Master 100 core travel vocabulary items, 20 narrative storytelling formulas, the complete Narrative Tenses masterclass (Past Simple & Past Continuous), 120 vocabulary MCQs, 150 grammar MCQs with Saudi learner diagnostics, and the immersive CBT Reading Lab.
100 high-frequency CEFR B1 travel words categorized across Lessons 3A to 3E with audio models.
| Audio | Word / Phrase | Part of Speech | Lesson | Definition & Context Example | Synonyms / Related | المعنى بالعربية |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
destination
/ˌdes.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
|
noun | 3A |
The place to which someone is travelling or sent.
"Dubai is one of the world's most visited travel destinations."
|
location, place, goal | وجهة السفر / المقصد | |
|
itinerary
/aɪˈtɪn.ər.ər.i/
|
noun | 3A |
A planned route or journey; a travel plan listing stops and times.
"The tour guide handed everyone a detailed itinerary for the week."
|
schedule, plan, route | جدول رحلة / خطة السفر التفصيلية | |
|
depart
/dɪˈpɑːt/
|
verb | 3A |
To leave a place, especially at the start of a journey.
"The overnight train departs from Riyadh station at 11 p.m."
|
leave, set off, exit | يغادر / يرحل | |
|
departure
/dɪˈpɑː.tʃər/
|
noun | 3A |
The action of leaving, especially to start a journey.
"Please arrive at the departure gate at least 45 minutes before boarding."
|
leaving, exit, takeoff | المغادرة / وقت الرحيل | |
|
arrival
/əˈraɪ.vəl/
|
noun | 3A |
The action or process of arriving.
"Our arrival at the hotel was delayed by a snowstorm."
|
landing, reaching | الوصول إلى الوجهة | |
|
passport
/ˈpɑːs.pɔːt/
|
noun | 3A |
An official government document certifying the holder's identity and citizenship.
"Always keep your passport in a secure money belt when travelling."
|
ID, travel document | جواز السفر | |
|
visa
/ˈviː.zə/
|
noun | 3A |
An endorsement on a passport indicating the holder is allowed to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period.
"She had to apply for a tourist visa three weeks before her trip."
|
permit, entry stamp | تأشيرة الدخول | |
|
customs
/ˈkʌs.təmz/
|
noun (plural) | 3A |
The official process where authorities check goods entering or leaving a country.
"He declared his purchases at customs before exiting the airport."
|
immigration, border control | الجمارك / إدارة الجمارك | |
|
boarding pass
/ˈbɔː.dɪŋ pɑːs/
|
noun | 3A |
A card or document that a passenger must show to board a plane.
"You can download your boarding pass to your phone before you arrive."
|
ticket, gate pass | بطاقة الصعود إلى الطائرة | |
|
baggage
/ˈbæɡ.ɪdʒ/
|
noun | 3A |
Personal belongings packed in suitcases for travelling.
"The airline lost their baggage during the connecting flight."
|
luggage, suitcase, bags | الأمتعة والحقائب | |
|
connection
/kəˈnek.ʃən/
|
noun | 3A |
A flight, bus, or train that a traveller takes as part of a longer journey.
"We had a three-hour connection in Frankfurt before flying to Cairo."
|
transfer, transit, layover | رحلة مستمرة بتوقف / ترانزيت | |
|
delay
/dɪˈleɪ/
|
noun / verb | 3A |
A period of time by which something is late or postponed.
"Heavy fog caused a two-hour delay on all outbound flights."
|
postponement, hold-up | تأخير / يتأخر | |
|
accommodation
/əˌkɒm.əˈdeɪ.ʃən/
|
noun | 3A |
A place where someone lives or stays temporarily.
"The expedition team booked accommodation in a mountain lodge."
|
lodging, hotel, housing | إقامة / مكان السكن الفندقي | |
|
check in
/tʃek ɪn/
|
phrasal verb | 3A |
To register one's arrival at a hotel, airport, or event.
"We checked in online to save time at the airport counter."
|
register, sign in | يسجل الوصول / يقوم بإجراءات الدخول | |
|
check out
/tʃek aʊt/
|
phrasal verb | 3A |
To leave a hotel after paying the bill.
