> Back to Vacations

Part 1: Listen and Read: Listen to the recording on plane reservations, answer the questions, and then read along with the audio recording.

When I go on vacation, I usually travel by plane. In the past, I used to book a flight with a travel agency, but now, I tend to search online for good deals on plane tickets. Finding the best price on plane tickets is probably the most important consideration, but the departure time, the number of layovers, and the length of flight are also important factors. Making plane reservations online is pretty easy to do, but don’t forget that you still have to pay certain fees and taxes that go along with the price of the ticket. Finally, keep in mind that you might have to pay a cancellation fee if you decide to change your flight plans or cancel your flight.

Part 2: Discussion

What are the advantages and disadvantages of reserving plane tickets online verses working with a travel agent?

Part 3: Online Investigation

Choose a travel destination you would like to visit in the future. Using two or more online reservation services, search the Internet for the best deal in terms of (1) final cost including taxes and fees and (2) the shortest and most direct flight.

Part 4: Online Listening Practice (from www.esl-lab.com):

• Travel Arrangements: Listening Conversation
• Airplane Travel: Vocabulary Building