Describe an unusual holiday you had – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe an unusual holiday you had as part of the cue card round. To answer this effectively, you should share a memorable vacation that was different from a typical holiday—perhaps due to an unexpected event, a unique experience, or an unusual destination.

You can describe a solo trip, a festival celebration in another country, a sudden change in travel plans, or an adventure in an offbeat location. In this guide, we will explore how to approach this cue card topic, provide two sample answers, and cover follow-up questions to help you prepare effectively.

How to Approach This Cue Card Topic?

To structure your answer properly, keep the following points in mind:

• Describe the Destination & Why It Was Unusual – Was it a remote village, an unexpected detour, or a cultural event you didn’t plan for?
• Mention the Key Events – Talk about what made the holiday different from a normal trip. Did you face a challenge, meet someone interesting, or experience something unexpected?
• Highlight Your Feelings – Explain whether you found the experience exciting, overwhelming, or eye-opening.
• Explain What You Learned – Share how this unusual holiday changed your perspective or gave you a new appreciation for travel.

More related to IELTS Speaking Exam: IELTS Speaking Preparation: Tips and Test Format for additional insights on how to prepare effectively and understand the test structure.

Now, let’s look at two sample answers to help you frame your response.

Sample Answer 1: Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had

Introduction

One of the most unusual holidays I ever had was a solo trip to a remote village in Japan. Unlike my usual vacations, which involved exploring famous landmarks, this trip was entirely different. 

Instead of staying in a modern hotel or visiting busy tourist attractions, I found myself living in a traditional countryside home, surrounded by nature and local traditions. This experience turned out to be one of the most unique and enriching journeys of my life.

Why It Was Unusual

This holiday was unexpected and unlike any trip I had taken before. Several factors made it truly unusual and memorable:

• Unplanned Destination – Originally, my trip was supposed to be in Tokyo, a vibrant and modern city. However, due to a last-minute flight reschedule, I had to reroute my plans and ended up in a small rural village in the Nagano Prefecture.
• Immersing in Local Culture – Unlike my previous vacations, where I mostly explored cities, this time I spent my days learning Japanese customs, engaging with locals, and embracing a slower pace of life.
• Minimal Tourist Presence – In most of my travels, I was surrounded by fellow tourists, but here, I was one of the very few foreigners. This allowed me to experience Japan from an entirely different perspective—one that was more authentic and deeply cultural.

Memorable Experiences

This trip was filled with unexpected yet wonderful experiences that made it truly unforgettable:

• Staying in a Traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn) – I lived in a traditional Japanese ryokan, where I slept on a futon, walked on tatami floors, and participated in a tea ceremony. The peaceful ambiance was a stark contrast to the usual busy hotels.
• Helping with Farm Work – Since the village was known for its rice fields, I had the opportunity to assist a local farmer in harvesting rice. It was an eye-opening experience that made me appreciate the hard work behind Japan’s agricultural traditions.
• Participating in a Local Festival – By chance, my visit coincided with a traditional village festival. I watched villagers perform ancient dances, played Taiko drums, and even dressed in a yukata (a casual summer kimono). Being part of their celebrations made me feel truly connected to the local community.

How It Changed My Perspective

This unusual holiday taught me several valuable lessons:

• Embracing the Unexpected – Initially, I was anxious about my sudden change in plans, but this experience made me realize that unplanned journeys often lead to the best experiences.
• Appreciating Slow Travel – Instead of rushing through landmarks, I learned to immerse myself in a place, engage with people, and experience life at a different pace.
• Cultural Awareness – Being in a non-touristy area helped me understand Japanese traditions beyond the surface level. I gained a newfound respect for the simplicity and discipline of rural life.

Conclusion

This unusual holiday turned out to be one of the most rewarding trips of my life. What started as an unexpected detour became a life-changing journey, filled with learning, cultural immersion, and self-reflection. It made me realize that sometimes, the best travel experiences happen when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unexpected.