"We need to check out by noon or they will charge us another night."
|
leave, depart, vacate | يغادر الفندق بعد السداد | |
|
sightseeing
/ˈsaɪtˌsiː.ɪŋ/
|
noun | 3A |
The activity of visiting places of interest in a location.
"They spent the afternoon sightseeing around the old city walls."
|
tourism, touring | الجولات السياحية لمعالم المدينة | |
|
souvenir
/ˌsuː.vəˈnɪər/
|
noun | 3A |
A thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
"She bought a small hand-painted camel as a souvenir of her trip."
|
memento, keepsake | هدية تذكارية | |
|
guidebook
/ˈɡaɪd.bʊk/
|
noun | 3A |
A book of information about a place for visitors or tourists.
"He read the guidebook carefully before visiting the ancient ruins."
|
travel guide, handbook | دليل السياحة المطبوع | |
|
trek
/trek/
|
noun / verb | 3A |
A long arduous journey, especially on foot.
"The group trekked for three days through dense jungle to reach the waterfall."
|
hike, march, travel | رحلة تسلق وسير في الجبال | |
|
backpack
/ˈbæk.pæk/
|
noun / verb | 3A |
A bag carried on the back; to travel with belongings in a backpack.
"Many young graduates backpack through South-East Asia after university."
|
rucksack, haversack | حقيبة الظهر / يسافر بحقيبة ظهر | |
|
scenic
/ˈsiː.nɪk/
|
adjective | 3A |
Providing or relating to views of impressive or beautiful natural scenery.
"The coastal highway offered a spectacular scenic drive through the mountains."
|
picturesque, beautiful, panoramic | خلاب / بديع المنظر | |
|
remote
/rɪˈməʊt/
|
adjective | 3A |
Far away from where other people live; situated far from main centres.
"The research station was located in a remote area of northern Canada."
|
isolated, distant, secluded | نائٍ / بعيد عن الحضارة | |
|
crowded
/ˈkraʊ.dɪd/
|
adjective | 3A |
Full of people in an uncomfortable or inconvenient way.
"The famous beach was too crowded during peak summer season."
|
packed, congested, jammed | مزدحم بالناس | |
|
landmark
/ˈlænd.mɑːk/
|
noun | 3A |
An object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognised.
"The Eiffel Tower is arguably the most iconic landmark in Europe."
|
monument, sight, attraction | معلم بارز / نقطة يهتدى بها | |
|
currency
/ˈkʌr.ən.si/
|
noun | 3A |
A system of money in general use in a particular country.
"It is advisable to exchange currency before arriving at your destination."
|
money, exchange rate | العملة النقدية المحلية | |
|
narrative
/ˈnær.ə.tɪv/
|
noun / adjective | 3B |
A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.
"His narrative about surviving the storm kept the audience captivated."
|
story, account, tale | سرد / رواية قصصية | |
|
anecdote
/ˈæn.ɪk.dəʊt/
|
noun | 3B |
A short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
"The tour guide shared a funny anecdote about getting lost on his first trip abroad."
|
story, tale, account | قصة قصيرة طريفة من الحياة | |
|
incident
/ˈɪn.sɪ.dənt/
|
noun | 3B |
An event or occurrence, especially one of minor importance or unexpected nature.
"A minor incident at the border caused a two-hour delay in our journey."
|
event, occurrence, episode | حادثة / واقعة | |
|
encounter
/ɪnˈkaʊn.tər/
|
noun / verb | 3B |
An unexpected or casual meeting with someone or something.
"Our unexpected encounter with a herd of camels made the trip unforgettable."
|
meeting, experience, come across | لقاء مفاجئ / يواجه | |
|
witness
/ˈwɪt.nɪs/
|
verb / noun | 3B |
To see an event take place; a person who sees an event happen.
"We witnessed a breathtaking sunrise over the Grand Canyon."
|
see, observe, watch | يشهد / يرى بعينه / شاهد | |
|
describe
/dɪˈskraɪb/
|
verb | 3B |
To give a detailed account of something in words.
