[English 101] WEEKEND TRIP - Vocabulary for planning short vacations

Teaching Material

1. I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend away from work.
• Weekend (noun) - The period between Friday evening and Sunday night, often used for short breaks.
• Use 'weekend' to emphasize the short time frame of a getaway, perfect for planning brief breaks.
• Friend: Got any weekend plans? You: Yes, I’m taking a quick getaway to the countryside.
2. We’re organizing a trip to the mountains this weekend.
• Trip (noun) - A journey or excursion, often for leisure or business purposes.
• Say 'trip' when referring to any short or long journey. It's a versatile term for casual or formal contexts.
• Friend: Where’s your next trip? You: I’m heading to a beach resort for two days.
3. Our chosen destination is a lakeside town only two hours away.
• Destination (noun) - A place to which someone is traveling or planning to travel.
• Use 'destination' to specify where you’re headed. It’s useful for discussing travel goals or final stops.
• Friend: What’s your dream destination? You: I’d love to visit the Alps for a weekend hike.
4. We set a tight budget for our weekend trip, so we avoid overspending.
• Budget (noun) - A financial plan detailing how much money you can spend on a trip or activity.
• Use 'budget' when you need to plan travel expenses carefully. Helps in making cost-effective decisions.
• Friend: What’s your budget for this getaway? You: I’m aiming to keep it under $200.
5. I need to plan our activities before we leave on Friday.
• Plan (noun/verb) - A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something, such as a short vacation.
• Use 'plan' to outline your travel steps or schedule. Keeping a simple plan helps organize your weekend effectively.
• Friend: Have you made a plan for our trip? You: Yes, I’ve listed some must-see spots.
6. We’re still deciding which accommodation fits our budget and style.
• Accommodation (noun) - A place where travelers stay, such as a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse.
• Use 'accommodation' when discussing where you’ll sleep during a trip—an essential part of travel planning.
• Friend: Did you find any accommodation? You: Yes, I booked a cozy cabin near the lake.
7. We booked a room at a beachfront hotel for two nights.
• Hotel (noun) - A commercial establishment offering lodging, meals, and other guest services.
• Use 'hotel' for a more formal or full-service lodging. They often have amenities like room service or pools.
• Friend: Which hotel did you choose? You: The Sea Breeze Inn because it’s near the pier.
8. We stayed at a hostel to save money and meet other travelers.
• Hostel (noun) - A budget-friendly place where travelers can rent a bed in a shared dorm or a private room.
• Use 'hostel' if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a social atmosphere, common among backpackers.
• Friend: Is a hostel comfortable? You: Yes, it’s simple but great for mingling with fellow travelers.
9. We found a cute studio on Airbnb right in the city center.
• Airbnb (proper noun) - An online marketplace for renting private homes, apartments, or rooms from local hosts.
• Use 'Airbnb' if you want a homier stay or unique property. Perfect for short weekend rentals.
• Friend: Are you booking a hotel? You: Actually, I’m going with an Airbnb for a more local vibe.
• Vacation rental - Use 'vacation rental' for any platform offering private holiday stays, not limited to Airbnb.
10. We reserved a campsite near the national park for fresh air and starry skies.
• Campsite (noun) - An outdoor area where people can pitch tents or park RVs for overnight stays.
• Use 'campsite' if you want an outdoor adventure. Don’t forget to check weather and amenities first.
• Friend: Where are we staying? You: At a campsite with great hiking trails nearby.
11. We opted for a rustic cabin to enjoy nature without fully roughing it.
• Cabin (noun) - A small wooden house, often in a rural or wilderness setting, used for lodging.
• Mention 'cabin' if you prefer a balance between nature and indoor comfort. Ideal for cooler climates or wooded areas.
• Friend: What’s the cabin like? You: Cozy, with a fireplace and a view of the forest.
12. We started packing the night before to avoid last-minute stress.
• Packing (noun/verb) - The process of placing belongings into bags or suitcases for travel.
• Use 'packing' to describe preparing your items for the trip. A well-planned packing list ensures efficiency.
• Friend: Have you finished packing? You: Almost, just need to include my toiletries.
