English for Travel

A Family Plan A. CONVERSATION

Mr. and Mrs. Brown are considering taking their children on a holiday abroad. They are at a travel agent office for help.
Agent: Mr Brown: Good morning, Sir, Madam! How can we help you? Well, er, .. I think we have a small problem in planning our holiday. And I think, ... Sure. Please sit down! Thank you. Now, would you please tell me what your problem is, Mr. ... Brown. My names James Brown. And this is my wife, Patricia. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Brown. You told me you had a problem about ... A family holiday. Yes. A holiday for the whole family. Um .. Wed like advice about taking our children abroad this summer. Do you think theyre old enough to travel? Jane is eight and Mike is ten. Some people say that theyre too young to go abroad. Id say they are just the right ages for a certain type of travel. Youve come at a good time. Weve just made up a series of special tours for families. Our Family Budget Plan trips are all-expense paid. They are group tours with a minimum of fifteen persons. Do you mean that we parents get special consideration? Its about time, isnt it? These low-cost fares include reductions in hotel rates and sightseeing tours. You even get discounts on your meals. (Looking over the figures) The cost isnt much more than our usual seaside vacation. You say, this price includes everything? It takes care of all expenses of travel. However, it doesnt include government tax on the tickets or boarding fees in countries that charge that. Of course, all personal items must be paid for by the tourists - like laundry, telephone calls, telegrams, purchases, special trips, and tips of any personal services. You also have to cover the costs of your passports and visas. Well, I think thats fair enough. What do you think, James? Yes, its very reasonable. Now, tell us more about the trip! This particular trip is for family with children aged between twelve and under. Its called A Wonderful Adventure for Children, and seems just right for your family. Youll find yourselves enjoying everything, too. I agree that too many parents drag their children to places of interest only to adults. What are your adventures? Well, weve found that smaller countries have more charm for children. They cater to ones fantasy. For example, you start with Holland, the land of magic windmills. Near the Hague is the famous attraction of Madurodam, a complete miniature city, only knee-high. Its fascinating to both children and adults. From there you take a steamer down to Cologne. Ever since I was a teenager, Ive dreamed of going down the Rhine in a boat, gazing at all the castles. Im looking forward to seeing the cathedral at Cologne. How lovely! Youll enjoy a restful trip, as the tour director keeps the children busy on board ship. There are many activities for them. Then you alternate from boat to train as far as Basel in Switzerland. You take care of the transfers, too, dont you? Of course, Mr. Brown. You dont have anything to worry about - neither your children nor your luggage. (Showing more pictures) Heres what youll see in Switzerland. I think its a fairyland for children. Youll ride on a train high up in the mountains from Geneva to Zermatt.

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A Family Plan

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English for Travel (Pointing ) This is the Matterhorn, isnt it? Yes, it is, Mrs. Brown. Your children will recognise it from pictures in their geography books. Look, James! Jane will love these figures marching around the Berne clock. And Mike will tell all his friends about these trained bears. Lets buy them these cute Tyrolean costumes. Where do we end up? You may think Paris is strictly for grown-ups, but it offers a lot for children. We have special sightseeing tours For Children Only. Theyll visit castles, zoos, parks and childrens museums, and ride on the Seine. Theyll have a good time while youre dashing down the Champs Elyses or going to cabarets in Montmartre. How nice! Well, would you please reserve a place for our family? And dont forget all details and costs! Certainly, Mr. and Mrs. Brown. One of our staff will deliver the tickets and all necessary documents to you tomorrow afternoon. Could you please inform us you address? Sure! (Writing the address) Thank you very much. Our Jane and Mike will love this holiday. They certainly will, Mrs. Brown. Im sure about that. Thank you the advice. I really appreciate that. Bye for now! Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Brown. We wish you a safe and nice holiday.

B. NARRATION
Many trips now are being planned for families. Parents realise that travel can be educational and pleasurable for all. However, there are times when children cannot go with their parents. Nowadays, however, this problem is solved. In many large cities there are special hotels for children. These homes are well-staffed with responsible housekeepers, teachers, and nurses. They are under strict government supervision and take good care of visitors children. They offer special educational and recreational programs. Parents can find the names of such places through government bureaus or through their travel agencies.

C. DISCUSSION
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Did your parents ever take you on a trip? Do you remember anything about it? How old were you then? Do you think many people stay at home rather than take their young children on trips? Do you think travelling is a good experience for children? How is the problem of taking babies and young children solved in many cities? Name some of the things the agent mentioned that the children would enjoy! How can parents find out about special hotels for children?

A Family Plan