"Can you describe what the attacker looked like to the police officer?"
|
explain, portray, recount | يصف / يشرح بالتفصيل | |
|
recall
/rɪˈkɔːl/
|
verb | 3B |
To bring a fact, event, or situation back into one's mind.
"She could clearly recall the smell of street food at the night market."
|
remember, recollect, think back | يتذكر / يسترجع الذاكرة | |
|
realise
/ˈrɪə.laɪz/
|
verb | 3B |
To become fully aware of something as a fact; to understand clearly.
"Only when the train moved did he realise he had boarded the wrong one."
|
understand, become aware, discover | يدرك فجأة / يتفطن | |
|
manage to
/ˈmæn.ɪdʒ tuː/
|
phrase | 3B |
To succeed in doing or dealing with something difficult.
"Despite heavy traffic, we managed to reach the airport on time."
|
succeed in, be able to | يتمكن من / ينجح في تحقيق | |
|
set off
/set ɒf/
|
phrasal verb | 3B |
To begin a journey.
"They set off early in the morning to avoid the desert heat."
|
leave, depart, head out | ينطلق في رحلة | |
|
get lost
/ɡet lɒst/
|
phrase | 3B |
To be unable to find where you are or the way to go.
"Without GPS, it was easy to get lost in the winding old city streets."
|
lose one's way, go astray | يضيع الطريق | |
|
run out of
/rʌn aʊt ɒv/
|
phrasal verb | 3B |
To use up all of a supply of something.
"The hikers ran out of water before reaching the next checkpoint."
|
use up, exhaust | ينفد / ينتهي المخزون | |
|
break down
/breɪk daʊn/
|
phrasal verb | 3B |
(of a machine or vehicle) to stop working.
"Their rental car broke down in the middle of the desert highway."
|
fail, stop, malfunction | يتعطل (السيارة أو الجهاز) | |
|
turn back
/tɜːn bæk/
|
phrasal verb | 3B |
To stop a journey and return the way you came.
"The storm was so severe that the expedition team had to turn back."
|
go back, return, retreat | يرجع أدراجه / يستدير للرجوع | |
|
head for
/hed fɔː/
|
phrasal verb | 3B |
To move in the direction of something.
"After the museum, they headed for the harbour to watch the sunset."
|
move towards, go to, make for | يتجه نحو | |
|
meanwhile
/ˈmiːn.waɪl/
|
adverb | 3B |
During the intervening time; at the same time.
"He went to find a taxi; meanwhile, she waited with all the luggage."
|
at the same time, simultaneously | في الوقت ذاته / في غضون ذلك | |
|
eventually
/ɪˈven.tʃu.ə.li/
|
adverb | 3B |
In the end, especially after a long delay or a series of events.
"After hours of waiting, they eventually boarded the replacement bus."
|
finally, at last, in the end | في نهاية المطاف / أخيراً | |
|
suddenly
/ˈsʌd.ən.li/
|
adverb | 3B |
Quickly and unexpectedly.
"Suddenly, the engine stalled and the boat drifted off course."
|
abruptly, unexpectedly, without warning | فجأة وبشكل مفاجئ | |
|
fortunately
/ˈfɔː.tʃən.ət.li/
|
adverb | 3B |
Used to indicate that something fortunate happened.
"Fortunately, a local fisherman spotted them and offered help."
|
luckily, happily, thankfully | لحسن الحظ | |
|
unfortunately
/ʌnˈfɔː.tʃən.ət.li/
|
adverb | 3B |
Used to indicate a regrettable or unfortunate fact.
"Unfortunately, heavy rain cancelled the outdoor concert entirely."
|
sadly, regrettably, unluckily | لسوء الحظ / مع الأسف | |
|
exhausted
/ɪɡˈzɔː.stɪd/
|
adjective | 3B |
Drained of one's physical or mental resources; very tired.
"After the twelve-hour hike, the climbers were completely exhausted."
|
drained, worn out, fatigued | منهك تماماً / مجهد | |
|
relieved
/rɪˈliːvd/
|
adjective | 3B |
No longer feeling distressed or anxious because something unpleasant has not happened.
