Best IELTS Vocabulary: Tourism and Travel

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Tourism Vocabulary IELTS

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Tourism Vocabulary IELTS: Tourism Vocabulary IELTS is created with the objective of assessing the candidate’s knowledge of words related to tourism, their meaning and their uses in sentences. If you are planning to score a higher band on the IELTS test, you must have a strong hold over IELTS Vocabulary. To improve your vocabulary skills you need to work on improving your fluency.

The IELTS Vocabulary consists of words related to various topics. Some of these are Climate Change, Social Media, Entertainment, Population, Animals, Health, Environment, Education, etc. The IELTS Vocabulary words include a total of 100+families, which are divided into travel topics. Read this article to know more about the Tourism Vocabulary IELTS.

Tourism Vocabulary IELTS

The IELTS Vocabulary is one of the most scoring sections of the IELTS test. Candidates preparing for their IELTS test must practice efficiently to score a higher band on the test. The best way to improve your tourism vocabulary in IELTS is to practice all the words related to tourism and their meaning. The table below highlights some of the most popular and frequently used words related to tourism.

WordMeaningSentence
Adventure TourismTourism involving activities with an element of risk.Many young travellers are drawn to the thrill of adventure tourism.
AgritourismTourism focused on agricultural activities and rural life.Agritourism offers a chance to experience farming firsthand.
Business TravelTravel undertaken for work or professional purposes.Her business travel schedule often takes her to international conferences.
Cultural TourismTourism is focused on experiencing the history and culture of a place.Cultural tourism helps preserve local traditions and heritage.
Dark TourismTourism involving sites associated with death and tragedy.Dark tourism, while controversial, can offer insights into history.
EcotourismTourism focused on responsible travel to natural areas.Ecotourism aims to minimise environmental impact.
Educational TourismTravel with the primary purpose of learning.The school organised an educational tourism trip to the museum.
Gastronomic TourismTourism focused on experiencing local food and drink.Gastronomic tourism is a delicious way to explore a new culture.
Heritage TourismTourism focused on historical and cultural heritage sites.Heritage tourism plays a vital role in understanding our past.
Independent TravelTravel planned and undertaken by the individual.Independent travel allows for greater flexibility in your itinerary.
Leisure TravelTravel undertaken for relaxation and enjoyment.After a long week, she looked forward to some leisure travel.
Medical TourismTravel to another country for medical treatment.Medical tourism is becoming increasingly common for specialized procedures.
Nature TourismTourism focused on natural attractions and wildlife.Nature tourism provides opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
PilgrimageA journey undertaken for religious reasons.Many people undertake an annual pilgrimage to holy sites.
Rural TourismTourism focused on countryside areas and villages.Rural tourism offers a peaceful escape from city life.
Scientific TourismTravel with the primary goal of conducting research.The research team embarked on a scientific tourism expedition.
Senior TourismTourism catering specifically to older travellers.Senior tourism often includes more relaxed itineraries.
Space TourismTourism involving travel into outer space.While still in its infancy, space tourism is a future possibility.
Sports TourismTravel to participate in or watch sporting events.The city benefited greatly from the influx of fans for sports tourism.
Sustainable TourismTourism that minimises negative environmental and social impacts.Sustainable tourism is crucial for preserving destinations for future generations.
Urban TourismTourism focused on cities and their attractions.Urban tourism offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment.
Volunteer TourismTourism that includes volunteering for a cause.Volunteer tourism allows you to give back while travelling.
Wellness TourismTourism focused on health and well-being activities.Wellness tourism often involves spa treatments and yoga retreats.
Wildlife TourismTourism focused on observing animals in their natural habitat.Wildlife tourism requires responsible practices to protect animals.

Tourism Idioms and Phrases

A lot of times, the IELTS Vocabulary section includes idioms and phrases, where you have to answer their meaning or their use in sentences. Candidates must have a proper understanding of the tourism idioms and phrases to come out with flying colours in this section. The table below highlights some of the most common tourism idioms and phrases.

