Describe a Place You Visited And Liked

You should say:
-Where it was
-Who you went with
-What was memorable about it
And explain why you liked it.

Ideas:

This is not an official answer to this question. Instead, 5 different places are described.

Place 1: Hà Giang, Vietnam
“A place that comes to my mind that is spectacular place in northern Vietnam called Hà Giang, which I visited with one of my old housemates. We did a motorbike trip through the mountains for a couple of days, and I have to say it was hands down the most unforgettable trip that I’ve ever had. I really think northern Vietnam is a hidden gem! The nature is breathtaking from start to finish. The roads weave through the mountains and every corner you turn you feel the need to get off your bike and take some pictures! These mountains are not like the Andes or the Alps, they have their own unique style. And I think one of the most enjoyable things about the trip is the fact that you’re doing it on a motorbike so you feel the fresh air blowing in your face and the sun on your skin. I always tell any of my friends who are going to Vietnam that they should check it out if they can because it’s really worth it.”

Place 2: Hobbiton, New Zealand
“A place that comes to my mind that I really liked is a place called Hobbiton, which is in New Zealand. You might have heard of it from the movie The Lord of the Rings. It’s where the little hobbits lived. Anyway, if you’re not familiar with the movie it’s this very picturesque, charming countryside village where the houses are built into the hills. Everything was so green and there were loads of flowers and different types of plants. It looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale! I actually visited this place with my brother because we were both living in New Zealand at the time and we’re both die-hard Lord of the Rings fans. We were like two little kids walking around this place, so giddy and in such a good mood! We basically got to see some of the main places from the movie, took piles of pictures and even had a beer in the famous Green Dragon pub from the movie! The beer was so good that we bought some bottles to bring home to our dad because he was also a big fan! So yeah, not only was it a beautiful place but it was meaningful for us and it’s a trip that we will never forget! “



Place 3: Disneyland, USA
“A place that comes to my mind that I really liked is Disneyland in Orlando, Florida. I went there when I was probably 12 years old with my family and it was definitely one of the most memorable holidays of my life! You know as a kid, you think of Disneyland as the ultimate playground. And you know I really wasn’t expecting this holiday because I knew it would cost a fortune! As an adult now though I appreciate how hard they must have worked to save up for that trip. But yeah, Disneyland is absolutely magical. It was so huge, there were so many rides and some of the rollercoasters were absolutely mental! The only downside was that the queues were really long. As a kid it feels like an eternity! That was actually my first time in the States. You know we really embraced the American food so we pigged out on burgers, fries and all that stuff the entire holiday! All in all, it lived up to the hype! And we’ve got plenty of photos that we can look back on and remember those good times!”

Place 4: Cagliari, Italy
“One of the places that I really enjoyed visiting that comes to my mind is a place called Cagliari, which is the largest city on the island of Sardinia. I went there for a holiday a couple of years ago and stayed with an old friend who lived there. Honestly it exceeded my expectations. I had just planned to chill out with an old friend, try some Italian food and check out a few places. I didn’t want to rush around and have lots of full-on plans for this particular trip. The thing I enjoyed the most was probably dining out in these authentic Italian restaurants with my mate and reminiscing about old times! We had been housemates for around a year so we had plenty of things to chat about. It was a great way to fully catch up with each other. And the Italian food definitely lived up to the hype! I made sure to eat copious amounts of pizza and pasta. I must’ve come home 5 kilos heavier! The last thing I’d mention is that I really liked the peacefulness of the city; it wasn’t hectic like some of the major cities; it had a way more relaxed coastal vibe, which is exactly what I needed!”

Place 5: Machu Picchu, Peru
“One of the places that I visited that I will always cherish is Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. I remember learning about Machu Picchu for the first time from a tv series actually and it blew my mind that this place existed. Although I didn’t have anything written out, I mentally stuck it on my bucket list! Just 3 years after seeing that program, I was supposed to be attending my graduation from university. But instead, I decided to book a trip and head to Peru by myself! I think I was 19 at the time. And you know I actually went to a Spanish school in Cusco for 3 weeks and stayed with a host family before setting off up the Andes! Cusco itself was a charming little town and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there but nothing compares to that trip we did through the mountains! The views where breathtaking but it was the people in my group that made it! We were constantly singing and having a laugh the whole way up the mountain! Everyone was so positive and in high spirits! And you know when I think back to that trip, I realise that it helped me understand what’s truly important. It’s not about the view at the top; it really is the journey itself. And even better when you have good people around you!”

