Describe a time you travelled by boat or would like to travel by boat
IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card) Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
Describe a time you travelled by boat or would like to travel by boat
🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card
Describe a time you travelled by boat or would like to travel by boat.
You should say:
- When it was or when you would like to go
- Where you went or want to go
- Who you were with or who you would go with
And explain why you enjoyed or want to enjoy the experience.
🗣️ Sample Answer
One memorable time I travelled by boat was during a family vacation to Kerala, a beautiful state in southern India. We went on a traditional houseboat ride through the backwaters of Alleppey. It happened two years ago, and it was one of the most relaxing and scenic experiences I’ve ever had.
The boat was quite spacious and made entirely of wood, with bedrooms, a kitchen, and even a small dining area. I was with my parents and younger sister, and we spent one full day and night on the boat. The slow cruise through the palm-lined canals, with birds flying overhead and water lilies floating around, created a magical atmosphere.
What made the experience special was the peace and the beauty of nature. There was no traffic, no loud noise—just calm water and green landscapes. We enjoyed delicious Kerala food cooked on the boat, and in the evening, we sat on the deck watching the sunset. I would love to go on another boat trip like this again because it brought my family closer and allowed us to disconnect from the busy world.
🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
1. Do many people in your country travel by boat?
Not regularly, but in some regions, such as Kerala, Goa, and coastal cities, people use boats for transportation and tourism. In rural areas near rivers, boats are sometimes a part of daily life. In most cities, however, boats are mainly for leisure or sightseeing.
2. What are the advantages of travelling by boat?
Boat travel is calm, scenic, and enjoyable. It provides people with an opportunity to relax and appreciate nature. It’s also ideal for exploring islands, rivers, or lakes where road transport isn’t available.
3. Is boat travel common in modern times?
It’s not as common as air or road travel, but it’s still popular for tourism, especially in coastal and island destinations. In some countries, ferries are used on a daily basis. But for most people, it’s an occasional activity.
4. Are boats used more for travel or for leisure today?
Today, boats are primarily used for leisure activities, including cruises, water sports, and vacations. Commercial transport by boat still exists, but personal boat travel has become more about enjoyment than necessity.
5. What kinds of boats are popular in your country?
Traditional boats, such as houseboats, fishing boats, and shikaras in Kashmir, are popular. Motorboats and ferries are also common in coastal areas. Luxury cruise boats are gaining popularity among tourists.
6. Have you ever tried rowing a boat?
Yes, once during a summer camp, I tried rowing a small boat in a lake. It was tiring but fun. It gave me a new respect for people who row professionally or as a daily task.
7. What safety concerns are there with boat travel?
Life jackets, proper navigation, and weather conditions are important safety concerns. Overcrowded or poorly maintained boats can be dangerous. People should always follow safety instructions when boating.
8. Is it expensive to travel by boat?
It depends. Local boat rides are usually affordable, but luxury cruises or private boat rentals can be expensive. The cost varies by location, duration, and type of boat.
9. Do you think people will use boats more in the future?
Possibly, especially if traffic in cities worsens and water routes are developed. Eco-friendly water transport could become more popular. Tourism by boat is also expected to continue growing.
10. Would you prefer a boat trip or a train journey?
It depends on the purpose. For relaxing and enjoying nature, I’d prefer a boat. However, for long-distance travel with greater convenience, a train is often the better option. Both have their charm.
Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – Describe a time you travelled by boat or would like to travel by boat
Vocabulary |
Type |
Meaning |
Synonyms |
Antonyms |
Word Family |
Example Sentence |
Houseboat |
Noun |
A boat designed for living or staying overnight |
— |
— |
— |
We stayed on a houseboat in Kerala’s backwaters. |
Backwaters |
Noun |
A part of a river where the water is still |
Canal, lagoon |
Rapids |
— |
The Kerala backwaters are calm and peaceful. |
Cruise |
Noun/Verb |
A journey by boat for pleasure or travel |
Voyage, sail |
— |
Cruising |
The boat slowly cruised through the water. |
Scenic |
Adj |
Beautiful, especially in terms of natural views |
Picturesque, lovely |
Unattractive |
Scenery, scenically |
The view from the deck was absolutely scenic. |
Deck |
Noun |
The flat surface on a boat where people can sit or walk |
Platform, floor |
— |
— |
We relaxed on the deck watching the sunset. |
Rowing |
Noun/Verb |
The act of using oars to move a boat |
Paddling |
— |
Row, rower |
I learned basic rowing techniques at a summer camp. |
Ferry |
Noun |
A boat that carries people or vehicles across water |
Transport vessel |
— |
— |
We took a ferry to reach the island. |
Life jacket |
Noun |
A vest worn to stay afloat in water |
Flotation device |
— |
— |
Everyone was required to wear a life jacket on board. |
Luxury |
Noun/Adj |
High quality and comfort, often expensive |
Deluxe, premium |
Basic |
Luxurious, luxuriously |
The cruise offered a luxury boating experience. |
Navigation |
Noun |
The act of planning and controlling the movement of a boat |
Steering, piloting |
Disorientation |
Navigate, navigator |
Safe navigation is important in boating. |

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