Tourism Idiom/PhraseMeaningSentence
Off the beaten trackA place that is not frequently visited or explored by tourists.We decided to travel to a small village, far off the beaten track, for a peaceful retreat.
WanderlustA strong desire or impulse to travel and explore the world.Her wanderlust led her to backpack across Europe for the summer.
Travel lightTo pack or travel with very few belongings.We are going to a beach resort, so let’s travel light and avoid carrying too much luggage.
Catch the travel bugTo endure a difficult or unpleasant situation while travelling.After her first international trip, she really caught the travel bug.
Hit the roadTo start a journey or travel, usually by car.It’s time to hit the road and explore the countryside this weekend.
Take the scenic routeTo choose a path or route that offers beautiful views, often longer than usual.We took the scenic route through the mountains to enjoy the view during our road trip.
In the middle of nowhereHe chose the road less travelled and trekked through remote villages in the Himalayas.The hotel was located in the middle of nowhere, but the view was worth the long drive.
Pack your bagsTo prepare for a trip or travel.I’m so excited! It’s time to pack your bags; we leave for the airport tomorrow.
A trip of a lifetimeAn unforgettable journey or travel experience.Visiting the Great Wall of China was truly a trip of a lifetime.
Get away from it allTo leave one’s daily routine or busy life to relax or take a break.I need to get away from it all and spend a few days at a quiet beach resort.
A very remote, isolated place far from civilisation.An unconventional or less common path or journey.We hit the jackpot when we found a hidden gem of a restaurant in the city centre.
Hit the jackpotTo have an unexpectedly great travel experienceWe hit the jackpot when our flight got upgraded to business class for free!
Take a breatherTo take a short break or rest during a trip.After hiking for hours, it was time to take a breather and enjoy the view.
Live out of a suitcaseTo travel for a long time without settling in one place.He had been living out of a suitcase for the past month on his business tour.
On the goConstantly traveling or moving from place to place.She’s always on the go, visiting a new city almost every week for her work.
A smooth rideA pleasant and easy journey or trip.The flight to Paris was a smooth ride with no delays or turbulence.
A window of opportunityA short period during which something can be achieved.Our trip to the Maldives is our window of opportunity to relax and recharge.
The world is your oysterThe world is full of opportunities to explore and experience.Once you have a passport, the world is your oyster—endless destinations await!
Off the gridTo disconnect from technology or modern life, often while travelling.We went off the grid for a week, camping in the wilderness without any electronics.
A world of differenceA significant contrast or distinction between two things.Staying at the luxury resort made a world of difference compared to budget backpacking.
Get the show on the roadTo begin a journey or event.Let’s get the show on the road and head to the airport for our vacation.
At the end of the roadTo reach the final point or conclusion of something, like a journey.After a long journey through Asia, we reached the end of the road in Bangkok.
Throw in the towelTo give up or quit, often when traveling or attempting something difficult.After several failed attempts to find a hotel room, we threw in the towel and camped outside.
A rough road aheadA difficult or challenging journey or experience.The trek up the mountain was tough, and we knew there was a rough road ahead.
On the road to recoveryTo make progress after a setback, often used metaphorically in travel.After missing my flight, I was on the road to recovery once I rescheduled my journey.
Bite the bulletWe had to bite the bullet and spend the night at the airport after our flight was cancelled.To give up or quit, often when travelling or attempting something difficult.
Hit the ground runningTo begin a journey or task with great enthusiasm and energy.We hit the ground running when we arrived in Japan, exploring the city immediately.
Make tracksTo leave quickly or begin a journey.It’s getting late; we should make tracks if we want to reach the campsite before dark.
A long haulA long and difficult journey.The flight from New York to Tokyo was a long haul, but we finally arrived safely.
Cross that bridge when you come to itTo deal with a problem or situation when it arises, not before.Don’t worry about the potential flight delay. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Under the weatherFeeling sick or unwell while travelling.I was feeling a bit under the weather during our trip to Paris, so I stayed in the hotel.
Make a pit stopTo take a short break or rest during a journey.Let’s make a pit stop at the next gas station and grab some snacks for the road.
Take the plungeTo take a risk or make a big decision, such as booking a trip.To have a highly successful or fortunate experience while travelling.

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Accommodation Vocabulary

The vocabulary related to accommodations covers various types of lodging available to travellers, from budget options to luxury stays, along with associated services.

