WHAT TYPE OF A TOURIST ARE YOU?

EXAMPLE

Of all the ads, I like the first one the most. It promotes an adorable log cabin in the middle of a forest, far away from overcrowded cities. The cabin is big enough for me and my girlfriend and our best friends. It is not very cheap, but I reckon such places are never low-priced. I would not be bored on such a holiday because I'd try all the advertised activities, from horseback riding to mountain cycling.

HINT

Think about the price, the duration, the distance, and the services that are advertised. After a thorough consideration of these features, think about what you expect from a holiday. Which of the advertised holidays best meets your expectations?

QUESTIONS

1. Where has David seen the ad?
2. Are there any free small cabins in July?
3. What are the payment terms?
4. What do you receive at the reception desk on the day of your arrival?

EXAMPLE

1. On a travel portal.
2. No.
3. 15% deposit when booking a cabin, the rest has to be paid at least five days before arrival. It's possible to pay in up to three monthly installments.
4. A key, extra beddings, towels and a surprise basket as a welcome gift.

WORDS TO REMEMBER

tranquil = (adj.) calm, not disturbed
relish = (v.) to really enjoy
half board = (n.) bed, breakfast and one main meal
full board = (n.) bed and all meals
astounding = (adj.) surprisingly impressive
rake = (v.) to collect with a rake
log cabin = (n.) a hut built of logs
bargain = (n.) a thing bought more cheaply than expected
vacancy = (n.) an unoccupied accommodation
installment = (n.) one of several equal payments spread over a period of time
interest = (n.) money paid for the use of borrowed money

AUDIO SCRIPT

Travel agent: Sunny Side Travel Agency. How can I help you?
David: Hello, it’s David Goldsmith and I’m calling regarding your ad I’ve seen on one of the travel portals. I’m thinking of taking my family to the mountains for the summer holiday, but the log cabins you advertise are too spacious for the three of us. Do you happen to have any smaller cabins?
TA: Yes, we do, but they are not free until the end of October. The advertised cabins are not that big, in fact, they are quite cozy. The living room is a bit bigger because there is a couch that can be used as an extra bed.
D: How much does it cost to rent the small cabin?
TA: The price of the small cabin is $95 per night, and the one that you saw is $109 - which is a good bargain.
D: Yeah, that’s true. Do you have any vacancies from July 23^rd to August 1^st?
TA: Just a second, I’ll check. . . mhmm. . . there is one cabin with a view of the lake.
D: What are the payment terms?
TA: You pay a 15% deposit when booking a cabin, the rest has to be paid at least five days before the arrival. But we can make an arrangement for up to three monthly installments with no interests, of course.
D: Where do I get the keys of the cabin?
TA: When you check in at the reception desk, you’ll receive a key, extra bedding, towels, and a surprise basket as a welcome gift.
D: Ok, thank you for your information. I’ll have a word with my wife and hopefully we’ll make a decision by the end of this week.
TA: Sure, you’re welcome to visit us at our office or you can make a reservation online. You just fill in a form and you’ll automatically receive an e-mail with a bill and payment terms. Your cabin is booked when you pay the 15% deposit.
D: Great, thank you. Bye,
TA: You’re welcome. Bye.