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A common topic in IELTS Speaking is Holidays. This may include taking a vacation or celebrating a public or national holiday.
In this lesson, you will learn the vocabulary to talk about both kinds of holiday.Â
Table of Contents
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary: Holidays
Here is some useful vocabulary for this topic.
A holiday (UK) = a vacation (US)
- To go on holiday
- To take a holiday
- To be on holiday
A public holiday = a national celebration.
CollocationsÂ
- A bank holiday (UK)Â
- The holiday seasonÂ
- A holiday destination
- The school holidays
- Go on a package holiday = everything is organised and included in one priceÂ
- Take a staycation = spend a holiday relaxing at home Â
When we talk about what we like to do on holiday we can use the following expressions:
I like to + verb (choice OR habits)
I like to travel abroad
I like to try the local food
I like to go camping
I like + verb (ing) (enjoy)Â
I like travelling abroad
I like visiting museums
I am fond of + verb (ing) (enjoy)
Iâm fond of visiting museums
Iâm fond of visiting the local bars
I’m fond of going camping
Go + verb (ing) (activities)
Go campingÂ
Go swimmingÂ
Go hiking
Go sightseeing = visit the common touristic sitesÂ
Do some + verb (ing) (activities)
Do some sunbathingÂ
Do some hikingÂ
Do some readingÂ
What to do on holiday
Here are some ideas on different activities people may do on holiday.
- I like to sunbatheÂ
- I usually go sightseeingÂ
- I visit the tourist sightsÂ
- I soak up the views = I take in / enjoy looking at the views
- I take a ton of (=a lot of) photosÂ
- I chill out on the beach = relax, kick back, put my feet up
Â
Adjectives to describe holidaysÂ
fun-filled, exciting, enjoyableÂ
disastrous, terrible, Â
dream, ideal, perfect, unforgettable Â
10 things the British do on holiday
What do people from your country typically do on holiday?
Well, here are some ‘stereotypical‘ answers about what British people do on holiday.
Which of these do you also do? đ
Leave a comment below and tell us about what you do on holiday.
- Complain about the heatÂ
- Stay in the sun too long and get sunburnt on day one
- Steal shampoo and soaps from the hotelÂ
- Start drinking some kind of alcohol as soon as you can
- Take a photo of yourself with a drink and post on Instagram as soon as possible
- Take 10 minutes to get into the pool (or sea) water
- Say how amazing it is the local people in the hotel can speak EnglishÂ
- Check out if their is a MacDonalds near the hotel
- Buy a T-shirt with âI love ____â on it
- ? (add your own answer)
IELTS Speaking Idioms to talk about holidays
To ‘relax‘ we can say,
- To take things easy
- To chill outÂ
- To let my hair downÂ
- To put my feet upÂ
- To recharge my batteries
To get away from it all = to escape work and stress
Itâs just what the doctor ordered = Itâs just what I needed to feel better
To travel light = only take a few things
To get off the beaten path = to go less common touristic places – away from the crowds
To enjoy a sight / place we can say,
- To take in a few sights (tourist attractions)
- To soak up the viewÂ
To get up bright and earlyÂ
Youâve taken everything but the kitchen sink = youâve taken too many things (on holiday)
More Free Lessons
If you liked this lesson, leave a comment below!
There are more lessons you can follow in the links below too.
HABIT in IELTS Speaking. Vocabulary and idioms you need to describe your habits easily.
OLYMPICS in IELTS Speaking. Essential vocabulary and idioms to talk about Olympic events and athletes, as well as your feelings about them.
RELAXINGÂ in IELTS Speaking. How to talk about relaxing in your free time and during your holiday.
