[IELTS Vocabulary] Travel and tourism

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Vocabulary list

1. Cultural Exchange through Tourism

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Cultural immersion	Noun phrase	Deep involvement in the customs and lifestyle of a foreign culture	Cultural immersion allows tourists to gain a deeper understanding of local traditions.
Heritage sites	Noun phrase	Places with historical, cultural, or natural significance	Visiting heritage sites is an integral part of cultural tourism.
Local cuisine	Noun phrase	Traditional food of a particular region	Sampling local cuisine is a highlight of cultural exchange.
Sightseeing	Noun/Verb	Visiting places of interest	Tourists enjoy sightseeing to explore the cultural richness of a destination.
Language barriers	Noun phrase	Challenges in communication due to different languages	Overcoming language barriers enhances cultural exchange experiences.
Guided tours	Noun phrase	Organized tours led by knowledgeable guides	Guided tours provide valuable insights into local culture and history.
Folklore	Noun	Traditional beliefs, stories, and customs	Folklore plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage.
Handicrafts	Noun	Handmade products reflecting local culture	Purchasing handicrafts supports local artisans and promotes cultural exchange.
Cultural festivals	Noun phrase	Celebrations showcasing local traditions	Cultural festivals offer tourists a glimpse into the community’s cultural identity.
Homestays	Noun	Accommodation provided by local residents	Homestays provide authentic cultural experiences for travelers.
Cultural sensitivity	Noun phrase	Awareness and respect for cultural differences	Cultural sensitivity enhances interactions during cultural exchange.
Interactions with locals	Noun phrase	Engagement with residents of a destination	Meaningful interactions with locals enrich the cultural exchange experience.
Cultural appreciation	Noun phrase	Recognition and respect for diverse cultures	Cultural appreciation fosters understanding and acceptance among travelers.
Traditional ceremonies	Noun phrase	Rituals and practices passed down through generations	Witnessing traditional ceremonies offers insight into local customs and beliefs.
Historical landmarks	Noun phrase	Sites of significant historical importance	Exploring historical landmarks provides insights into a destination’s past.
Cultural assimilation	Noun phrase	Adoption of cultural practices and norms	Cultural assimilation occurs through exposure to different cultures during travel.

2. Ecotourism and Its Benefits

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Conservation efforts	Noun phrase	Actions aimed at preserving natural resources	Ecotourism supports conservation efforts in fragile ecosystems.
Environmental impact	Noun phrase	Effects of human activity on the environment	Responsible ecotourism minimizes environmental impact.
Sustainable tourism	Noun phrase	Tourism that conserves natural environments, supports local communities and minimizes negative impacts	Sustainable tourism promotes environmental and cultural conservation.
Wildlife conservation	Noun phrase	Protection of wildlife and their habitats	Ecotourism contributes to wildlife conservation efforts.
Nature reserves	Noun phrase	Protected areas for preserving natural habitats	Nature reserves provide sanctuary for diverse plant and animal species.
Responsible travel	Noun phrase	Mindful and ethical travel practices	Responsible travel minimizes negative impacts on local environments and cultures.
Carbon footprint reduction	Noun phrase	Efforts to decrease carbon emissions	Ecotourism initiatives focus on carbon footprint reduction.
Eco-friendly accommodations	Noun phrase	Lodging options with minimal environmental impact	Eco-friendly accommodations prioritize sustainability and conservation.
Conservation awareness	Noun phrase	Knowledge and understanding of conservation issues	Ecotourism fosters conservation awareness among travelers.
Sustainable practices	Noun phrase	Actions that support ecological and social sustainability	Adopting sustainable practices is key to promoting ecotourism.