13. I packed all my weekend outfits into one small suitcase.
• Suitcase (noun) - A rectangular case with a handle, used for carrying clothes and personal items.
• Use 'suitcase' for a more structured bag. Wheels can be helpful for city breaks with paved walkways.
• Friend: Are you bringing a backpack? You: I’ll just use my suitcase—easier to organize.
14. I used my backpack to keep everything compact for our short trip.
• Backpack (noun) - A bag carried on the back, often with two straps, useful for light travel or hiking.
• Use 'backpack' if you prefer a hands-free option, ideal for short trips or when you have to move around often.
• Friend: Suitcase or backpack? You: A backpack, it’s more convenient for quick getaways.
15. Our itinerary includes visiting museums, a local market, and a scenic viewpoint.
• Itinerary (noun) - A detailed plan or schedule of activities for a trip.
• Use 'itinerary' to organize your day-to-day schedule. It helps maximize time during a short vacation.
• Friend: Any itinerary ideas? You: Yes, let’s list attractions we want to see each day.
16. We made a reservation at a popular restaurant for Saturday night.
• Reservation (noun) - An arrangement to secure a service, like a hotel room or a dinner booking, in advance.
• Use 'reservation' when you book services in advance—often vital for weekend trips in busy tourist areas.
• Friend: Did you confirm the reservation? You: Yes, they have our table ready at 7pm.
17. We bought our train tickets online for convenience.
• Ticket (noun) - A pass or voucher granting access to transportation, events, or attractions.
• Use 'ticket' whenever you need entry to a transport mode, show, or special event. Keep it handy for inspection.
• Friend: Did you get the concert ticket too? You: Yes, everything is booked!
18. Taking the train on Friday afternoon lets us avoid highway traffic.
• Train (noun) - A rail vehicle designed to carry passengers or cargo.
• Use 'train' for cost-effective and scenic routes, especially useful if you want to avoid driving.
• Friend: Should we drive or take the train? You: Let’s go by train; it’s more relaxing.
19. We’ll hop on a bus to get from the city center to the beach area.
• Bus (noun) - A large road vehicle that carries passengers, usually along a fixed route.
• Use 'bus' for public transport within cities or between nearby towns, often the cheapest travel option.
• Friend: Taxi or bus? You: The bus is cheaper and it’s a short ride.
20. We booked a short flight to save travel time.
• Flight (noun) - A journey through the air by plane from one airport to another.
• Use 'flight' when traveling by plane. Perfect if you need to cover longer distances quickly for a weekend trip.
• Friend: How are you getting there? You: I’m taking a quick flight, just an hour long.
21. We decided to carpool with friends heading the same way.
• Carpool (verb/noun) - Sharing a car journey with others to reduce costs or emissions.
• Use 'carpool' for an eco-friendlier, budget-friendly option when traveling with a group.
• Friend: How are you getting to the festival? You: We’re carpooling to split fuel expenses.
22. We set off on a spontaneous road trip to explore nearby towns.
• Road trip (noun) - A journey made by car or other motorized vehicle, typically for leisure.
• Use 'road trip' for any travel primarily by car, offering freedom to stop and explore along the route.
• Friend: Up for a road trip? You: Sure, let's pack snacks and good music!
23. We need to factor in fuel costs for our drive up to the mountains.
• Fuel (noun) - Gasoline or diesel used to power a vehicle.
• Use 'fuel' when budgeting or planning a driving trip. It’s critical to know distances and prices beforehand.
• Friend: How much fuel will we need? You: Probably a full tank for the round trip.
24. We picked up a rental car at the airport to drive around the island.
• Rental (noun/adjective) - A vehicle or property you pay to use temporarily, such as a car or vacation home.
• Use 'rental' when referencing any short-term leased property or vehicle. Check for insurance and mileage limits.
• Friend: Do we have a car? You: Yes, I arranged a rental for the weekend.
25. We used the car’s GPS to find scenic routes.
• GPS (noun) - Global Positioning System, a device or app that provides navigation and location information.
• Use 'GPS' to navigate unfamiliar roads. It helps avoid getting lost and suggests alternative routes in traffic.
• Friend: How do we get there? You: Let’s enter the address into the GPS.