Vocabulary:

  • Spectacular: Strikingly impressive or dramatic. E.g. The fireworks display was spectacular, lighting up the entire sky.
  • Hands down: Without a doubt; easily the best. E.g. That was hands down the best pizza I’ve ever tasted.
  • Unforgettable: So memorable it cannot be forgotten. E.g. The sunset over the ocean was an unforgettable moment.
  • Hidden gem: A lesser-known place or thing of great value. E.g. We found a hidden gem of a café tucked away in the village.
  • Breathtaking from start to finish: Continuously stunning or awe-inspiring. E.g. The hike was breathtaking from start to finish, with epic views.
  • Weave through: Move through a crowded or complex area with skill. E.g. We had to weave through the busy market to find the stall.
  • Check out: Visit or explore something interesting. E.g. You should check out the new art gallery downtown.
  • Worth it: Valuable enough to justify the effort or cost. E.g. The long queue was worth it for those amazing tacos.
  • Picturesque: Visually charming, like a painting. E.g. The picturesque village was perfect for photography.
  • Charming: Delightfully pleasant or attractive. E.g. The charming old bookstore had a cozy vibe.
  • It looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale: Appears magical or fantastical, like a storybook scene. E.g. The castle looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale.
  • Die-hard fans: Extremely loyal and passionate supporters. E.g. Die-hard fans camped out for concert tickets.
  • Walking around: Strolling or exploring on foot. E.g. We spent the day walking around the historic district.
  • Giddy: Excited to the point of being lightheaded or silly. E.g. I felt giddy with joy when I got the news.
  • In such a good mood: Feeling extremely happy or positive. E.g. The sunny weather put me in such a good mood.
  • Meaningful: Full of significance or emotional depth. E.g. Our conversation by the campfire was so meaningful.
  • Memorable: Worth remembering due to its impact. E.g. The festival was a memorable experience for everyone.
  • Cost a fortune: Extremely expensive. E.g. That designer bag cost a fortune!
  • Save up for: Gradually collect money for a specific purchase. E.g. I’m saving up for a trip to Japan.
  • Magical: Enchanting or otherworldly. E.g. The snowy forest felt magical at dusk.
  • Mental: Crazy or intense (informal). E.g. The party last night was absolutely mental!
  • Downside: A negative aspect or drawback. E.g. The downside of the trip was the long flight.
  • An eternity: A seemingly endless amount of time. E.g. Waiting for the bus felt like an eternity.


  • Embraced: Welcomed or accepted wholeheartedly. E.g. She embraced the local culture during her travels.
  • Pigged out: Ate a lot, often indulgently. E.g. We pigged out on pizza and ice cream all night.
  • It lived up to the hype: Met or exceeded high expectations. E.g. The new restaurant lived up to the hype.
  • Look back on: Reflect on past experiences. E.g. I love looking back on our summer adventures.
  • Good times: Enjoyable, happy moments. E.g. Those were good times, laughing with friends.
  • It exceeded my expectations: Was better than anticipated. E.g. The concert exceeded my expectations completely.
  • Chill out: Relax or calm down. E.g. Let’s just chill out by the pool today.
  • Rush around: Hurry or move frantically. E.g. I’ve been rushing around all day getting errands done.
  • Full-on plans: Busy or ambitious schedule. E.g. We’ve got full-on plans for the weekend.
  • Dining out: Eating at a restaurant. E.g. We’re dining out at that new sushi place tonight.
  • Authentic: Genuine or true to its origins. E.g. The tacos tasted authentic, just like in Mexico.
  • Reminiscing about old times: Fondly recalling past memories. E.g. We spent hours reminiscing about old times.
  • Catch up with each other: Reconnect and share updates. E.g. We met for coffee to catch up with each other.
  • Copious amounts: A large or excessive quantity. E.g. They served copious amounts of food at the party.
  • Hectic: Frantically busy or chaotic. E.g. My morning was so hectic with back-to-back meetings.
  • Relaxed coastal vibe: A calm, laid-back atmosphere typical of coastal areas. E.g. The town had a relaxed coastal vibe I loved.
  • Cherish: Treasure or deeply value. E.g. I cherish the memories of our trip.
  • Blew my mind: Amazed or shocked profoundly. E.g. The view from the mountain blew my mind.
  • Stuck it on my bucket list: Added to a list of must-do experiences. E.g. I stuck skydiving on my bucket list.
  • Head to: Go toward a destination. E.g. Let’s head to the beach this afternoon.
  • Setting off: Beginning a journey or trip. E.g. We’re setting off for Paris tomorrow.
  • Thoroughly enjoyed: Fully and completely liked. E.g. I thoroughly enjoyed the live music show.
  • It was the people that made it: The experience was special because of the company. E.g. The trip was fun, but it was the people that made it.
  • Having a laugh: Joking or enjoying lighthearted fun. E.g. We were just having a laugh at the pub.
  • In high spirits: Cheerful and energetic. E.g. Everyone was in high spirits at the festival.

