Choosing the Right Vacation Package (Intermediate)
- englishiseasierwithamal.com
- Jul 27
- 6 min read
Choosing the Right Vacation Package (Intermediate)
Part I: Conversation
I. Vocabulary:
1. Pitching (verb/noun): Presenting an idea, plan, or product persuasively to convince someone to accept or buy it.
2. Customized (adjective): Modified or tailored to suit a specific person, budget, or group.
3. Itinerary (noun): A detailed plan or route of a journey, including dates, times, and locations.
4. Excursion (noun): A short journey or trip, especially one taken as a leisure activity.
5. Pace (noun): The speed at which an activity or trip progresses (e.g., fast-paced, relaxed pace).
6. Scenic (adjective): Having beautiful, pleasing natural scenery.
7. Boutique (adjective): Small, specialized, and often stylish or luxury-oriented (e.g., a boutique hotel).
8. Complimentary (adjective): Given for free as a courtesy or perk.
9. High-season (noun/adjective): The time of year when travel to a destination is most popular and expensive.
10. Budget-conscious (adjective): Careful about how much money is spent; economical.
11. Trade-off (noun): A balance or compromise achieved between two desirable but opposing features.
12. Overland (adjective/adverb): Traveling by land rather than by sea or air.
13. Leisurely (adjective/adverb): Done unhurriedly; relaxed and calm.
II. Conversation — Pitching the Options
Context
A travel consultant (Elena) is presenting two customized 5-day tour packages for Banff & Lake Louise to a budget-conscious couple (Marcus and Sarah).
Elena: Good morning, Marcus and Sarah! Thanks for coming in. Based on our preliminary meeting, I’ve designed two customized itineraries for your trip to Banff.
Marcus: Great! As you know, we want to see the main highlights, but we're trying to keep things reasonably priced.
Elena: Absolutely. Option A is our "Classic Express Tour." It’s a fast-paced, 5-day package that relies on high-speed shuttle buses between sites. It’s slightly cheaper than Option B, and it includes guided excursions to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Sarah: How does the accommodation compare between the two?
Elena: Great question. Option A puts you in a central 3-star hotel downtown. However, Option B—the "Scenic Alpine Escape"—uses a charming boutique lodge tucked away in the mountains. Option B progresses at a much more leisurely pace, but it requires renting a car.
Marcus: Is Option B significantly more expensive?
Elena: It is about $300 more per person due to the rental vehicle and boutique stay. However, the lodge offers complimentary breakfast and free park passes, which helps offset the cost. While Option A is as convenient as Option B for downtown shopping, Option B is far more flexible for sightseeing because you control your schedule.
Sarah: That sounds nice. I don't want to feel as rushed as we were on our last trip!
Elena: In that case, Option B is definitely the most relaxing choice of the two. Let's look closely at the trade-offs so you can decide which itinerary fits your preferences best.
III. Choose the correct answer:
1. What is the primary concern Marcus mentions at the beginning of the meeting? a) Finding luxury accommodations
b) Keeping the trip reasonably priced
c) Avoiding guided group tours
d) Traveling during the high-season
2. How do travelers get between locations in Option A?
a) By rental car
b) On foot
c) Via high-speed shuttle buses
d) By train
3. What is one main advantage of Option B's accommodation?
a) It is located right downtown.
b) It is a charming boutique mountain lodge with free breakfast.
c) It is cheaper than Option A’s hotel.
d) It includes free shuttle tickets.
4. Why is Option B more expensive overall?
a) Guided tours are included.
b) Rental car costs and boutique lodging increase the price.
c) It lasts 3 days longer than Option A.
d) Downtown shopping fees are added.
5. What trade-off does Option B offer to help balance its higher price?
a) Free airline tickets
b) Complimentary breakfast and free park passes
c) A free upgrade to a 5-star hotel
d) Lower car rental insurance rates
6. Why does Sarah lean toward Option B?
a) She wants to shop downtown every day.
b) She wants to avoid feeling rushed.
c) She insists on taking the high-speed shuttle.
d) She prefers 3-star hotels.
IV. Unscramble the words to build a grammatically correct sentence from the travel pitch context.
1. (itinerary / designed / customized / a / consultant / the / couple / for / the)
__________________________________________________________________________
2. (Option A / than / cheaper / slightly / Option B / is)
__________________________________________________________________________3. (complimentary / mountain / offers / breakfast / the / lodge)
__________________________________________________________________________4. (a / Option B / at / more / progresses / pace / leisurely)
__________________________________________________________________________5. (can / trade-offs / the / help / evaluate / consultant / you)
__________________________________________________________________________6. (flexible / rental car / as / shuttle / isn't / a / as)
__________________________________________________________________________
Part 2: Speaking & Discussion — Evaluating Pros and Cons
When pitching or comparing travel options, we balance pros and cons using:
Comparatives: Adjective + -er + than OR more/less + Adjective + than
Superlatives: The + Adjective + -est OR the most/least + Adjective
Equatives: as + Adjective/Adverb + as (or negative: not as + Adjective + as)
Speaking Activity: "The Itinerary Showdown"
Work in pairs. Look at the two travel itineraries below for a trip to Banff.