26. I always carry a physical map in case my phone battery dies.
• Map (noun) - A visual representation of an area’s geography, roads, or tourist spots.
• Use 'map' for a quick overview of the region or to plan routes offline. Vital if GPS fails.
• Friend: Do we have a map of the hiking trail? You: Yes, it’s right in my backpack.
27. We chose the scenic route along the coastline for breathtaking views.
• Scenic (adjective) - Offering beautiful natural views or landscapes.
• Use 'scenic' when describing roads or areas with picturesque landscapes, perfect for leisurely weekend drives.
• Friend: Why not take the highway? You: The scenic drive is longer but worth it for the ocean views.
28. We mapped out the quickest route to avoid heavy traffic.
• Route (noun) - A specific course or path traveled from one place to another.
• Use 'route' to discuss or compare different paths to your destination. Essential for road trip planning.
• Friend: Which route are we following? You: The back roads—less traffic and more scenery.
29. We jumped on the highway to reach our lodge before nightfall.
• Highway (noun) - A main road designed for fast travel, typically connecting major towns or cities.
• Use 'highway' for quicker, direct travel between locations. Great for saving time on short weekend trips.
• Friend: Are we taking local roads or the highway? You: The highway—it’s faster, although less scenic.
30. We need some cash for the toll on the expressway.
• Toll (noun) - A fee paid for using certain roads, bridges, or tunnels.
• Mention 'toll' to plan for extra travel costs. Some highways require exact change or electronic payment.
• Friend: How much is the toll? You: Only a few dollars, so keep small bills handy.
31. The city’s famous clock tower is a major landmark.
• Landmark (noun) - A notable building or natural feature that is easy to see and recognize.
• Use 'landmark' to identify key points of interest that help with navigation or are popular tourist spots.
• Friend: How do we find the museum? You: Look for the old cathedral—it’s the main landmark nearby.
32. The town is usually quiet but floods with tourists during holiday weekends.
• Tourist (noun) - A person who travels to visit places for pleasure.
• Use 'tourist' to talk about people traveling for leisure. It can help locals provide more tailored advice.
• Local: Are you a tourist? You: Yes, I’m just visiting for the weekend.
33. We planned a boat excursion around the nearby islands.
• Excursion (noun) - A short trip or outing, often for leisure or educational purposes.
• Use 'excursion' for smaller side trips or organized outings during your weekend. It often implies an adventure.
• Friend: Any fun excursions planned? You: Yes, we’re joining a guided kayak tour.
34. The city’s main attraction is a historic fortress perched on a hill.
• Attraction (noun) - A place of interest that draws visitors, like museums, parks, or monuments.
• Use 'attraction' when referencing must-see spots. Great for building your itinerary around popular highlights.
• Friend: Which attraction do you want to see first? You: Let’s go to the art gallery in the old town.
35. We joined a guided tour to learn more about the city’s history.
• Tour (noun/verb) - A journey or exploration led by a guide, or self-guided, around certain points of interest.
• Use 'tour' for structured sightseeing, which can save time on research and provide in-depth information.
• Guide: Ready for the tour? You: Absolutely, can’t wait to see the local sights.
36. We asked a travel agent to recommend weekend getaways within our budget.
• Travel agent (noun) - A professional who helps plan and book trips and vacations on behalf of clients.
• Use 'travel agent' if you want expert help, especially if you prefer a package deal or don’t have much time.
• Friend: Should we do everything ourselves? You: Let’s consult a travel agent for deals and stress-free planning.
37. Traveling off-peak can save money and avoid crowded destinations.
• Off-peak (adjective) - Referring to times with lower demand or fewer crowds, often outside high season.
• Use 'off-peak' to find better rates or quieter vacation spots. Ideal for a peaceful weekend break.
• Friend: Let’s go in the summer. You: Actually, off-peak in spring might be cheaper and less busy.
38. Our checkout is scheduled for 11 AM, so we can’t sleep in too late.
• Checkout (noun/verb) - The process of settling bills and returning keys at the end of a hotel stay.
• Use 'checkout' to confirm the last step of a stay. Often helps avoid extra charges for late departure.
• Receptionist: Ready to checkout? You: Yes, here’s my room key.