"She felt deeply relieved when she found her passport in her coat pocket."
|
reassured, comforted, glad | مرتاح / شاعر بالارتياح بعد قلق | |
|
breathtaking
/ˈbreθˌteɪ.kɪŋ/
|
adjective | 3B |
Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one's breath away.
"The breathtaking views from the summit made the climb worthwhile."
|
stunning, spectacular, awe-inspiring | مبهر للأنفاس / ساحر جداً | |
|
crowded
/ˈkraʊ.dɪd/
|
adjective | 3B |
(of a place) full of people leaving little room to move.
"The old market was so crowded that they could barely walk."
|
packed, busy, full | مزدحم / غاص بالناس | |
|
vivid
/ˈvɪv.ɪd/
|
adjective | 3B |
Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; very bright.
"She has a vivid memory of the smells and sounds of that marketplace."
|
clear, sharp, lifelike | حي وواضح / زاهي الألوان | |
|
mode of transport
/məʊd əv ˈtræns.pɔːt/
|
noun phrase | 3C |
Any of various means by which people travel from one place to another.
"Cycling is the most eco-friendly mode of transport for short distances."
|
vehicle, means of travel | وسيلة نقل / طريقة التنقل | |
|
ferry
/ˈfer.i/
|
noun | 3C |
A boat or ship for transporting passengers and vehicles across a body of water.
"They took an early morning ferry across the strait to the island."
|
boat, vessel, ship | العبّارة / المعدية | |
|
cable car
/ˈkeɪ.bəl kɑːr/
|
noun | 3C |
A vehicle suspended on a moving cable, used to carry passengers up steep slopes.
"The cable car to the mountaintop offered panoramic views of the valley."
|
gondola, aerial tram | التلفريك / السيارة المعلقة | |
|
cruise ship
/kruːz ʃɪp/
|
noun | 3C |
A large ship used for leisure cruises, offering entertainment and accommodation.
"They celebrated their anniversary on a Mediterranean cruise ship."
|
ocean liner, vessel | سفينة الرحلات السياحية | |
|
motorway
/ˈməʊ.tə.weɪ/
|
noun | 3C |
A wide road designed for fast motor traffic, especially in the UK.
"The motorway was closed due to an accident, so we took a back road."
|
highway, freeway, expressway | الطريق السريع / الأوتوستراد | |
|
platform
/ˈplæt.fɔːm/
|
noun | 3C |
A raised area next to the railway track where passengers board trains.
"Platform 7 is where you board the high-speed train to Jeddah."
|
track, terminal, station | رصيف القطار / المنصة | |
|
ticket office
/ˈtɪk.ɪt ˌɒf.ɪs/
|
noun | 3C |
A place where transport tickets are sold.
"The ticket office closes thirty minutes before the last departure."
|
box office, counter | مكتب بيع التذاكر | |
|
return ticket
/rɪˈtɜːn ˌtɪk.ɪt/
|
noun | 3C |
A ticket that lets you travel to a place and back again.
"A return ticket to Istanbul is cheaper than two separate single tickets."
|
round trip ticket | تذكرة الذهاب والإياب | |
|
single ticket
/ˈsɪŋ.ɡəl ˌtɪk.ɪt/
|
noun | 3C |
A ticket valid for a one-way journey only.
"He bought a single ticket since he planned to return by a different route."
|
one-way ticket | تذكرة اتجاه واحد | |
|
timetable
/ˈtaɪmˌteɪ.bəl/
|
noun | 3C |
A list of times at which events are scheduled to take place.
"Check the timetable on the website before heading to the station."
|
schedule, programme, roster | جدول المواعيد / برنامج الرحلات | |
|
overland
/ˈəʊ.və.lænd/
|
adjective/adverb | 3C |
By land, as opposed to sea or air.
"They chose an overland route through several countries to reach their destination."
|
by land, cross-country | برياً / عبر اليابسة | |
|
non-stop
/ˌnɒnˈstɒp/
|
adjective | 3C |
Continuing without stopping or a pause.
