INT English Podcast #02 – Travelling

1. Do you like travelling?

I love it. I’ve been to quite a number of cities and provinces around Vietnam, but I haven’t got many chances to travel abroad yet since my kids are quite small. Every time I travelled, I was able to expose myself to different cultures and ways of life. I’ve also met many friendly and interesting people. So, yes, I absolutely adore travelling.

2. How long was the longest trip you took?

Uh well, I suppose a week maybe. It was a road trip to HCM that I had last year with my family. We visited many places of interest along the way such as Quy Nhon and Ninh Thuan. It was quite tiring because we had to sit in the car for hours, but the experiences we got were amazing. 

3. Do you think it’s better to travel alone or with other people?

Well, to be honest, I don’t like the idea of being a solo-traveler because it can be quite dangerous sometimes, especially if you’re a woman. Besides, it’s not only about the places that you visit, it’s also about the people who you share your memory with, so I’d rather have travelling companions. 

4. What do you do while you’re travelling?

All kinds of things. I’ve been jet skiing and parasailing. I’ve visited both popular attractions and places that are off the beaten track. I’ve also sampled local cuisine, went sightseeing and talked to local people to understand their culture. Every place gives me unique experiences that I could never forget. 

5. Would you like to have a job that requires travelling to other countries?

Well, that sounds interesting really. I guess my younger self would say yes because I was free and had nothing to worry about back then. However, since I have a family now and we go everywhere together, I would prefer stability because to be constantly on the move can harm my children’s studies and their friendship.

6. What places would you like to visit in the future? 

Well, I’ve got quite a number of countries on my bucket list. I’d like to see Japan and Korea because I love their culture, they are very interesting and unique. And of course, If I have a chance, I will visit my relatives in Australia and Canada. I also like to go to Paris; the city is just so romantic and charming. There’s still a lot to see and do out there.

• • To expose oneself to sth
  • To adore sth (v) = to love sth
  • A road trip (n) = a trip made in a car over a long distance
  • Places of interest (n) = popular attractions = famous places >< places that are off the beaten track = places that not many people travel to.
  • To take a trip/ to go on a trip to somewhere
  • To have/take a journey to somewhere
  • To make a quick getaway – eg: Last weekend, I made a quick getaway to Hoi An to relax and let my hair down after hard-working days.
  • To travel to somewhere = to visit somewhere
  • A solo traveller = a person who travels alone
  • Travelling companions = people who you travel with
  • To sample local cuisine = to try local food
  • To go sightseeing
  • Bucket list = the list of things you want to do before you die.