39. I received an email confirmation for our cabin rental.
• Confirmation (noun) - Proof that a booking or arrangement has been accepted or reserved.
• Use 'confirmation' to ensure your reservations are officially recognized. Keep the reference handy for check-in.
• Friend: Do we have everything booked? You: Yes, I got the confirmation numbers for our stay and activities.
40. We canceled the tour in time and got a full refund.
• Refund (noun) - Money returned to a payer if services are not used or canceled.
• Mention 'refund' when you have to cancel a booking. Check policies so you know if you’re eligible.
• Friend: Did you lose money on that cancellation? You: No, they processed my refund right away.
41. They gave us a voucher for a free breakfast when our room wasn’t ready on time.
• Voucher (noun) - A document or code that can be used in place of money for a specific service or discount.
• Use 'voucher' when you receive or offer a credit for specific services. Often given as compensation or promotion.
• Friend: Did the hotel apologize? You: Yes, they offered a voucher for the spa.
42. We got a discount for booking early, which saved us 20%.
• Discount (noun) - A reduction in the usual price of something, such as travel or accommodation.
• Use 'discount' to reference special deals or reduced pricing, which can help stretch a weekend trip budget.
• Friend: How’s the price? You: Not bad, we found a weekend discount online.
43. We purchased travel insurance to feel secure in case of emergencies.
• Travel insurance (noun phrase) - A policy that covers financial losses like cancellations, medical expenses, or lost luggage during a trip.
• Use 'travel insurance' if you want extra protection against trip disruptions or accidents, especially for flights.
• Friend: Do we really need travel insurance? You: It’s worth it for peace of mind on the road.
44. The guidebook suggested top-rated local restaurants and hidden gems.
• Guidebook (noun) - A book that provides travelers with information on destinations, attractions, and activities.
• Use 'guidebook' to quickly find curated spots. Handy if you prefer offline travel tips without relying on the internet.
• Friend: How did you find that café? You: It’s recommended in the guidebook’s local eats section.
45. The host sent us clear directions to the cabin.
• Directions (noun) - Instructions on how to reach a specific place or follow a route.
• Use 'directions' to navigate step by step, especially helpful in rural areas with limited signage or phone signal.
• Friend: Do we know how to get there? You: I have directions on my phone and a printed copy.
46. We took a city break to experience local museums and nightlife.
• City break (noun phrase) - A short trip to a city to explore urban culture, often over a weekend.
• Use 'city break' when you want a quick urban escape, typically focusing on culture, food, and attractions.
• Friend: Thinking of a beach? You: Actually, a city break sounds fun for a quick weekend trip.
47. We booked a mountain retreat to escape the city chaos.
• Retreat (noun) - A quiet or secluded place where one can relax and recharge, often for leisure or reflection.
• Use 'retreat' for a calmer, stress-free getaway. It often implies wellness, mindfulness, or rustic solitude.
• Friend: Any weekend ideas? You: A wellness retreat might be just what we need.
48. Our weekend plan includes a beach day to soak up the sun.
• Beach (noun) - A sandy or pebbly shore by the sea or a lake, popular for relaxation and recreation.
• Use 'beach' for a seaside or lakeside getaway, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or water sports on a short trip.
• Friend: Where should we spend Saturday? You: Let’s hit the beach and maybe try surfing.
49. We’re heading to the mountains for fresh air and stunning landscapes.
• Mountains (noun) - Large natural elevations of the Earth's surface, popular for hiking and scenic views.
• Use 'mountains' when you want a nature-focused trip with hiking or skiing. Great for an adventurous weekend.
• Friend: Why mountains? You: The hike is refreshing and the views are breathtaking.
50. We spent the morning sightseeing in the old town district.
• Sightseeing (noun/verb (gerund)) - The activity of visiting interesting places and viewing famous landmarks or natural wonders.
• Use 'sightseeing' for a day of exploring key highlights. It’s a core activity for short travel breaks.
• Friend: Any sightseeing plans? You: Yes, let’s visit the historic cathedral and city square.
51. The sunset over the lake is a perfect photo op.
• Photo op (noun phrase) - A location or moment suitable for taking a memorable photograph.