"A non-stop flight from Riyadh to London takes approximately seven hours."
|
direct, uninterrupted | بدون توقف / مباشر | |
|
commute
/kəˈmjuːt/
|
verb / noun | 3C |
To travel regularly between one's home and place of work.
"He commutes two hours each day by train to reach his office."
|
travel daily, journey | يتنقل يومياً / رحلة العمل اليومية | |
|
traffic jam
/ˈtræf.ɪk dʒæm/
|
noun | 3C |
A line of stationary or slowly moving vehicles on a road.
"A serious accident on the ring road caused a massive traffic jam."
|
gridlock, congestion | الازدحام المروري | |
|
route
/ruːt/
|
noun | 3C |
A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
"They chose the coastal route for the most scenic drive."
|
path, road, direction | طريق / مسار | |
|
landscape
/ˈlænd.skeɪp/
|
noun | 3D |
All the visible features of an area of land, often considered in terms of their aesthetic appeal.
"The vast Saharan landscape stretches as far as the eye can see."
|
scenery, terrain, countryside | المشهد الطبيعي / طبيعة المنطقة | |
|
altitude
/ˈæl.tɪ.tjuːd/
|
noun | 3D |
The height of an object above sea level.
"At such altitude, breathing becomes difficult without supplemental oxygen."
|
elevation, height | الارتفاع عن مستوى البحر | |
|
climate
/ˈklaɪ.mɪt/
|
noun | 3D |
The general weather conditions in an area over a long period.
"The tropical climate made the island a perfect winter getaway."
|
weather, atmosphere | المناخ / الطقس العام | |
|
humid
/ˈhjuː.mɪd/
|
adjective | 3D |
Containing a lot of water vapour; damp and warm.
"The humid air near the coast made the summer afternoon feel unbearable."
|
muggy, damp, sticky | رطب / عالي الرطوبة | |
|
arid
/ˈær.ɪd/
|
adjective | 3D |
Having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation.
"The arid climate of the desert region supports very few plant species."
|
dry, parched, barren | جاف / قاحل (الأرض أو المناخ) | |
|
valley
/ˈvæl.i/
|
noun | 3D |
A low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.
"The mountain valley was covered in wildflowers in spring."
|
gorge, ravine, basin | الوادي | |
|
summit
/ˈsʌm.ɪt/
|
noun | 3D |
The highest point of a hill or mountain.
"Reaching the summit of Mount Fuji requires both fitness and stamina."
|
peak, top, pinnacle | قمة الجبل | |
|
coastline
/ˈkəʊst.laɪn/
|
noun | 3D |
The outline of a coast, especially with regard to its shape and appearance.
"The rugged coastline of western Scotland is famous for its dramatic scenery."
|
shoreline, coast, seafront | خط الساحل / الشريط الساحلي | |
|
waterfall
/ˈwɔː.tə.fɔːl/
|
noun | 3D |
A cascade of water falling from a height, formed when a river or stream flows over a precipice.
"The waterfall thundered into the pool below with incredible force."
|
cascade, falls | الشلال | |
|
wildlife
/ˈwaɪld.laɪf/
|
noun | 3D |
Wild animals and plants; living things found in their natural environment.
"The national park is home to diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, and giraffes."
|
fauna, nature, animals | الحياة البرية | |
|
budget
/ˈbʌdʒ.ɪt/
|
noun / adjective | 3E |
The amount of money available for spending; (adjective) inexpensive.
"They planned a budget trip across Europe, staying in hostels."
|
allowance, funds | الميزانية / اقتصادي السعر | |
|
itinerary
/aɪˈtɪn.ər.ər.i/
|
noun | 3E |
A detailed plan of a journey with scheduled stops.
"Our itinerary included stops in three cities over ten days."
|
schedule, plan | خطة الرحلة / جدول المحطات | |
|
explore
/ɪkˈsplɔːr/
|
verb | 3E |
To travel through an unfamiliar area to learn about it.
"We explored the medieval quarter of the city on foot."
|
discover, investigate, tour | يستكشف / يجوب | |
|
book in advance
/bʊk ɪn ədˈvɑːns/
|
phrase | 3E |
To reserve accommodation, tickets, or services before the day you need them.