3. The Impact of Tourism on Local Communities

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Economic opportunities	Noun phrase	Possibilities for financial gain or advancement	Tourism can create economic opportunities for local communities.
Cultural preservation	Noun phrase	Protection of cultural heritage and traditions	Tourism initiatives should prioritize cultural preservation.
Infrastructure development	Noun phrase	Construction of facilities and services to support tourism	Proper infrastructure development can enhance the tourist experience.
Socioeconomic impact	Noun phrase	Effects of tourism on the social and economic aspects of a community	Tourism can have both positive and negative socioeconomic impacts on local communities.
Community empowerment	Noun phrase	Strengthening of community resources and capacity	Tourism can empower local communities to take charge of their development.
Tourism revenue	Noun phrase	Income generated from tourist activities	Tourism revenue contributes to the economic growth of local communities.
Employment opportunities	Noun phrase	Jobs created as a result of tourism activities	Tourism provides employment opportunities for locals in various sectors.
Sustainable development	Noun phrase	Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs	Sustainable development ensures the long-term well-being of local communities.
Community engagement	Noun phrase	Involvement and participation of community members	Community engagement is essential for sustainable tourism development.
Cultural exchange programs	Noun phrase	Initiatives promoting cross-cultural interaction	Cultural exchange programs enrich the tourist experience and foster mutual understanding.
Tourism infrastructure	Noun phrase	Facilities and amenities supporting tourism	Investments in tourism infrastructure enhance the attractiveness of destinations.
Community-based tourism	Noun phrase	Tourism initiatives managed and operated by local communities	Community-based tourism empowers locals to showcase their culture and heritage.
Social cohesion	Noun phrase	Sense of unity and belonging within a community	Tourism can foster social cohesion by bringing people together.
Environmental degradation	Noun phrase	Decline in the quality of the environment due to human activities	Uncontrolled tourism can lead to environmental degradation in sensitive ecosystems.
Overtourism management	Noun phrase	Strategies to address negative impacts of excessive tourism	Overtourism management ensures sustainable tourism practices in popular destinations.

Idioms for Speaking

These are idioms and phrases that use topic-related figures of speech. They can also be used in different contexts.

Idiom	Definition	Example
A stone’s throw away	A very short distance; nearby.	“Our hotel was just a stone’s throw away from the beach, making it convenient for us to go swimming.”
Catch the travel bug	To develop a strong desire to travel and explore new places.	“After her first trip abroad, she caught the travel bug and now plans to visit different countries.”
Off-the-beaten-path	A location or route that is not well-known or frequently traveled.	“We prefer to explore off the beaten path destinations to experience unique cultures.”
Pack one’s bags	To prepare for a trip by putting belongings into luggage.	“We’re excited to pack our bags and head to the mountains for a weekend getaway.”
Hit the road	To begin a journey or set out on a trip, especially by car.	“After breakfast, we hit the road to start our cross-country road trip.”
On the horizon	Likely to happen soon or be encountered in the future.	“With summer approaching, a beach vacation is on the horizon for many travelers.”
Passport to adventure	The means to embark on exciting and diverse experiences.	“A passport is not just a document; it’s a passport to adventure and exploration.”
Put oneself on the map	To become well-known or gain recognition, especially in a particular area.	“By showcasing local art, the gallery aims to put the town on the map as an artistic hub.”
Road less traveled	A less common or conventional path or route.	“Taking the road less traveled often leads to discovering hidden gems and unique experiences.”
Take a rain check	To decline an invitation or offer with the intention of accepting it later.	“Some celebrities lead a jet-set lifestyle, hopping between cities for work and leisure.”
Travel on a shoestring	To travel with a very limited budget.	“During their gap year, they decided to travel on a shoestring and explore budget-friendly destinations.”
Up in the air	Uncertain or undecided; plans that have not been finalized.	“Our vacation plans are still up in the air; we haven’t decided on the destination yet.”
Go the extra mile	To make a special effort or go above and beyond what is required.	“The hotel staff always goes the extra mile to ensure guests have a memorable stay.”
Get away from it all	To take a break from one’s routine and escape from stress or problems.	“We booked a secluded cabin in the mountains to get away from it all and enjoy some tranquility.”
Jet-set lifestyle	A glamorous and luxurious lifestyle involving frequent travel.	“Some celebrities lead a jet set lifestyle, hopping between cities for work and leisure.”
Mile a minute	Extremely fast or quickly changing.	“The pace of the city was mile a minute, and we had to adapt quickly to keep up.”
Off the map	A location that is not well-known or recognized.	“The small village was off the map for most tourists, providing a peaceful and authentic experience.”
Set sail	To begin a journey, especially by boat.	“As the sun set, we set sail on a cruise along the coastline.”
Take the scenic route	To choose a path that offers beautiful views and interesting sights.	“Rather than taking the highway, we decided to take the scenic route through the mountains.”
See the sights	To visit and explore tourist attractions.	“When visiting a new city, it’s important to take the time to see the sights and experience the culture.”