• Use 'photo op' when spotting scenic or iconic settings you want to capture. Handy for social media or scrapbooks.
• Friend: Should we stop here? You: Yes, this view is a great photo op!
52. We woke up early to watch the sunrise over the ocean.
• Sunrise (noun) - The time in the morning when the sun appears or full daylight arrives.
• Mention 'sunrise' if you enjoy the tranquility of early morning vistas. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
• Friend: Why set the alarm so early? You: The sunrise is worth it—unforgettable view!
53. We planned a picnic on the beach to enjoy the sunset.
• Sunset (noun) - The time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon.
• Use 'sunset' to schedule a romantic or picturesque moment. Commonly considered a highlight of any scenic spot.
• Friend: Let’s stay for sunset? You: Absolutely, it’s the best time for photos.
54. We tried the local cuisine, including seafood specialties, for an authentic experience.
• Local cuisine (noun phrase) - The typical dishes or culinary style native to a particular region.
• Use 'local cuisine' to find regional specialties. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the area’s culture.
• Friend: Where should we eat? You: Let’s sample some local cuisine to explore new flavors.
55. I bought a small handcrafted bowl as a souvenir from the market.
• Souvenir (noun) - An item kept as a reminder of a place or event.
• Use 'souvenir' for keepsakes that help you remember your trip. They also make thoughtful gifts.
• Friend: Any souvenirs? You: Yes, I got a fridge magnet and a local handmade scarf.
56. We have a two-hour layover in Chicago before catching our next flight.
• Layover (noun) - A short stop or waiting period between segments of a journey, often at an airport.
• Use 'layover' when your route includes multiple flights or connections. Good to account for waiting times.
• Friend: Any layovers? You: Yes, but it’s just enough time to grab coffee.
57. We booked a short-haul flight to a nearby island for the weekend.
• Short haul (adjective) - Describing a relatively short-distance flight or journey, often under three hours.
• Use 'short haul' to specify brief travel distances by plane. Common for domestic or close international trips.
• Friend: Are we flying far? You: No, it’s a short haul—only about 90 minutes in the air.
58. We’re opting for a mid-range hotel to balance comfort and cost.
• Mid-range (adjective) - Moderate in price or quality, not the cheapest but not luxury either.
• Use 'mid-range' for average-priced options when you want some comfort without overspending.
• Friend: Are you going budget or high-end? You: Mid-range—clean and comfortable, but affordable.
59. For our anniversary weekend, we splurged on a luxury spa resort.
• Luxury (noun/adjective) - High-end, expensive options with premium quality and service.
• Use 'luxury' when you prioritize top-tier facilities, comfort, and services. Perfect for special occasions.
• Friend: Isn’t that hotel expensive? You: It’s luxury, but we’re treating ourselves this weekend.
60. Though it’s just a short vacation, I’m excited to unplug and relax.
• Vacation (noun) - A period of time spent away from work or home, often for leisure.
• Use 'vacation' for any holiday period. Even a weekend trip can be referred to as a mini-vacation.
• Friend: When’s your vacation? You: I’m taking off this weekend for a quick getaway.
61. We planned a long weekend trip around the national holiday.
• Long weekend (noun phrase) - An extended weekend, often due to a public holiday, typically three or four days.
• Use 'long weekend' when you have an extra day off. Ideal for slightly further trips or more activities.
• Friend: How many days do you have off? You: It’s a long weekend, so I have four days to relax.
62. This weekend trip is purely for leisure—no strict schedule.
• Leisure (noun) - Time free from work or other duties to relax or enjoy hobbies.
• Use 'leisure' when emphasizing relaxation or free time. Common in casual discussions about off-work hours.
• Friend: Any goals for the trip? You: Just leisure, relaxation, and good food.
63. We craved adventure, so we signed up for zip-lining and rock climbing.
• Adventure (noun) - An unusual, exciting, or daring experience, often involving exploration.
• Use 'adventure' when referencing thrilling activities or exploring new places beyond comfort zones.
• Friend: Relaxing or action-packed? You: I’m up for some adventure—let’s go rafting!
64. Our booking was confirmed within minutes online.
• Booking (noun) - The act of reserving or arranging a service such as a hotel room or tour.
