Of course! Talking about an "exciting journey" is a classic and high-scoring topic for IELTS Speaking. It allows you to showcase a wide range of vocabulary, use various tenses, and tell a compelling story.

Here’s a complete guide to help you nail this topic, from Part 1 to Part 3.
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
In Part 1, the questions are simpler and more about you. Keep your answers short, but add a little detail.
Examiner: Do you like travelling?
- Good Answer: "Yes, I absolutely love it. I think travelling is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives. It’s not just about visiting new places, but also about immersing yourself in different cultures."
- Why it's good: It uses strong vocabulary ("absolutely love," "broaden your horizons," "immerse yourself") and gives a reason, not just a "yes."
Examiner: Is travelling popular in your country?
- Good Answer: "Definitely. With the rise of a larger middle class and more affordable flights, travelling has become increasingly popular, especially among young people. It's seen as almost a rite of passage now."
- Why it's good: It provides context (economic reasons) and uses a good idiom ("a rite of passage").
Examiner: Do you prefer to travel alone or with others?
- Good Answer: "I think it really depends on the situation. I enjoy travelling with friends or family for the fun and shared experiences. However, I also appreciate solo travel because it forces you to be more independent and you can completely follow your own schedule."
- Why it's good: It shows a balanced view ("it depends") and uses good vocabulary ("shared experiences," "forces you to be independent," "follow your own schedule").
Part 2: Long Turn (The Cue Card)
This is where you tell your story. The key is to structure it well and use descriptive language.
Cue Card:
Describe an exciting journey you have been on.
You should say:
- Where you went
- How you travelled there
- What you did during the journey
- And explain why you found this journey so exciting.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9 Level):
(Introduction - Set the scene) "I'd like to talk about an incredibly exciting journey I took last summer with a couple of friends. We decided to embark on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands, which is a region known for its breathtaking and rugged landscapes. It was a trip that was planned on a whim, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life."
(Where you went & How you travelled) "We flew into Edinburgh and rented a small, but sturdy, car for the week. Our plan was to drive north, looping around the famous North Coast 500 route. The journey itself was an adventure. We were driving on the left side of the road on narrow, winding roads that hugged the coastline. One moment we would be driving through misty, green valleys, and the next, we'd be overlooking dramatic cliffs with the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks below."
(What you did during the journey) "The journey wasn't just about the destination; it was about the experiences along the way. We spent our days stopping at countless viewpoints, hiking up small hills for a better panorama, and exploring charming, remote villages. We tried some local delicacies like fresh seafood and haggis, and even had a close encounter with a herd of Highland cows, which was both terrifying and hilarious. One evening, we drove to a spot far away from any city lights, and the sky was just incredible. We saw the Milky Way so clearly, with thousands of stars sparkling above us. It was a truly humbling sight."
(Why you found it so exciting - The explanation) "What made this journey so exciting for me was the combination of freedom and unpredictability. Being in control of our own car gave us a sense of complete freedom. We could stop wherever we wanted, stay as long as we pleased, and change our plans on a dime. The feeling of driving through such raw, untamed nature was exhilarating. It wasn't just a holiday; it felt like a proper adventure. We were navigating the unknown, facing a bit of challenge with the tricky roads, and sharing those moments of awe with my friends. It was a journey that filled me with a sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for the natural world. It’s an experience I'll cherish forever."
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and opinion-based questions related to your Part 2 answer.
Examiner: Why do you think some people find long journeys more exciting than short ones?
- Sample Answer: "I believe it's because longer journeys often involve a greater sense of anticipation and adventure. With a short trip, you know exactly what to expect. But a long journey, like a road trip or a multi-stop tour, holds an element of the unknown. You have to be adaptable, problem-solve, and you get to see a place evolve gradually. This process of discovery, moving from one landscape or culture to another, creates a much richer and more profound experience. It's not just about arriving; it's about the entire narrative of the trip."
Examiner: How has modern technology changed the experience of travelling for people?
- Sample Answer: "That's a great question. On one hand, technology has made travel infinitely easier and more accessible. Navigation apps like Google Maps have eliminated the stress of getting lost, and booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com make finding accommodation a breeze. We can also stay connected with loved ones and share our experiences instantly on social media. However, on the other hand, this constant connectivity can sometimes detract from the experience itself. People are often more focused on taking the perfect photo for Instagram than actually soaking in the moment. So, while technology removes practical barriers, it can also create a new barrier between the traveller and the authentic experience of a place."
Examiner: Do you think it's better to travel to popular tourist destinations or to go off the beaten track?
- Sample Answer: "I think both have their merits. Popular destinations are popular for a reason; they often offer iconic, world-class attractions and a well-established infrastructure, which is great for first-time travellers or those with limited time. However, I personally believe that going off the beaten track can lead to more rewarding and authentic experiences. You get to interact more with locals, discover hidden gems that aren't in any guidebook, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. It requires more effort and planning, but the sense of discovery and the unique memories you create are often far more valuable."
Key Vocabulary & Phrases to Use
To boost your score, try to incorporate some of these words and phrases naturally.
Nouns:
- Adventure: An exciting or dangerous experience.
- Expedition: A journey with a specific purpose, often to a remote place.
- Itinerary: A planned route or journey.
- Panorama: A complete view in all directions.
- Horizon: The line where the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet.
- Immersion: The action of involving someone completely in an activity or subject.
- Rite of passage: An event or experience that marks a new stage in someone's life.
Adjectives:
- Breathtaking: Extremely beautiful or impressive.
- Exhilarating: Making someone feel very happy, energetic, and excited.
- Rugged: Having a wild, uneven, and rocky surface.
- Untamed: Not controlled or influenced by people.
- Spontaneous: Done or acting quickly without planning beforehand.
- Unpredictable: Not able be predicted; changeable.
- Remote: Far away from places where people live.
Verbs & Phrases:
- To embark on a journey: To start a long and difficult journey.
- To broaden your horizons: To experience new things that make you have a wider and more liberal view of the world.
- To be on a whim: To do something suddenly without planning or a reason.
- To follow your own schedule: To do things at the time you choose.
- To soak in the atmosphere: To enjoy and experience the feeling of a place.
- To go off the beaten track: To travel to places that are not visited by many tourists.
- To create lifelong memories: To have experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation! Remember to speak fluently, use a range of vocabulary, and connect your ideas logically.
