Ready for a holiday

The objective

To plan a holiday itinerary in detail using a travel brochure

The language

First or Second Conditionals: If we go... or If we went...

Present simple: Let´s..., Why don´t we...? I think...,

Present continuous: We´re going to...

Past simple: I went there...years ago.

Present perfect: I´ve been to...already.

Modals: We should..., We could..., We might..., It could (cost)...

The set-up

Pick up enough travel brochures from your local travel agency so that each group in class has one; if you can´t, then find one on the internet. The brochures can give information on package-holidays, hotels, destinations, or could give more specialized, even local holiday-trip information. Whatever you can find or whatever you think will interest your class should work just fine.

The low-down

Explain to the class that they are going to work together in groups or pairs to plan a holiday trip together. Explain what information the brochures contain generally or give a more comprehensive list of countries/destinations listed and chat for a few minutes about it. Next, establish a budget limit and the limit to the number of days they can travel. Tell them they will have to

• choose the destination/s
• decide who´s coming along
• estimate the cost
• make out a daily itinerary
• estimate the cost of extras not listed (such as souvenirs, petrol, food, etc.)
• decide exactly when they will go which is convenient for everyone

Now hand out the brochures and give them a time limit.

Now what?

Once they´ve got their formal plan inked out, they can present it to the class. The class listens and each group is invited to give their opinion about either what they thought was the most interesting part of the plan and or a suggestion for changing the plan.

Time to teach

You can elicit some of the phrases they needed to explain/plan each part of the trip.

More talk-time

How do you plan a holiday?

How far in advance do you plan your holiday?

Which type of holiday do you prefer? Adventure? Romantic? Cultural? Relaxing?

Ever have a bad holiday?

What was the best holiday you ever had?

Any plans for this year?