• Use 'booking' to talk about securing accommodations or services in advance. Essential for short, busy weekends.
• Friend: How’s the booking process? You: Straightforward—I just filled out my details and paid.
65. I chose a flexible booking in case our schedule changes.
• Flexible booking (noun phrase) - A reservation option that allows changes or cancellations without heavy penalties.
• Use 'flexible booking' if you need leeway in your travel plans. Perfect for uncertain weather or shifting dates.
• Friend: Worried about last-minute changes? You: That’s why I picked the flexible booking option.
66. We took a day trip to the nearby waterfalls and returned by evening.
• Day trip (noun phrase) - A short excursion where you return home or to your main lodging the same day.
• Use 'day trip' for quick visits to attractions without staying overnight. Ideal if you have limited time.
• Friend: Staying overnight? You: No, it’s just a day trip—back by dinner.
67. We stopped at a roadside diner for a quick meal.
• Roadside (adjective) - Located by the side of a road, often referring to rest stops or small shops.
• Use 'roadside' to describe anything along the route, such as diners or markets, convenient for traveling by car.
• Friend: Where can we eat? You: There’s a roadside café a few miles ahead.
68. We packed sandwiches for a picnic at the lake.
• Picnic (noun/verb) - An informal meal eaten outdoors, often on a trip or in a scenic spot.
• Use 'picnic' when you want an outdoor meal, adding a relaxing or romantic vibe to a short getaway.
• Friend: Should we eat at a café? You: Let’s do a picnic with a nice view instead.
69. The waterfall is a must-see if you’re in the area.
• Must-see (adjective/noun) - Describes an essential place or event that shouldn’t be missed.
• Use 'must-see' to highlight unmissable attractions or experiences on a weekend trip.
• Friend: Any recommendations? You: The local castle is a must-see—beautiful architecture!
70. We searched for hotels within our price range of $50 to $100 per night.
• Price range (noun phrase) - The scale of possible prices, from lowest to highest, for a product or service.
• Mention 'price range' to quickly define your budget. Helps filter lodging or activity options.
• Friend: Is that resort expensive? You: It might be out of our price range for a quick trip.
71. We packed light and only brought carry-on luggage for the weekend.
• Luggage (noun) - Bags and suitcases a traveler carries on a trip.
• Use 'luggage' to discuss everything you bring along. For short trips, minimal luggage often simplifies travel.
• Friend: Any checked luggage? You: No, just carry-on to save time.
72. Don’t lose your boarding pass or you can’t board the flight.
• Boarding pass (noun phrase) - A ticket-like document giving a passenger permission to enter a plane or ferry.
• Use 'boarding pass' specifically for air or sea travel. It’s required along with ID at the gate.
• Airline Staff: May I see your boarding pass? You: Sure, here it is.
73. We caught the morning ferry to the island and arrived in under an hour.
• Ferry (noun) - A boat or ship that carries passengers (and sometimes vehicles) across water.
• Use 'ferry' when water transport is involved. Check schedules and weather conditions ahead of time.
• Friend: Is there another way to get there? You: The ferry is the fastest route over the bay.
74. We bought a tourist pass to save money on museum entries and public transport.
• Tourist pass (noun phrase) - A card or ticket allowing discounted entry or unlimited travel in a specific region for a set duration.
• Use 'tourist pass' to bundle multiple attractions or transport, ideal for quick weekend visits to busy areas.
• Friend: Are individual tickets cheaper? You: Actually, the tourist pass is a better deal if we see multiple sites.
75. Weekend trains might differ from commuter schedules, so check the timetable.
• Commuter (noun/adjective) - A person who travels regularly between home and work or school.
• Use 'commuter' when referencing daily travelers. Knowing commuter patterns helps avoid peak travel hours.
• Friend: Is the train crowded? You: Not really, fewer commuters on weekends.
76. On a short getaway, free time often goes to exploring local sights.
• Free time (noun phrase) - Period when one is not working or busy; leisure time.
• Use 'free time' to denote open slots in your itinerary. Perfect for spontaneous activities or relaxation.
• Friend: How’s our schedule? You: We have some free time after lunch for shopping.