WordMeaningSentence
AmenitiesFeatures that offer comfort, convenience, or pleasure.The hotel boasted excellent amenities, including a pool and gym.
Bed and BreakfastA small lodging establishment offering overnight accommodation and breakfast.We decided to stay in a charming bed and breakfast in the countryside.
Boutique HotelA small, stylish hotel with a unique design and personalised service.The boutique hotel offered a luxurious and intimate atmosphere.
CabinA small wooden shelter or house in a rural or wild setting.They rented a cozy cabin by the lake for their vacation.
CampsiteA place where people can pitch tents or park caravans.The campsite was located near a beautiful hiking trail.
Check-inThe process of registering as a guest upon arrival at a hotel.Check-in at the hotel was quick and efficient.
Check-outThe process of settling one’s account and leaving a hotel.We completed check-out before noon.
ConciergeA hotel employee who assists guests with various tasks.The concierge helped us book tickets for a local show.
CondominiumAn individually owned apartment in a building containing other such units.They purchased a condominium as their vacation home.
DormitoryA large room containing several beds, often in a hostel or school.Backpackers often choose dormitory rooms to save on accommodation costs.
FacilitiesSpaces or equipment provided for a particular purpose.The hotel’s facilities included a spa and several restaurants.
Full BoardAccommodation at a hotel including all meals.We opted for full board at the resort so all our meals were included.
GuesthouseA private house offering accommodation to paying guests.The friendly owner of the guesthouse provided helpful local tips.
Half BoardAccommodation at a hotel including breakfast and one other meal.The half board option suited us as we wanted to explore local restaurants.
HotelMany young travellers prefer staying in a hostel for its social atmosphere.We booked a room in a five-star hotel for our anniversary trip.
HostelAn establishment providing inexpensive accommodation, typically with shared facilities.Many young travelers prefer staying in a hostel for its social atmosphere.
InnA public house providing food, drink, and lodging.The old inn by the roadside had a warm and welcoming fireplace.
LodgeA house or cabin used for temporary accommodation, especially by hunters or skiers.The ski lodge was fully booked during the winter season.
MotelA roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists.We stopped at a motel for the night during our long road trip.
PenthouseA luxurious apartment at the top of a tall building.The celebrity stayed in the hotel’s exclusive penthouse.
ResortA place providing accommodation, entertainment, and recreational facilities for holidaymakers.The family enjoyed their stay at the beach resort.
Room ServiceThe service in a hotel by which meals and drinks are supplied to guests in their rooms.We ordered breakfast through room service the morning after our arrival.
Self-catering ApartmentAn apartment equipped with cooking facilities for guests to prepare their own meals.A self-catering apartment is ideal for families who prefer to cook.
SuiteA set of connected rooms in a hotel, typically including a sitting room.They booked a spacious suite with a beautiful view of the city.
TentA shelter made of canvas or other flexible material, supported by poles and ropes.We pitched our tent in the designated camping area.
TimeshareThe arrangement whereby several joint owners have the right to use a property as a holiday home under a time-sharing scheme.They invested in a timeshare at a popular vacation destination.
Trailer ParkAn area where mobile homes or trailers are parked.Some retirees choose to live in trailer parks year-round.
VacancyAn available room or space.The “No Vacancy” sign was lit up outside the hotel.
VillaA large and luxurious house in the countryside or at a resort.They rented a beautiful villa in Tuscany for their summer vacation.

Transportation Vocabulary on Transportation

In the transportation vocabulary section, you will find terms related to the different modes of transportation, from air travel to land and water transport, that people use while travelling.

WordMeaningSentence
AeroplaneA powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and one or more engines.The aeroplane soared through the clear blue sky.
Airplane(Alternative spelling of Aeroplane)The airplane took off on schedule.
BicycleA vehicle with two wheels, propelled by pedals.Riding a bicycle is a great way to explore a new city.
BusA large motor vehicle carrying passengers by road.The bus was crowded during the morning rush hour.
Cable CarA vehicle that travels up steep slopes by means of a cable.The cable car offered stunning views of the mountains.
Car RentalThe business of renting cars for short periods.We used a car rental service to explore the countryside.
Charter FlightA flight operated by an airline or charter company for a specific group or purpose.The tour group booked a charter flight to their destination.
CommuteTravel some distance between one’s home and place of work on a regular basis.His daily commute to the city takes about an hour.
Cruise ShipA large passenger ship used for pleasure voyages.They enjoyed a luxurious vacation on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.
FerryA boat or ship for conveying passengers and vehicles across a river, lake, or other body of water.The ferry transported us to the small island.
HelicopterA type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by horizontally spinning rotors.The helicopter provided a breathtaking aerial view of the coastline.
High-speed RailA type of passenger railway that operates at significantly higher speeds than conventional rail traffic.A large boat used for travelling long distances by sea.
Hot Air BalloonA large bag filled with heated air or gas, used for travel or recreation.They took a romantic hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
JetAn aircraft propelled by jet engines.The private jet landed smoothly on the runway.
LimousineA large, luxurious car driven by a chauffeur.They arrived at the gala in a sleek black limousine.
MetroAn underground railway system in a city.The metro is a convenient way to navigate the city.
MotorcycleA two-wheeled motor vehicle.He enjoys the freedom of riding his motorcycle on open roads.
Public TransportA light, two-wheeled open motor vehicle on which the rider stands.Using public transport is often more environmentally friendly.
ScooterA light two-wheeled open motor vehicle on which the rider stands.The scooter is a popular mode of transport in many Asian cities.
ShipThe tram glided smoothly through the city centre.The cargo ship sailed across the vast ocean.
ShuttleA vehicle that travels regularly between two places.The airport shuttle runs every half hour.
SubwayAn underground electric railway system, typically in a large city.The subway system in New York is extensive.
TaxiA vehicle licensed to transport passengers in return for payment.We hailed a taxi to get to the restaurant on time.
TramA passenger vehicle powered by electricity and running on rails laid along the streets.Systems of buses, trains, subways, etc., are available for public use.
TrainA series of connected railway carriages moved by a locomotive or by integral motors.The train journey through the Swiss Alps was spectacular.