"Always book flights in advance to get the best deals."
|
reserve ahead, pre-book | يحجز مقدماً | |
|
off the beaten track
/ɒf ðə ˈbiː.tən træk/
|
idiom | 3E |
In or to an isolated, unfamiliar, or unusual area away from tourist routes.
"They preferred to travel off the beaten track to discover authentic culture."
|
out of the way, secluded | بعيد عن مسالك السياح المعروفة | |
|
culture shock
/ˈkʌl.tʃər ʃɒk/
|
noun | 3E |
Disorientation experienced when suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture or way of life.
"Many students experience culture shock when they first arrive in a new country."
|
displacement, disorientation | صدمة ثقافية | |
|
jet lag
/ˈdʒet læɡ/
|
noun | 3E |
Extreme tiredness and disorientation caused by crossing multiple time zones rapidly.
"She slept for twelve hours straight to recover from jet lag."
|
fatigue, time zone disruption | إرهاق السفر عبر المناطق الزمنية | |
|
travel insurance
/ˈtræv.əl ɪnˈʃʊər.əns/
|
noun | 3E |
Insurance covering medical costs, trip cancellation, and other travel-related risks.
"Always buy travel insurance before an international trip."
|
cover, policy, protection | تأمين السفر | |
|
exchange rate
/ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ reɪt/
|
noun | 3E |
The value of one currency for the purpose of converting it to another.
"The exchange rate was favourable, making the trip cheaper than expected."
|
conversion rate, forex | سعر الصرف / معدل تحويل العملة | |
|
carry-on luggage
/ˈkær.i ɒn ˈlʌɡ.ɪdʒ/
|
noun | 3E |
Baggage small enough to be taken on board an aircraft as hand luggage.
"She packed everything into carry-on luggage to avoid baggage fees."
|
hand luggage, cabin bag | حقيبة المقصورة / الحقيبة المسموح بحملها على الطائرة | |
|
hostel
/ˈhɒs.təl/
|
noun | 3E |
A cheap lodging for travellers, especially backpackers, with shared facilities.
"Travelling on a tight budget, they stayed in a comfortable city hostel."
|
dormitory, guesthouse | النزل الشبابي / بيت الشباب | |
|
resort
/rɪˈzɔːt/
|
noun | 3E |
A place frequented for holidays or recreation, often offering entertainment and facilities.
"The beach resort had its own diving centre and water sports facilities."
|
retreat, spa, holiday park | المنتجع السياحي | |
|
package holiday
/ˈpæk.ɪdʒ ˌhɒl.ɪ.deɪ/
|
noun | 3E |
A holiday where the travel, accommodation, and sometimes meals are arranged and sold together at one price.
"They booked a package holiday to Turkey, which included flights and a hotel."
|
all-inclusive, tour package | رحلة شاملة (فندق + طيران + جولات) | |
|
gap year
/ˈɡæp jɪər/
|
noun | 3E |
A period, typically an academic year, taken by a student as a break between school and university or work, often spent travelling.
"He spent his gap year volunteering in rural Kenya before starting medical school."
|
sabbatical, year off | سنة فاصلة للسفر والاستكشاف | |
|
domestic flight
/dəˈmes.tɪk flaɪt/
|
noun | 3E |
A flight that departs and arrives within the same country.
"The domestic flight from Riyadh to Jeddah takes only one hour."
|
internal flight, local flight | رحلة داخلية (داخل البلاد) | |
|
layover
/ˈleɪ.əʊ.vər/
|
noun | 3E |
A period of rest or waiting before a further stage of a journey.
"They had a six-hour layover in Istanbul before flying to Bangkok."
|
stopover, transit | وقفة الترانزيت / توقف عابر في مطار | |
|
luggage rack
/ˈlʌɡ.ɪdʒ ræk/
|
noun | 3E |
A shelf or network of bars above the seats in a train or bus for storing luggage.
"She placed her heavy bag on the luggage rack above her seat."
|
overhead compartment | رف الأمتعة فوق المقاعد | |
|
window seat
/ˈwɪn.dəʊ siːt/
|
noun | 3E |
A seat positioned next to a window, especially in a plane or train.
