Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Travel Writing & Approaches 2

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four authors reflecting on their philosophy of “slow travel”.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   felt that their previous travel style left them with no lasting memories?

2   takes satisfaction in conducting daily chores using the regional tongue?

3   values the opportunity to observe the settlement when it is free from temporary visitors?

4   appreciates no longer feeling obliged to visit well-known tourist attractions?

5   points out the positive ecological implications of staying in one location?

6   finds that adopting a slower pace directly benefits their professional output?

7   enjoys the feeling of being accepted as a member of the community rather than a visitor?

8   changed their approach to travel because the constant rushing caused them physical and mental fatigue?

9   deliberately spends their money to sustain independent local enterprises?

10   mentions how settling into a predictable daily pattern brings them joy?

The Art of Staying Put: Why We Choose Slow Travel

A Oliver

I used to pride myself on cramming ten European capitals into a mere fortnight, embracing the classic whirlwind tour. However, it finally dawned on me that attempting to see everything inevitably resulted in retaining absolutely nothing. My memories were just a chaotic blur of train stations and hotel lobbies. These days, my philosophy has shifted entirely; I rent a modest cottage in an obscure village and simply stay put for a month. Instead of constantly rushing around, I become a regular at a single café, exchanging stories with the owner. If I hadn’t altered my travel habits, I would undoubtedly have lost my creative spark. Immersing myself deeply into one location provides a profound sense of clarity, which does wonders for my professional output as an author. I no longer seek out endless stimulation; I seek genuine connection, which ultimately provides far richer material for my novels. I can honestly say that abandoning the frantic pace of modern tourism was the best decision I’ve ever made.

B Sofia

For years, I was a victim of ‘tick-box’ tourism, convinced that a successful trip meant crossing off as many famous landmarks as possible. I used to return from my holidays needing another holiday just to recover from the sheer exhaustion. Being constantly on the move completely drained me, both physically and emotionally, and I soon realised that rushing through a new country every three days was a recipe for severe burnout. Embracing slow travel was the ultimate cure. Now, I pick one quiet town and let the days unfold naturally. The greatest relief is that I no longer feel a sudden pang of guilt if I choose to spend an entire afternoon simply reading a book under a tree, rather than queuing for hours outside a renowned museum. It is incredibly liberating to let go of strict itineraries. By giving myself permission to just ‘be’ in a foreign place, I absorb the atmosphere in a way that frantic sightseeing never allowed.

C Julian

As my awareness of global issues grew, I had to come to terms with the fact that taking short-haul flights every few days is devastating for the environment. Slow travel is my way of drastically reducing my carbon footprint while still exploring the world. Furthermore, staying in a small village for an extended period has significant economic benefits for the local community. Instead of giving my money to multinational hotel chains, I deliberately channel my funds into family-run bakeries, independent grocers, and local artisans. It ensures that the people who actually live there are the ones who benefit from tourism. What I cherish most, however, is witnessing the true rhythm of the settlement. During the afternoon, places can occasionally get crowded, but once the coaches of transient day-trippers have vanished, the streets reclaim their authentic charm. That peaceful evening atmosphere is when the real magic of a destination finally reveals itself to you.

D Maya

While many travellers find excitement in the unpredictable nature of constantly changing locations, I actually thrive on establishing a predictable rhythm in a new environment. When I spend a month in a single provincial village, I take immense pleasure in forming a daily routine. Navigating the morning market is my absolute favourite challenge. Although I occasionally make embarrassing mistakes, I derive immense satisfaction from successfully purchasing my groceries using the regional dialect. It forces my brain to work in a completely different way. After a couple of weeks of showing up at the same stalls, the dynamic subtly changes. The residents stop treating you as just another transient sightseer passing through, and begin to welcome you as a temporary neighbour. You slowly learn the unwritten rules of the community, which is deeply rewarding. That feeling of acceptance, earned through patience and a genuine willingness to learn, is something you simply cannot experience on a typical two-week coach tour.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four travelers sharing their deliberate approach to getting lost in a city without a map to discover authentic local neighborhoods.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions a previous reluctance to travel without digital assistance?

2   relies on the public transit system to reach unknown parts of a destination?

3   draws a comparison between overcrowded sights and quieter, genuine districts?

4   acknowledges that a companion fails to understand their method of exploring?

5   follows their nose or ears rather than visual landmarks to choose a direction?

6   happened to come across a traditional public event by chance?

7   imposes a strict personal rule regarding the consultation of electronic devices?

8   values a deep, personal interaction they had with the city’s inhabitants?

9   takes pleasure in observing the building styles in lesser-known alleys?

10   argues that discarding a planned itinerary is essential for experiencing the true essence of a place?

The Art of Getting Lost: Ditching the Map for Authentic Travel

A Oliver

Whenever I travel, I make it a point to toss the itinerary completely out the window. If you are constantly checking off a list of must-see sights, you are bound to miss the city’s true heartbeat. I must admit, during my first few trips, the mere thought of wandering without my smartphone’s GPS filled me with dread. I was terrified of ending up in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, I soon got over that initial fear. Nowadays, my strategy is simple: I let my senses take the lead. If I catch the tempting aroma of freshly baked bread or hear the faint strumming of a street musician, I will simply veer off down a narrow side street to track it down. By doing this in Naples, I easily bypassed the crowded tourist traps. If I hadn’t abandoned the map, I would never have discovered how liberating it is to let the city guide me.

B Clara

My best friend frequently tells me that my habit of intentionally losing my way in a foreign city is an absolute recipe for disaster. She prefers meticulously planned holidays, but I couldn’t disagree more. For me, the magic of travel lies in those serendipitous moments that simply cannot be found on a map. Last month in Lisbon, I deliberately ignored the signposts for the main squares and wandered into a maze of winding residential streets. Eventually, I stumbled upon a tiny, family-run eatery. Despite the obvious language barrier, the owners welcomed me with open arms. The stew, which had been slow-cooked for hours, was arguably the best thing I’d ever tasted, and we ended up sharing a meal and laughing for hours. Many tourists claim they want to experience the local culture, yet they rarely step out of their comfort zones to genuinely engage with the people who live there.

C Mateo

As an amateur photographer, I am always on the hunt for visually striking scenes. The problem with major tourist hotspots is that they are entirely overrun, making it impossible to appreciate the surroundings. The contrast between those bustling, chaotic avenues and the peaceful, genuine neighbourhoods just a few blocks away is striking. To ensure I actually find these hidden gems, I have a non-negotiable policy: my phone remains switched off and buried at the bottom of my rucksack for the entire afternoon. Left to my own devices, I pay much closer attention to my environment. In Kyoto, getting hopelessly lost allowed me to marvel at the intricate wooden facades and beautifully preserved doorways of ancient townhouses that no guidebook had ever mentioned. Not only does this approach clear my mind, but it also allows me to truly appreciate the craftsmanship of the past in absolute silence.

D Sophie

My approach to exploring a new destination might seem rather unconventional to some. Instead of walking aimlessly, I deliberately board a random bus or tram without looking at its final destination. I simply sit back, watch the urban landscape change, and hop off whenever a particular district catches my eye. This method has led to some of my most cherished travel memories. On a recent trip to Athens, I took a local bus to the outskirts of the city and inadvertently found myself in the middle of a lively neighbourhood street fair. There were colourful decorations, traditional dancing, and food stalls everywhere. The locals must have thought I was a bit eccentric, but they gladly let me watch the celebration. If I had stuck to the typical tourist routes, I would never have witnessed such a vibrant display of community spirit. The thrill of the unexpected makes it completely worthwhile.

Exercises:   123456