77. We arranged a car rental for the weekend to explore multiple towns.
• Car rental (noun phrase) - A service allowing you to temporarily hire a car for personal use.
• Use 'car rental' if public transport is limited or you want the freedom to travel on your own schedule.
• Friend: How are we moving around? You: I booked a car rental to have more flexibility.
78. Relying on public transport might limit late-night options, so plan accordingly.
• Public transport (noun phrase) - Shared transportation services available for use by the general public, like buses and trains.
• Use 'public transport' for cost-efficient travel. Check schedules, as weekend service may differ from weekdays.
• Friend: Should we drive? You: Let’s stick to public transport—cheaper and no parking hassle.
79. We exchanged our dollars for local currency at the airport.
• Currency (noun) - The system of money in general use in a particular country.
• Use 'currency' if traveling abroad. Knowing local currency ensures smooth transactions for lodging or souvenirs.
• Friend: Do they accept credit cards? You: Mostly, but I’ll keep some local currency just in case.
80. We faced a slight language barrier, but gestures and a phrasebook helped.
• Language barrier (noun phrase) - A communication challenge due to not sharing a common language.
• Use 'language barrier' to prepare for potential communication issues abroad. Handy to learn basics or carry a translator app.
• Friend: Will they speak English? You: Not everyone, so the language barrier might be tricky.
81. We waited in the airport lounge until our boarding call.
• Lounge (noun) - A comfortable waiting area, often in airports or hotels, where travelers can relax.
• Use 'lounge' to describe a resting area. Perfect for those who want calm surroundings before continuing their journey.
• Friend: Got time before the flight? You: Yes, let’s relax in the lounge for a bit.
82. Our arrival is scheduled for Friday evening, giving us time to settle in.
• Arrival (noun) - The act of reaching a destination or the time one gets there.
• Use 'arrival' to coordinate pick-up times or inform hosts when you’ll be there. Key for weekend planning.
• Friend: When’s your arrival? You: Around 6 PM, so I’ll meet you for dinner.
83. Our departure is early Sunday to avoid traffic on the way back.
• Departure (noun) - The act of leaving a place or the time one sets off.
• Use 'departure' when clarifying when you’ll start your return journey or leave a location.
• Friend: What time is departure? You: I’m leaving at dawn to get home by noon.
84. We made a last-minute decision to visit the nearby vineyard.
• Last-minute (adjective) - Happening or arranged just before the planned event, often impulsively or with little time left.
• Use 'last-minute' for spontaneous changes or bookings. It might mean fewer options or higher costs, so be flexible.
• Friend: Did you plan it in advance? You: No, it was a last-minute addition to our itinerary.
85. We took a spontaneous drive to a waterfall we saw on a road sign.
• Spontaneous (adjective) - Done or decided on impulse, without prior planning.
• Use 'spontaneous' to describe an unplanned, exciting move. Great for adding adventure to a short trip.
• Friend: Was that on the itinerary? You: No, it was totally spontaneous—and so worth it!
86. Having a reliable travel buddy makes weekend trips more fun and secure.
• Travel buddy (noun phrase) - A companion or friend who accompanies you on a journey.
• Use 'travel buddy' when referring to someone who shares your trip, splitting costs or experiences.
• Friend: Heading alone? You: No, I’m going with my travel buddy from work.
87. The travel agent gave us a quotation for the hotel and tours.
• Quotation (noun) - An estimate or stated cost for a service, such as a trip package or rental.
• Use 'quotation' to get an upfront cost before committing. Helpful when comparing multiple travel options.
• Friend: How much did they say? You: The quotation was $250 per person for the weekend package.
88. We found a weekend deal that includes a discount on spa treatments.
• Weekend deal (noun phrase) - A special offer or package priced lower for those traveling specifically on weekends.
• Look for 'weekend deals' when you only have a short break. They often bundle accommodations with perks.
• Friend: Was the hotel pricey? You: No, they had a weekend deal that saved us a lot.
89. The tour operator offered us a convenient weekend itinerary.
• Tour operator (noun) - A company or person that organizes travel packages, including transport and accommodation.
• Use 'tour operator' if you want a packaged trip with minimal effort. Good for short, structured getaways.
