Upper-intermediate travel Lesson Plan (esl): Warm-up (Pair Work)

1. 
   Where are you planning to go for your next holiday?
   
2. 
   Is there a place you’d never visit again? Where and why?
   
3. 
   Do you prefer traveling independently or with a group on an organized tour?
   
4. 
   What do you know of the following countries: Uganda, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Jordan?
   

1. Uganda – Stability is slowly returning to this African nation after dictatorships and civil war. Uganda is home to Kampala, one of Africa’s safest capitals. Tourists can also discover snow-capped mountains overlooking sprawling jungles, savannah bordering vast lakes, and the source of the Nile River. Wildlife, once hunted to near-extinction, is also returning. Tourists are cautioned that Uganda has little tolerance for homosexuality and travel to the northeastern parts of the country is ill-advised.

2. Myanmar (Burma) – Burma changed its boycott on independent travel in 2010. The country, bordered by mountains and white-sand beaches, now welcomes tourists. Timeless towns and countless pagodas can be found in the center among the Buddhist locals. Although the boycott is over, tourists should be cautious.

3. Ukraine – One glimpse at the glorious Old Town Kiev will be enough to make you forget the stereotypes you may have of this former communist country and home of Chernobyl. High among its attractions is Crimea – a region, linked by ferry to the port city of Odessa, for sun tanning and relaxing on the Black Sea amidst rugged mountains and ancient ruins. Beer in Ukraine is also cheaper than water.

4. Jordan – Jordan is more than the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra, a complete ancient city carved into a mountain from the 6^th century BC. Jordan also boasts Wadi Rum, an elevated valley cut into stone in south Jordan, and the cities of Jerash and Madaba. Jordan, one of the most friendly and welcoming nations in the Middle East, has modernized while preserving its cherished traditions.

Travel: Unconventional Tourism

New kinds of tourism have been gaining interest and significance lately. One example is ecological tourism (eco-tourism); a responsible form of travel that aims to reduce the negative impact it has on pristine environments and indigenous communities. Also, space tourism is expected to become a billion dollar industry in the next decade. Virgin Atlantic plans to begin flights to space in 2013. (322 words)

1. 
   Which country selected by the Lonely Planet appeals to you the most? Which does not?
   
2. 
   True or False: Myanmar has reversed its ban on homosexuality.
   
3. 
   What is Crimea?
   
4. 
   True or False: Wadi Rum is an ancient city carved out of stone.
   
5. 
   What is the aim of ecotourism?
   
6. 
   Have you been an eco-tourist? Would an eco-tour interest you?
   
7. 
   If you had 200,000 US dollars, would you spend it on a seat aboard a space flight?
   

Which 10 countries do you think ranked highest in the world tourism rankings? Try to guess with a partner. (Answers (from 2010) on the bottom of next page.)

1. 
   Problems: What problems do tourists commonly have? What problems have you had when traveling?
   
2. 
   Airlines: Which do you prefer and which do you avoid?
   
3. 
   Nationalities: who are the best and worst tourists?
   
4. 
   What is the stereotype of people from your country?
   
5. 
   UNESCO: What UNESCO sites does your country have?
   
6. 
   “When in Rome do as the Romans do”  do you believe in this saying?
   
7. 
   Cuisine: What unusual things have you eaten abroad?
   

-- Travel Lesson plan copyright Matthew Barton of Englishcurrent.com