Partner A advocates for Itinerary 1, and Partner B advocates for Itinerary 2.
Use the target structures to debate which option is best for a client who wants a comfortable yet cost-effective trip.
ITINERARY 1: Express Shuttle Tour | ITINERARY 2: Self-Drive Adventure |
Price: $850 per person | Price: $1,150 per person |
Transport: Public Shuttle Bus | Transport: Rental Car Included |
Pace: Fast (3 spots per day) | Pace: Relaxed (1-2 spots/day) |
Stay: Central 3-Star Hotel | Stay: Scenic Mountain Cabin |
Meals: Excluded | Meals: Breakfast Included |
Discussion Prompts & Sentence Starters:
Compare the prices:
"Itinerary 1 is cheaper than Itinerary 2, but..."
"Itinerary 2 is not as affordable as Itinerary 1."
Compare the pace and comfort:
"Itinerary 2 moves more leisurely than Itinerary 1."
"Itinerary 1 is the fastest-paced option, which means we see more."
Evaluate the overall value (Trade-offs):
"Even though Itinerary 2 is more expensive, it provides the most comfortable stay."
"Public transit is not as convenient as driving a car, but it saves money."
Part 3: Listening:
Listen to Marcus's feedback and answer the questions:
I. Find the word that means:
1. Inexpensive or good value for money: ____________________
2. Requiring a lot of effort, time, or energy: ____________________
3. Attractive, pleasing, or desirable: ____________________
4. On one's own, without relying on others: ____________________
5. Calm, quiet, and peaceful: ____________________
6. To lock in or guarantee a reservation: ____________________
II. Listen to the audio again and complete each sentence using up to three words.
1. Marcus feels that the schedule for Option A is far ________________________.
2. The couple dislikes the idea of waking up at 6:00 AM to _____________________.
3. Option B is described as much more appealing despite its __________________.
4. Having a rental car allows Marcus and Sarah to travel _______________________.
5. The cabin in Option B is located in a ________________________ outside the main town strip.
6. Marcus calls Elena back because they want to move forward and ______________.
Part 4: Grammar Focus — Comparatives, Superlatives, & "As... As"
Grammar Overview
1. Adjectives
Short Adjectives (1 syllable / 2 syllables ending in -y):
Comparative: add -er (cheap - cheaper, easy - easier)
Superlative: add the -est (cheap - the cheapest)
Long Adjectives (2+ syllables):
Comparative: more / less + adj (scenic - more scenic)
Superlative: the most / the least + adj (expensive - the most expensive)
Equality / Inequality:
as + adj + as (Option A is as fast as Option B.)
not as + adj + as (Shuttles are not as flexible as rental cars.)
2. Adverbs
Regular Adverbs (-ly):
Comparative: more / less + adverb (drives more carefully than)
Superlative: the most + adverb (progresses the most leisurely)
Equality / Inequality:
as + adverb + as (You can travel as easily as local residents.)
I. Complete the sentences using the correct form of the word in brackets (comparative, superlative, or as...as).
1. (Comparative - Adverb) A private tour moves ________________________ (smoothly) than a large group tour.
2. (Superlative - Adjective) July is ________________________ (busy) month of the year for mountain resorts.
3. (Negative Equality - Adjective) A 3-star downtown hotel is ___________________ (not / luxurious) a boutique mountain lodge.
4. (Comparative - Adjective) Renting an SUV is ________________________ (expensive) than booking public shuttle tickets.
5. (Equality - Adverb) The local bus system runs ________________________ (efficiently) the city train.
6. (Superlative - Adjective) Choosing a self-drive itinerary provides ______________ (great) flexibility for travelers.
Part 6: Writing Focus — Connectors of Contrast & Reason
Writing Strategy
To pitch an itinerary effectively, combine ideas using connectors that show reasons and contrasts.
Type | Connectors | Punctuation / Structure Notes |
Reason | due to, because of | Followed by a noun phrase. e.g., due to the high cost... |
Reason | since, because | Followed by a full clause (subject + verb). e.g., since the lodge offers free breakfast... |
Contrast | whereas, while | Connects two contrasting clauses in one sentence. e.g., Option A is cheaper, while Option B is more comfortable. |
Contrast | however, on the other hand | Used at the start of a new sentence, followed by a comma. e.g., Option A is fast. However, it is exhausting. |
I. Combine the simple sentences into clear, cohesive sentences using the connector in brackets. Adjust punctuation where necessary.
1. [due to] Option B is more expensive. The rental car fees and boutique accommodation increase the price.
2. [while] Itinerary 1 focuses on historic sights. Itinerary 2 highlights natural scenery.
3. [since] We recommend booking the mountain lodge early. Rooms fill up fast during high-season.
4. [however] Taking the shuttle bus is very affordable. It limits your schedule to fixed departure times.
5. [because of] Many tourists prefer traveling in autumn. The pleasant weather and lower rates attract them.
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