Topic "Travelling" (8th form)

Modern life is impossible without travelling. The scientific and technological progress of the 20-th century has allowed people to overcome time and distance, to cover in the twinkle of an eye the vast expanse of our planet. The whole world is open now. The limits and frontiers of the previous period have stopped to exist. We can choose any place on the planet and go there on business or for holiday.

Thousands of people travel every day by air, by rail, by see or by road. Travelling by air is the fastest and the most convenient way, but it is the most expensive too, and sometimes there are delays and cancellations of flights. It is better to book tickets in advance. On the appointed day you go to the airport by car. Soon you`ll board the big air-liner and it will carry you to new lands. You check in for the flight, go through the customs clearance area, the passport control. On board the plane you can look about. In front of you in the cockpit you`ll see a pilot and his crew. Some of the passengers are reclining in comfortable armchairs. There is a kitchenette in the rear part of the plane where the stewardesses are cooking. Presently we take off and in a few minutes the voice informs us about the altitude we are flying. Sometimes it is possible to see the land. It is like a geographical map. Time passes quickly. The plane arrives at the destination on time. What a thrill!

I also enjoy travelling by train. You can see the beautiful scenery of the country you are travelling through. Modern trains have very comfortable seats. There are also sleeping carriages with compartments and a dining-carriage which make even the longest journey enjoyable. A hearty talk with your fellow passengers may be very pleasant, too.

Travelling by sea is very popular. On board the ship there are tennis and badminton courts, a swimming-pool, a cinema and a dancing hall. Unfortunately, one can get seasick but there’s some medicine for it. 

Some people prefer travelling by car which in its turn has its advantages and drawbacks. If you are an adventurer you can go hitch-hiking, travel by bicycles, on horseback. Coach tours are not expensive and I like them very much. They are planned as holidays and there is a chance to do a lot of sightseeing and have a good rest at the same time.

 

Last year …………. I went by coach to a few countries and enjoyed the tour very much. During the ten-day holiday we visited Hungary, Slovenia and Italy. Sightseeing was combined with rest. For a few days we stayed at some lovely small hotels. There was no trouble with the luggage because it was taken care of at every night stop. Moreover, the hotels were carefully selected and booked in advance. ………….

The hotels had such conveniences as air conditioning and laundry service and lots of facilities like workout gyms, swimming pools, bars and restaurants. The chambermaids were efficient and the managers at the reception desk spoke fluent English and sometimes even Russian.

What should be noted, it's important for travellers to know how to behave both in their own country and in foreign places. The spirit of true courtesy enables one to give due consideration to others, to appear and to be at ease in all circumstances, to say and to do the right thing at the right time. Personally, when I travel to a foreign country, I try and learn at least some minimum vocabulary to be able to show my politeness. Also, several maps of the place where I’m going can be handy. I pack my things neatly and try not to take too much luggage. And of course I take care of my camera – and keep kind of a journal with the help of my photos – they act as a remembrance for years to come.

At the end I’d like to say that people are fond of travelling. They travel to see other countries and continents, to learn about people’s tradition, to broaden their minds, to enjoy picturesque places. It’s gorgeous to discover new things, different ways of life, meet people, and try different food. If I were asked a question “Where I would like to go”, I wouldn’t be able to answer this question immediately. It’s a difficult question for me because I’d like to go wherever I can. For me, the world is a great book, and I’d like to read as many pages of it as possible.