IELTS Speaking Hometown Vocabulary: List of Words and Exercises

Idioms on Travel

Find below the collection of idiomatic expressions related to travel. The idioms convey deeper meanings, which is often used to describe travel experiences and challenges.

IdiomMeaningSentence
A flying visitA very short visitWe made a flying visit to the Eiffel Tower.
A stone’s throwVery close distanceThe hotel is just a stone’s throw from the beach.
At the wheelDriving a vehicleShe was at the wheel when the car broke down.
Break the journeyStop somewhere before continuingWe decided to break the journey in Jaipur.
Call it a dayEnd the day’s activity or journeyAfter eight hours of driving, we called it a day.
Carry coals to NewcastleDo something redundantBringing bottled water to a water park is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
Catch the travel bugDevelop a strong desire to travelHe caught the travel bug after his first trip abroad.
Drive a hard bargainNegotiate stronglyShe drove a hard bargain at the souvenir shop.
Get itchy feetDesire to travel or moveI get itchy feet every few months.
Hit the roadBegin a journeyLet’s hit the road early tomorrow.
In the same boatIn the same situationWe’re in the same boat—both of us missed the train.
Jet lagTiredness from long flights across time zonesI’m still recovering from jet lag.
Jump on the bandwagonFollow a trendEveryone’s jumping on the solo travel bandwagon.
Live out of a suitcaseTravel constantly without settling downI’ve been living out of a suitcase for months.
Make your wayTravel toward a placeWe made our way through the crowded station.
Miss the boatMiss an opportunityWe missed the boat on booking cheap tickets.
Off the beaten trackAway from common tourist placesWe explored a village off the beaten track.
On a shoestringWith very little moneyWe traveled around Europe on a shoestring.
On cloud nineExtremely happyShe was on cloud nine during her island vacation.
On the roadTravelingI’ve been on the road for two weeks now.
Packed like sardinesVery crowdedThe bus was packed like sardines.
Put (something) on the mapMake a place famousThe film festival put the town on the map.
Red-eye flightOvernight flightI took the red-eye flight to save on hotel costs.
The road less travelledAn unconventional path or choiceI chose the road less travelled and visited a hidden beach.
Rock the boatCause trouble or disrupt thingsDon’t rock the boat; just follow the travel plan.
Take the scenic routeChoose a longer, more beautiful pathWe took the scenic route through the hills.
The tip of the icebergA small visible part of a much larger issueFlight delays were just the tip of the iceberg.
Travel broadens the mindWe travelled around Europe on a shoestring.I believe travel broadens the mind.
When in RomeFollow the customs of the place you’re inWhen in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Your mileage may varyResults or experience may differTravelling increases knowledge and perspective

Phrasal Verbs on Travel 

This section includes common phrasal verbs that travellers often use, focusing on action phrases like leaving, arriving, and moving around.

Phrasal VerbMeaningSentence
Back upMove a vehicle backwardsPlease back up so I can park.
Book inRegister or check in at a hotelWe booked in at 3 p.m.
Break downStop functioning (vehicle)Our car broke down on the highway.
Check inRegister at a hotel or airportWe checked in online for our flight.
Check outLeave a hotelWe checked out early to catch the bus.
Come acrossDiscover by chanceI came across a hidden waterfall during a hike.
Drop offLeave someone or something at a locationHe dropped us off at the airport.
Fill upPut fuel into a vehicleWe need to fill up before we reach the mountains.
Get awayEscape or go on vacationI need to get away for the weekend.
Get inArrive (vehicle)The train got in late.
Get onBoard a vehicleWe got on the bus at the last minute.
Get offLeave a vehicleWe got off at the next stop.
Go awayLeave for a tripWe’re going away for the holidays.
Go backReturn to a placeWe went back to the resort after dinner.
Go outLeave for social purposesWe went out to explore the city.
Head backReturnWe headed back to the hotel after the hike.
Look aroundExplore or tour a placeWe looked around the museum.
Pick upCollect someone or somethingShe picked us up from the train station.
Pull overStop a vehicle at the side of the roadThe police asked him to pull over.
Run out ofUse all of somethingWe ran out of fuel halfway there.
See offSay goodbye to someone departingThey came to see us off at the airport.
Set offStart a journeyWe set off early to avoid traffic.
Slow downReduce speedThe driver slowed down near the town.
Speed upIncrease speedWe sped up to catch the ferry.
Stop overStay somewhere temporarily on the way to your destinationWe stopped over in Dubai for one night.
Take offAircraft leaves the groundThe plane took off on time.
Touch downAircraft landsThe plane touched down smoothly.
Turn backReturn the way you cameWe turned back due to heavy snow.
Wait aroundStay in one place doing littleWe had to wait around for the delayed train.
Walk aroundExplore by walkingWe walked around the old city center.

