Travelling
a holiday maker-відпочиваючий
to take off-злітати
a steamer-пароплав
a flight-рейс
a seat belt-ремінь безпеки
a departure gate-вихід на посадку
on board the aircraft-на борту літака
to fasten-застібати
to hit an air pocket-потрапити у повітряну яму
to run a service-надавати послуги
a harbour-гавань
a berth-вагонна полиця
a sleeper- спальний вагон
a departure-відправлення
a destination-місце призначення
hitch-hiking-автостоп
to go through customs-проходити митний контроль
customs officers-митник
a certificate of vaccination-свідоцтво про вакцинацію
to declare-заявити про щось
Modern life is impossible without travelling. Millions of people all over the world spend their holidays travelling. They travel to see other countries and continents, modern cities and the ruins of ancient towns, they travel to enjoy picturesque places or just for a change of scene. It is always interesting to discover new things, different ways of life, to meet different people, to try different food, to listen to different musical rhythms. Most travellers and holiday-makers take a camera with them and take pictures of everything that interests them. We can go to the place of our destination by air, by train, by sea, by hitch-hiking, by coach, by car...
All means of travelling have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to get somewhere as quickly as possible the best way is to travel by plane. It's more comfortable, more convenient. There is none of the dust and dirt of a railway or car journey, none of the trouble оf changing from train to steamer and then to another train. With all the time-saving and added comfort, such as food and drink served while watching video or reading a paper or magazine offered by a stewardess, no wonder that a good deal of people prefer to travel by air. Before boarding a plane passengers are to register at the airport and to have their luggage weighed. Then they go through the departure gate where their hand luggage is checked. When your aircraft is about to take off, the captain and the crew welcome you on board the aircraft. It is advisable to keep your seat belt loosely fastened all the time you are seated to avoid accidents in case the plane hits an air pocket. Well, the only trouble with air travelling seems to be airsickness.
Some people prefer to travel by train. Railway is one of the cheapest ways of travelling over long distances. Modern railways run a transcontinental passenger service, which carries travellers across countries and continents. With a train, you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable corner of a railway carriage you have a splendid view of the countrywide you are passing through. If your journey is long, you can take your sleep on the lower or upper berth of a sleeper.
Sea voyage is fine too. Two years ago I had the most exciting experience. My parents took me on a cruise on the Black Sea on board Pobeda ship. The Pobeda called at many ports, and at each port we went ashore and roamed about the streets of Yalta and Alupka, Pheodossia, Sevastopol, Sukhumi and Sochi. Afterwards I could boast to my mates of having seen wonderful Black Sea coast and of having spent a glorious fortnight on board the sea-liner.
There are other ways of travelling. If you are an adventurer you can travel by hitch-hiking, bicycles, on horseback.
Hiking is a superb thing. The walker leaves the dull broad highway and goes along little winding lanes where cars can't go. Being in the open air is an advantage in itself. You improve your health, train your body.
Coach tours are not expensive and I like them very much. They are planned as holidays and there is a chance to do a lot of sightseeing and have a good rest the same time.
Nowadays travelling abroad is very popular. While travelling abroad you have to go through customs, sometimes several times.
As a rule the customs officers check your passports and visas if they are required. When coming to some countries you may need a health certificate or a certificate of vaccination. If you have anything to declare, then you are to fill in the declaration form.
The customs officers may ask you to show your luggage to them. Usually articles for personal use and wear and also used items and gifts are not liable to duty anywhere. If you are carrying much currency you should also declare it. If you are carrying weapons you need a permit. Although some items are liable to duty, if you carry only a small amount of them, they are duty free.
Occasionally the customs officers may take some of your things for a more detailed inspection but usually they return them soon.
Do not try to break the customs rules and regulations because you may have a lot of troubles.
But when we get tired of relaxation we become home-sick and feel like returning home. We realize that "East or West - home is best" as the famous saying goes.
1. Many years ago travelling was life-long occupation to be envied. Travellers were physically strong, resolute men. The majority of them were scientists, writers, hunters and sportsmen at the same time. James Cook, Miklukho Maklay, Mikhail Przevalsky may be taken as an example. What transport means did these people use to get to their destinations while travelling?
2. Nowadays you can meet people travelling for pure pleasure. They are rich men and they have various means of transport at their disposal. Suppose you have a lot of money. Where would you prefer to travel: around your own country or abroad?
3. Comment on the following quotation: "The more I see of other countries the more I love my own".
4. A friend or mine is eager to travel. But he can't stand travelling by sea because he gets sea-sick. He can't stand travelling by plane because he suffers from airsickness. He can't stand travelling by train because he is bored doing nothing. What is left for him to do then? Give him a good piece of advice, please.
5. The students of your group want to go to London. But they haven't enough money. The problem is what way of travelling they should choose to spend less money.
6. Why is it necessary to go through passport control and customs inspection when you arrive in a foreign country? Give your reasons.