You can also check this guide out: IELTS Cue Cards Samples with Answers 2024 (LATEST)

Sample Answer 2: Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had

Introduction

A holiday that turned out to be very unusual and adventurous was a camping trip in the Thar Desert in India. Unlike my previous vacations, which were mostly spent in cities or at beaches, this trip was a journey into the wilderness, surrounded by vast sand dunes and extreme weather conditions. It was an experience far different from anything I had ever done before.

Why It Was Unusual

This trip was unique in several ways and challenged me to adapt to a completely different environment:

• Extreme Weather Conditions – During the day, the desert heat was almost unbearable, crossing 40°C, while at night, the temperature dropped drastically, making it chilly and uncomfortable.
• Lack of Modern Facilities – Unlike hotels or resorts, we stayed in traditional desert tents with no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and only basic amenities. There was no running water, and the bathrooms were makeshift arrangements.
• Surrounded by Nature Instead of City Life – Instead of skyscrapers, shopping malls, or crowded tourist spots, all I could see were endless sand dunes, camels, and an open sky full of stars. The peace and solitude were unlike anything I had experienced before.

Memorable Experiences

Despite the challenges, the trip was filled with exciting and unforgettable moments:

• Camel Safari Across the Sand Dunes – Traveling through the desert on a camel was both thrilling and exhausting. The ride was bumpy, and controlling the camel required balance and patience, but it was an incredible way to experience the desert landscape.
• Sleeping Under the Stars – With no city lights around, the night sky was breathtakingly beautiful. I had never seen so many bright stars, constellations, and even shooting stars. It felt like being in a completely different world.
• Learning Desert Survival Skills – Our guide taught us essential desert survival techniques, such as finding water in the sand, cooking using firewood, and navigating with the help of the stars. It was fascinating to learn how people survive in such extreme conditions.

How It Changed My Perspective

This unusual holiday taught me important life lessons:

• Luxury Isn’t Necessary for a Great Experience – I realized that a holiday does not have to be about comfort or luxury. Even without modern facilities, I had an incredible time, proving that simplicity can be deeply fulfilling.
• Adapting to New Environments – This experience helped me step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown. It showed me how humans can adjust and find happiness in any situation.
• Appreciating Nature More Deeply – Spending time in the desert away from technology and distractions allowed me to connect with nature in a way I had never done before. I learned to appreciate the beauty of silence, the vastness of open spaces, and the simple joys of outdoor living.

Conclusion

This unusual holiday was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changed the way I think about travel. It proved that sometimes, the best adventures aren’t in luxury resorts but in remote places where we push our limits and learn something new. Stepping out of my comfort zone made this journey one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of my life.

For a more detailed guide, read this: IELTS Speaking test: What all you should know

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow-up Questions

Here are some possible follow-up questions the examiner might ask:

1. What kind of unusual holidays do people prefer nowadays?
Many people enjoy adventure travel, such as camping, hiking, and exploring remote areas. Others look for unique cultural experiences, such as staying with local families or volunteering abroad.

2. Do you think unusual holidays are more memorable than regular vacations?
Yes, unusual holidays often involve unexpected experiences and challenges, making them more memorable. They provide a break from routine travel and allow people to learn new skills and cultures.

3. How can an unusual holiday help people learn new things?
When people step out of their comfort zone, they experience different lifestyles, traditions, and ways of thinking. For example, traveling to a remote village can teach patience, adaptability, and appreciation for simpler living.

4. Do people prefer planned vacations or spontaneous trips?
Some prefer planned vacations because they offer security and structure, while others enjoy spontaneous trips for the thrill of adventure. It depends on a person’s personality and travel style.

5. How has social media influenced the way people travel?
Social media has made unique and offbeat destinations more popular. People now look for Instagram-worthy experiences, hidden gems, and unusual travel spots to share with their friends online.

Conclusion

In the IELTS Speaking test, describing an unusual holiday you had can showcase your storytelling skills and vocabulary. Whether it's an unplanned solo trip or an adventure in extreme conditions, choosing a unique experience makes your response engaging and memorable.

By using structured storytelling, clear details, and personal reflections, you can give a high-scoring answer and impress the examiner.

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