• Friend: How’d you book all this so easily? You: I used a tour operator that handled everything.
90. My friend’s a frequent flyer and gets upgraded seats occasionally.
• Frequent flyer (noun) - A traveler who often uses airlines and may earn rewards from a loyalty program.
• Use 'frequent flyer' if you or someone else travels by air regularly. Points can lead to free or discounted flights.
• Friend: Do you get any perks? You: Yes, I’m a frequent flyer, so I earn miles and priority boarding.
91. We’re planning a cross-border trip by train to visit the neighboring country.
• Cross-border (adjective) - Involving travel between different countries sharing a boundary.
• Use 'cross-border' to denote international travel by land. Remember passport or visa requirements.
• Friend: Any passport checks? You: Yes, it’s cross-border, so we’ll need our documents.
92. Even a short weekend abroad can lead to mild jet lag.
• Jet lag (noun) - A feeling of tiredness and confusion after a long flight across different time zones.
• Use 'jet lag' for time zone fatigue. For a weekend trip, consider minimal time differences or quick recovery plans.
• Friend: You look tired! You: A bit of jet lag from that overnight flight.
93. We joined a local car share to split rides to the beach resort.
• Car share (noun/verb phrase) - A service or arrangement where multiple people share use and cost of a vehicle.
• Use 'car share' for splitting expenses and driving responsibilities. Good for short or one-off journeys.
• Friend: Did you rent a car alone? You: No, we used a car share with another couple.
94. Check the bus timetable to plan our return trip on Sunday.
• Timetable (noun) - A schedule listing the times at which certain events (like trains or buses) occur.
• Use 'timetable' to stay aware of public transport departure and arrival times, vital for weekend scheduling.
• Friend: When’s the next train? You: According to the timetable, there’s one every two hours.
95. We packed all our camping gear in the car trunk.
• Car trunk (noun) - The storage compartment at the back of a car, used to hold luggage or items.
• Use 'car trunk' when discussing where to stow bags for a road trip. Ensures a clutter-free passenger area.
• Friend: Where do we put the cooler? You: There’s space in the car trunk.
96. I saved my e-ticket on my phone for faster check-in at the airport.
• E-ticket (noun) - An electronic ticket, usually delivered via email or app, used for flights or events.
• Use 'e-ticket' in digital-friendly settings where smartphones are acceptable proofs of booking.
• Friend: Printed or digital? You: I have an e-ticket—just need to show the barcode.
97. We spent the afternoon strolling through the national park.
• Park (noun) - A large public green space or a natural reserve used for leisure or outdoor activities.
• Use 'park' for a relaxing stop or to enjoy nature. Perfect for short breaks during a weekend trip.
• Friend: Where to next? You: Let’s check out that famous park for a picnic.
98. Though short, our weekend cruise included island hopping and onboard activities.
• Cruise (noun/verb) - A voyage on a ship or boat taken for pleasure, often stopping at various ports.
• Use 'cruise' if you enjoy traveling by water with amenities onboard. Short cruises can be surprisingly feasible.
• Friend: Not enough time for a cruise? You: Actually, there’s a 2-night mini-cruise itinerary available.
99. We treated ourselves to a seaside villa for a luxurious weekend.
• Villa (noun) - A large, upscale house or estate often rented out for vacation stays.
• Use 'villa' for high-end private homes, often in scenic areas. Suited to group getaways or special occasions.
• Friend: Where are you staying? You: A lovely villa with a private pool—total relaxation!
100. We rented a quaint cottage near the lake for a peaceful escape.
• Cottage (noun) - A small, cozy house, often found in rural or semi-rural locations.
• Use 'cottage' for a rustic, homely vibe away from bustling cities. Ideal for couples or families seeking tranquility.
• Friend: Hotel or something else? You: A cozy cottage—perfect for a quiet weekend.
101. We plan to explore the coastal town on foot, visiting local shops and cafes.
• Explore (verb) - To travel around an area in order to learn about it or discover new places.
• Use 'explore' when describing casual wandering or discovering new areas without a strict schedule.
• Friend: What’s the plan for tomorrow? You: Let’s just explore—walk around and see what we find.