"He always requests a window seat so he can watch the landscape below."
|
aisle seat | المقعد المجاور للنافذة | |
|
adventure travel
/ədˈven.tʃər ˌtræv.əl/
|
noun | 3E |
A type of niche tourism involving exploration or travel to remote areas.
"Adventure travel operators offer trips ranging from jungle hikes to Arctic expeditions."
|
eco-tourism, extreme travel | السياحة المغامرة | |
|
guidebook
/ˈɡaɪd.bʊk/
|
noun | 3E |
A book of information about a place for visitors or tourists.
"The Lonely Planet guidebook recommended several off-the-beaten-track restaurants."
|
travel guide, handbook | الدليل السياحي المطبوع | |
|
landmark
/ˈlænd.mɑːk/
|
noun | 3E |
An easily recognisable feature of a town or landscape.
"The Clocktower in Mecca is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks."
|
monument, attraction | معلم بارز في المدينة | |
|
off-peak
/ˌɒfˈpiːk/
|
adjective | 3E |
Outside the busiest or most expensive time period for travel.
"Travelling off-peak can save a significant amount on train and flight tickets."
|
quiet period, low season | خارج أوقات الذروة / أوقات الهدوء | |
|
sustainable tourism
/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl ˈtʊər.ɪ.zəm/
|
noun | 3E |
Tourism in a way that is low impact and considers its effect on the environment and local communities.
"Many hotels are adopting sustainable tourism practices to reduce their carbon footprint."
|
eco-tourism, responsible travel | السياحة المستدامة / البيئية | |
|
trek
/trek/
|
noun / verb | 3E |
A long, difficult journey, especially on foot through mountains or wilderness.
"The two-day trek through the Asir highlands was exhausting but rewarding."
|
hike, march | رحلة شاقة سيراً على الأقدام | |
|
round trip
/ˌraʊnd ˈtrɪp/
|
noun | 3E |
A journey to a place and back again.
"The round trip from Riyadh to Istanbul cost less when booked two months ahead."
|
return journey, two-way trip | رحلة ذهاب وإياب |
Essential spoken expressions for telling travel stories, building suspense, and reacting to unexpected events. Click ▶ to hear any formula.
CEFR B1 | أزمنة السرد: الماضي البسيط والماضي المستمر
Narrative tenses are used when telling stories about past events. The two main narrative tenses at B1 level are the Past Simple and the Past Continuous. They work together to create a full picture of events: the Past Simple expresses completed actions that move the story forward, while the Past Continuous describes ongoing background situations at the time.
The Past Simple is used for completed actions or events that happened at a specific time in the past. In narratives, it drives the story forward — each Past Simple verb represents a new event.
Subject + V₂ (past form) — e.g., She arrived / They took / He saw
Subject + did not (didn't) + base verb — e.g., She didn't arrive on time.
Did + subject + base verb? — e.g., Did he catch the train?
The Past Continuous is used to describe actions that were in progress at a particular moment in the past. In narratives, it sets the scene — what was happening around the main events.
Subject + was/were + V-ing — e.g., She was reading / They were walking
Subject + was/were + not + V-ing — e.g., It wasn't raining when we left.
Was/Were + subject + V-ing? — e.g., Were they waiting long?
The most common B1 narrative pattern combines Past Continuous (longer background action) + when/while + Past Simple (shorter interrupting event). This pattern is essential for telling engaging stories.
'When' introduces the interrupting event (Past Simple).
'While' introduces the background action (Past Continuous).
Word order can vary — meaning stays the same.
'As' can be used like 'while' but often implies exact simultaneous moment.
State verbs (stative verbs) describe conditions or states, not actions. They CANNOT be used in the Past Continuous, only in the Past Simple.
| ❌ Wrong | ✔️ Correct |
|---|---|
| *She was knowing the answer. | She knew the answer. |
| *They were belonging to the same team. | They belonged to the same team. |
| *I was wanting to visit Petra. | I wanted to visit Petra. |