuals while traveling? Have you ever formed any lasting friendships while on a trip?
- What are some off the beaten path destinations that you have visited? How did you discover them?
- Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden gem while traveling? What was it and how did you find it?
- What are some of the biggest cost savings that you have achieved while traveling?
- How has backpacking or budget travel changed your perspective on the world?
