The Travel Bug
“The Travel Bug” is a popular term used to describe an intense desire to travel, explore new places, and experience different cultures. It captures the infectious and exhilarating feeling that comes from discovering the unfamiliar and the joy of embarking on new adventures. Often, those who catch the travel bug find themselves continuously drawn to the excitement of planning trips and exploring the world, whether through short local excursions or extended journeys abroad.
Vocabulary
- travel bug (idiom)- strong desire to travel
- to be bitten by the travel bug (idiom)- kind of a cute way to say when someone begins to want to travel. After the “bug” bites you, you will really want to travel.
- to wander– to go from one place to another without any definite plans
- to be in the comfort of (one’s) own home– to be at home, in a familiar or comfortable place
- to explore– to look around and find out new things
- exotic (adjective)- strange, mysterious, exciting, unknown
- mystery– something unknown, something that needs to be found out
- to flock– large amounts of people go to the same place at the same time
- vast (adjective)- very large
- perspective– view, way of seeing things
- accomplishment– feeling like you have done something important and good
Reading Comprehension
Have you ever had the desire to wander the world and see what was out there? While some people prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home, others have been bitten by the travel bug and can’t wait to explore the world. Exotic places call to them. “Come visit me and I will show you my mysteries,” they say.
Every year millions of people pack their suitcases or put on backpacks and flock to visit the seven continents of the world. They wander through the castles and museums of Europe, and the cities and natural wonders of North and South America. Some visit the vast exotic cultures of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The great outback of Australia is a wonderland for those who go there. And a few lucky people even make to the most mysterious continent on the earth- Antarctica.
Why do people want to explore the world? It gives them a better perspective about the earth and the people living on it. It opens their minds, it gives them a feeling of accomplishment, and it makes them feel alive. So save some money, get your passport ready, and see the world. It will change your life forever.
Practice Quiz on The Travel Bug
As a way to test your understanding of the concept, here’s a setup for a practice quiz with eight questions related to the travel bug. This quiz will challenge your knowledge on what it means to have the travel bug, how it affects people, and various ways to experience and manage the desire to travel. The questions will cover definitions, symptoms, contagion, management, and personal experiences related to the travel bug.
Questions and Answers – Choose True or False.
Answer key is located at the bottom of this page (but make sure to answer the Q’s first!)
1. To be bitten by the travel bug means you like to stay home.
True or False
2. People bitten by the travel bug like to visit new places.
True or False
3. The great outback is in Europe.
True or False
4. Antarctica is in Africa.
True or False
5. Asia is vast.
True or False
6. Traveling opens your mind.
True or False
7. Traveling makes you feel alive.
True or False
8. Traveling helps you see things in a new way.
True or False
Frequently Asked ESL Questions About The Travel Bug
The travel bug refers to a strong, often irresistible desire to travel and explore the world. It is characterized by an eagerness to experience new cultures, meet new people, and see new places.
Catching the travel bug can happen after a particularly inspiring trip, hearing others’ travel stories, or even through films and books that depict adventure and exploration. It often begins with a memorable and positive travel experience.
Common symptoms include constant daydreaming about destinations, frequent browsing of travel websites, and an overwhelming urge to plan next trips. A heightened interest in world maps, travel blogs, and international cuisine can also be signs.
Metaphorically, yes! The travel bug can be quite contagious among friends and family, as enthusiasm and exciting stories about travel tend to inspire others to explore and embark on their own adventures.
To manage the travel bug, individuals should embrace it by planning future trips, exploring local attractions, and learning about different cultures through books, movies, and cuisine. Engaging in travel communities online can also satisfy travel cravings.
Answer Key:
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True