IELTS vocabulary: Travel

Twelve B2–C1 words and collocations useful for discussing travel in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, with clear definitions and natural example sentences.

sustainable tourism noun phrase: A form of tourism that seeks to protect the environment and benefit local communities over the long term.; “Governments should invest in sustainable tourism to preserve coastal areas while providing steady income for residents.”
overtourism noun: The negative effects that occur when too many visitors overwhelm a destination’s resources, environment, or residents.; “Overtourism has made it hard for people in Lakebridge to find affordable housing and quiet public spaces.”
cultural immersion noun phrase: A travel approach that involves deeply engaging with local customs, language, and everyday life.; “I chose a homestay because cultural immersion helped me understand local traditions better than staying in a hotel.”
to venture off the beaten path verb phrase: To visit places that are less popular or away from typical tourist routes.; “On holiday I like to venture off the beaten path and explore small villages away from the main resorts.”
infrastructure noun: The basic facilities and systems (roads, airports, public transport, hotels) needed for a place to function and serve visitors.; “Improving public transport infrastructure would make it much easier for tourists to visit remote attractions.”
carbon footprint noun: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly or indirectly by an activity, such as travel.; “When planning a trip, I consider the carbon footprint of flying and try to offset emissions when possible.”
ecotourism noun: Tourism focused on visiting natural areas in ways that conserve the environment and support local people.; “The ecotourism project at Rainvale Reserve trains guides from nearby villages and funds reforestation.”
hospitality industry noun phrase: The sector of businesses that provide services to travelers, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.; “After the festival, the local hospitality industry reported a significant rise in bookings and restaurant sales.”
cultural sensitivity noun: Awareness of and respect for the beliefs, customs, and practices of different cultures when visiting them.; “Showing cultural sensitivity—like dressing modestly at sacred sites—helps visitors avoid causing offence.”
itinerary noun: A plan or schedule of the places to visit and activities to do during a trip.; “I usually draft a loose itinerary but leave free days for unexpected discoveries.”
to boost the local economy verb phrase: To increase income and job opportunities in a community, often through spending by visitors.; “Small guesthouses and markets can boost the local economy by keeping tourist spending within the community.”
mass tourism noun phrase: Tourism involving large numbers of people visiting popular destinations, often associated with package holidays and crowded attractions.; “Many residents complain that mass tourism transforms historic neighbourhoods into souvenir shops and fast-food outlets.”