Travel Collocations 

Travel Collections includes words that often appear together with travel-related terms, giving an understanding of common combinations used in the context of tourism and travel.

CollocationMeaningSentence
Apply for a visaSubmit application for permission to travelShe applied for a visa last week.
Book a flightReserve a seat on a flightI booked a flight to Japan yesterday.
Book accommodationReserve a place to stayDon’t forget to book accommodation early.
Catch a bus/trainBoard a bus or trainWe caught the last bus to the city.
Check flight statusLook for updates about your flightI checked the flight status before leaving home.
Collect luggageRetrieve baggage after a flightWe collected our luggage from the carousel.
Confirm a bookingFinalize a travel reservationPlease confirm your hotel booking.
Enjoy the sceneryAdmire the viewWe enjoyed the scenery along the coastal route.
Explore a cityDiscover new places in a cityI love to explore a city on foot.
Extend a stayStay longer than plannedWe decided to extend our stay by two days.
Follow a travel itineraryStick to a planned scheduleWe followed our travel itinerary strictly.
Get travel insurancePurchase insurance for your tripAlways get travel insurance before going abroad.
Go backpackingTravel carrying your belongings in a backpackHe went backpacking across Southeast Asia.
Go on an excursionTake a short journey or tripWe went on an excursion to a nearby island.
Go on a guided tourTravel with a tour guideWe went on a guided tour of the palace.
Go sightseeingVisit popular tourist attractionsWe spent the day sightseeing in Rome.
Have a safe journeyA polite way to wish someone safe travelsHave a safe journey and enjoy your trip!
Hire a carRent a carWe hired a car to explore the countryside.
Lose your passportMisplace your passportDon’t lose your passport while travelling.
Make travel arrangementsPlan transportation and accommodationShe made all the travel arrangements in advance.
Miss a flightFail to board a flightWe missed our flight due to traffic.
Pack your bagsPrepare luggage for a tripI packed my bags the night before the trip.
Plan an itineraryCreate a schedule for travel activitiesWe planned an itinerary that covered five cities.
Postpone a tripDelay the travel plansWe postponed the trip due to illness.
Renew a passportExtend the validity of a passportHe had to renew his passport before booking tickets.
Reserve a seatBook a specific place on transportI reserved a window seat on the train.
Set up campEstablish a temporary shelter We set up camp by the lake.
Take a detourGo off the planned route temporarilyWe took a detour to see a hidden waterfall.
Take a road tripTravel by car over a long distanceWe took a road trip across the country.
Travel abroadVisit a foreign countryFinalise a travel reservation

Check out the IELTS Preparation Kit from here

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The International English Language Testing System, abbreviated as the IELTS test, is an English proficiency test, which is conducted to test the candidate’s proficiency in English. The IELTS vocabulary test often contains questions related to food and health. Candidates must prepare for the vocabulary section accordingly.

FAQs

How often is the IELTS conducted?

The IELTS test is conducted 4 times a month and 48 times annually. 

How often can I appear for the IELTS test?

There is no limit on how many times a person can appear for the IELTS test. As long as you are above 17 years of age, you are eligible to appear for the IELTS test.

What does IELTS stand for?

IELTS is the abbreviation for the International English Language Testing System. It is one of the language efficiency tests, which is used in eligibility criteria to study abroad or live abroad.

The International English Language Testing System, abbreviated as the IELTS test, is an English efficiency test, which is conducted to test the candidate’s proficiency in English. The IELTS vocabulary test often contains questions related to food and health. Candidates must prepare for the vocabulary section accordingly.

We hope this blog on preparing for the IELTS was helpful and provided useful tips to enhance your speaking skills. Don’t forget to follow the IELTS page on Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs to help you master the IELTS exam.

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