Matching Exercise

Match the words (1-10) with their correct definitions (a-j):

  1. hands down 
  2. hidden gem 
  3. giddy 
  4. cost a fortune 
  5. mental 
  6. pigged out
  7. it lived up to the hype 
  8. reminiscing about old times 
  9. blew my mind 
  10. stuck it on my bucket list

A. Added to a list of must-do experiences.
B. Without a doubt; easily the best.
C. Amazed or shocked profoundly.
D. A lesser-known place or thing of great value.
E. Ate a lot, often indulgently.
F. Extremely expensive.
G. Fondly recalling past memories.
H. Excited to the point of being lightheaded or silly.
I. Crazy or intense (informal).
J. Met or exceeded high expectations.

Answers
  1. hands down – B
  2. hidden gem – D
  3. giddy – H
  4. cost a fortune – F
  5. mental – I
  6. pigged out – E
  7. it lived up to the hype – J
  8. reminiscing about old times – G
  9. blew my mind – C
  10. stuck it on my bucket list – A

Fill in the 15 gaps using the following vocabulary:

worth it, blew my mind, hidden gem, spectacular, check out, in such a good mood, cost a fortune, chill out, picturesque, bucket list, , hands down, straight out of a fairy tale, save up, it lived up to the hype, catch up

Emma: Hey, Alex! I’m back from Switzerland, and I’ve got to tell you about it!
Alex: Awesome! How was it?

Emma: Oh, it was 1) _______! The Alps were just unreal, with snow-capped peaks everywhere. Honestly, it was 2) _______ the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.
Alex: Wow, that sounds amazing. Any favorite spots?

Emma: Totally! We found this 3) _______ of a village called Lauterbrunnen. It was so 4) _______, with waterfalls and cozy chalets. It looks like it’s 5) _______!
Alex: That sounds magical. Did you take tons of photos?

Emma: You bet! You’ve got to 6) _______ this one valley we hiked—it was so 7) _______, like a postcard. The whole trip 8) _______! I just could’t believe the beauty of this place!
Alex: Sounds pricey, though. Was it expensive?

Emma: Yeah, it 9) _______, especially the train rides up the mountains. I had to 10) _______ for months to afford it!
Alex: Worth it, though, right?

Emma: Oh, absolutely. Everyone raved about Switzerland, and 11) _______. I was 12) _______ the whole time, just soaking it all in.
Alex: Did you do anything to relax, or was it all go-go-go?

Emma: We made time to 13 _______ by Lake Geneva. It was so peaceful, just sitting there with hot chocolate. Oh, and I got to 14) _______ with my cousin who lives there, which was super fun.
Alex: Sounds like a dream trip. Would you go back?

Emma: I’d love to, but I’ve got a few other places on my 15) _______ yet to visit!

Answers
  1. spectacular  
  2. hands down  
  3. hidden gem  
  4. worth it  
  5. straight out of a fairy tale  
  6. check out  
  7.  picturesque
  8. blew my mind
  9. cost a fortune  
  10. save up 
  11. lived up to the hype 
  12. in such a good mood  
  13. chill out 
  14. catch up  
  15. bucket list

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