IELTS Speaking Part 1: Travel Questions & Band 9 Answers (2026)

The topic of Travel is a classic IELTS favorite. It often appears after the examiner asks you about your Work or Study.

When answering, most candidates try to sound like adventurous explorers, using phrases like "I love to broaden my horizons." But if you don't actually like hiking or museums, your answer will sound robotic. To reach Band 9, you should express your true travel preferences—even if that means admitting you just want to sleep by a pool.

How to Use These Sample Answers

Below is a list of the latest 2026 questions for the "Travel" topic.

Important: The sample answers below are written from the perspective of a "Package Holiday" Lover.

This person works hard and hates stress. When they travel, they want an all-inclusive resort, zero planning, and total relaxation.

If you are a Backpacker who loves hostels, or an Adventure Traveler who climbs mountains, these answers won't fit you perfectly.

So, here is the plan:

1. Read these samples to understand what a Band 9 answer looks like.

2. Use the IELTS Speaking Lab App to get personalized answers. It gives you Band 7+ vocabulary that is relevant to your travel style and teaches you to think and answer in the structured way that examiners love.

Part 1: Travel Questions & Model Answers

1. Do you like traveling?
Yes, absolutely. For me, it is the ultimate way to unwind. I have a very stressful job, so once or twice a year, I need to get away to recharge my batteries. I wouldn't say I'm an explorer, but I love being in a new environment where I don't have to worry about emails.

2. Do you prefer traveling alone or with friends?
I definitely prefer traveling with friends or my partner. I’m not very good at planning itineraries, so I like having someone else to share the burden. Plus, sitting by a pool is much more enjoyable when you have some good company to chat with.

3. Have you traveled to many places?
I’ve been to quite a few popular tourist destinations in Europe and Asia. I tend to stick to coastal areas because I love the sea. I haven't done much off-the-beaten-track travel because, honestly, I prefer comfort over adventure.

4. What is your favorite type of holiday?
I am a huge fan of all-inclusive resorts. I love the idea of paying one price and having everything taken care of—food, drinks, and entertainment. It makes the whole experience completely hassle-free, which is exactly what I look for.

5. What do you usually do on holiday?
Very little! My ideal day involves lounging by the pool with a good book and soaking up the sun. I might go for a leisurely stroll in the evening to buy some souvenirs, but I generally avoid strenuous activities like hiking or sightseeing tours.

6. Do you prefer a relaxing holiday or an active one?
Definitely relaxing. I work hard all year round, so I don't see the point in paying money to exhaust myself climbing a mountain. I want to feel pampered. If there is a spa or a massage service at the hotel, I will be the first one in line.

7. Which country would you like to visit in the future?
I’ve always wanted to go to the Maldives. It looks like paradise on earth—crystal clear water and luxury accommodation. It’s quite pricey, so I’d need to save up, but staying in one of those overwater bungalows is on my bucket list.

8. Do you prefer traveling by car or by plane?
I prefer flying because it’s faster. I know it’s not great for my carbon footprint, but I hate wasting time in traffic. The only downside is the jet lag if I’m traveling long-haul, which can take a few days to recover from.

9. Do you think it’s better to travel in your own country or abroad?
I prefer going abroad because it feels like a proper escape. There is something exciting about the culture shock of hearing a different language and trying exotic food. Domestic travel is nice for a weekend break, but it doesn't give me that same feeling of detachment from my daily life.

10. What is the most important thing for you when choosing a hotel
Comfort and convenience. I always check the reviews to make sure the rooms are clean and soundproof. Amenities like a swimming pool and a buffet breakfast are deal-breakers for me. I don't mind paying a premium for a room with a scenic view.

11. Is tourism popular in your country?
Yes, extremely. We get millions of visitors every year, especially in the summer. While it’s great for the economy, some locals complain that the city centers have become tourist traps, where everything is overpriced and crowded.

12. Do you usually bring a lot of luggage when you travel?
Unfortunately, yes. I tend to overpack because I want to have outfit options for every occasion. I usually end up checking in a large suitcase, which is a pain to drag around the airport, but I’d rather have too much than pack light and regret it.

13. Do you like to plan your holidays in detail?
Not really. I usually book a package deal through an agency so I don't have to worry about the logistics. I like having my flights, transfers, and accommodation sorted in one go. I prefer to play it by ear rather than following a strict schedule.

14. Would you like to live in a foreign country?
Maybe for a short period, like a year. It would be an amazing experience to fully immerse myself in another culture. However, I think I would eventually get homesick. I’m very close to my family, so moving away permanently would be a massive decision.

15. What is the worst trip you have ever been on?
I went camping once, and it was a disaster. It rained the whole time, the tent leaked, and we were eaten alive by mosquitoes. I realized then that I am definitely not an outdoorsy person. I need a proper mattress and air conditioning to be happy.

Key Vocabulary from the Answers

Here is the complete glossary of every bolded word and phrase used in the answers above.

• Air conditioning: A system that keeps air cool and dry.

• All-inclusive resorts: Hotels where the price includes accommodation, food, and drinks.

• Amenities: Useful or desirable features of a building or place (e.g., pool, gym, Wi-Fi).

• Bucket list: A list of things a person wants to do before they die.

• Bungalows: Small houses or cottages, often found in holiday resorts.

• Carbon footprint: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual or organization.

• Coastal: Located on land near the sea.

• Culture shock: The feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture.

• Detachment: The state of being objective or aloof; separating yourself from work/stress.

• Good company: People who are enjoyable to be around.

• Hassle-free: Without problems or bother.

• Homesick: Feeling sad or distressed through being away from home.

• Itineraries: Detailed plans for a journey, including a list of places to visit.

• Jet lag: Extreme tiredness felt by a person after a long flight across different time zones.

• Lounging: Lying or sitting in a relaxed, lazy way.

• Luxury accommodation: High-quality, expensive places to stay.

• Off-the-beaten-track: Places that are not popular with tourists; remote.

• Overpack: To pack more items than are needed for a trip.

• Pack light: To travel with very little luggage.

• Package deal: A holiday organized by a travel agent, with arrangements for transport and accommodation made at an inclusive price.

• Pampered: Indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness; spoiled.

• Recharge my batteries: To rest and recover energy.

• Scenic view: A beautiful view of natural scenery.

• Schedule: A plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times.

• Sightseeing: The activity of visiting places of interest in a particular location.

• Souvenirs: Things that are kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.

• Tourist destinations: Places that are frequently visited by tourists.

• Tourist traps: Places that attract many tourists and where goods and services are more expensive than usual.

• Unwind: To relax after a period of work or tension.

Create Your Own Band 9 Answers

The answers above are great—if you are a "Luxury Traveler."

But what if you are a Backpacker on a budget? Or a History Buff who loves museums? Or someone who travels for business?

You cannot use the answers above. You need vocabulary that fits your truth.

IELTS Speaking Lab helps you turn your real ideas into Band 9 answers.

1. Select your topic (e.g., Travel, Work, Study).

2. Input your rough idea (e.g., "I like cheap hostels and meeting people").

3. Get a personalized Band 9 answer instantly, with the perfect vocabulary for your style.

Start Generating Your Personal Answers Now →