Are you a green tourist?

Tourism around the world is so popular that in certain places, it affects and even causes damage to the sights that the tourists have come to see. It is important to think about the economic, cultural and environmental effects of being a tourist. So, before you go on holiday, here are some suggestions on how to be a green tourist.

1. Use public transport. If everyone uses their cars, pollution and traffic congestion will become an enormous problem.

2. Stay in small hotels and eat local food. It's important that the money you spend on accommodation and food remains within the local area.

3. Travel out of season. It's the best time to avoid crowds, and it's often cheaper as well.

4. Think of yourself as a guest, not a tourist. As a tourist, you're simply a source of money.

5. Learn the local language. If you make an effort to speak their language, you'll be able to talk to local people, and they are likely to be even more hospitable.

6. Be careful about taking photos. In some places, people are embarrassed when you take their photo. Find out what the local custom is.

7. Find out about the place you're visiting. It's very impolite to the local people if you're only there because of the weather and don't want to know anything about where you are.

8. Use less water than at home. In certain places, the authorities supply the big hotels with water.

9. Use local guides. This will create jobs and help the local economy.

10 Adopt the local lifestyle. If you don't appreciate being in a foreign country, why leave home in the first place?

Adapted from The Good Tourist by Katie Wood and Syd House

Writing

1. Read the text. What is the purpose of each paragraph?

Put the linking words in the correct place in each paragraph. The linking words are in the right order Sometimes you will need to change the punctuation: First of all, Also, for example, However, Firstly, Secondly, for example, Despite the disadvantages, because...

Travelling by train has many advantages. There are no stressful traffic jams, and trains are fast and comfortable. You can use the time in different ways. You can just sit and read, or watch the world go by. You can work, or you can have a meal or a snack in the buffet car.

Travelling by train also has some disadvantages. It is expensive and the trains are sometimes crowded and delayed. You have to travel at certain times and trains cannoi take you from door to door. You need a bus or a taxi to take you to the railway station.

I prefer travelling by train to travelling by car. I feel more relaxed when I reach my destination

2. A) You are going to write a description of a place that you have visited on holiday recently. Think of a place you have been to.

b) Look at the list of topics below. Tick () the topics that you think it is necessary to include (because they give essential information). Put a star (*) next to the topics that you think would be interesting to someone who is thinking of visiting this place.

What is it called?

Where is it?

How do you get there?

Are there any interesting facts about this place (eg size, population, history)?

Is it famous or popular? Why or why not?

When did you go there?

What time of the year is it best to visit?

What is the weather usually like?

Why did you go there?

What can people do there?

Is there anything to do in the evening?

Are there interesting places to visit nearby?

What kind of scenery or buildings do you find there?

What are the people like?

Are there any interesting places to eat or drink?

Are there any interesting traditions or festivals?

How did you feel about your visit?

What advice would you give to someone who is going to visit this place?

c) Now write a description of the place you visited. Remember that the person who will read your description is thinking about going there too.