2026.07.07_Conversations Abroad- Meeting New People Abroad

Conversations Abroad- Meeting New People Abroad

REVIEW

The train is ______ to arrive at 8. (supposed)

You need to ______ in Brno. (transfer)

Go straight ______. (ahead)

It's just ______ the café. (past)

I'd like a return ______. (ticket)

GRAMMAR FOCUS – Question Tags

Positive statement + negative tag
You're from Spain, aren't you?
You've been here before, haven't you?
It's your first time here, isn't it?

Negative statement + positive tag
You haven't tried the local food, have you?
You aren't travelling alone, are you?

FIXED PHRASES

Is this seat free?

What brings you here?

How's your trip going so far?

VOCABULARY

ROLEPLAY

SCENARIO: You arrive early for a walking tour in Rome. The guide hasn't arrived yet, so you decide to start a conversation with another traveller.

Traveller A: Hi! Is this seat free?

Traveller B: (respond naturally)

Traveller A: (Ask where they're from. Use a question tag if possible.)

Traveller B: (Answer and ask where they're from.)

Traveller A: (Ask if it's their first time in Italy. Use a question tag.) Examples: This is your first time in Italy, isn't it? / You've been here before, haven't you?

Traveller B: (Answer and tell them how many times you've visited.)

Traveller A: (Ask what brings them to Rome.)

Traveller B: (Answer – holiday, business, backpacking, visiting friends or family, etc.)

Traveller A: (Ask what they've visited so far. Use a question tag if possible.) Examples: You've already seen quite a lot, haven't you? / You've been sightseeing today, haven't you?

Traveller B: (Talk about one or two places you've visited.)

Traveller A: (Ask for a recommendation.) Examples: Do you have any recommendations? / Is there anything that's worth visiting? / Have you found any hidden gems?

Traveller B: (Recommend a restaurant, attraction, neighbourhood or café.)

Traveller A: (Ask how long they're staying and what they're planning to do next.)

Traveller B: (Answer and ask the same questions back.)

Traveller A: (Finish the conversation naturally.) Examples: It was nice talking to you. / Enjoy the tour! / Maybe I'll see you later.

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS (WITH EXAMPLE ANSWERS)

1. Have you ever met someone while travelling and stayed in touch afterwards?
Yes, I have. A few years ago, I met a couple from Germany on a walking tour, and we still keep in touch on social media.

2. What do you usually talk about when you meet other travellers?
We usually talk about where we're from, what we've visited so far, and what places we would recommend.

3. If you could have dinner with someone from another country, who would you choose and why?
I'd choose someone from Japan because I'd love to learn more about their culture, traditions, and everyday life.

4. What makes someone easy to talk to when you've just met them?
I think people who smile, ask questions, and show genuine interest are much easier to talk to.

5. Have you ever been pleasantly surprised by someone's kindness while travelling?
Yes. Once I was lost in a foreign city, and a local walked with me to the train station instead of just giving me directions.

6. If a traveller asked you for one recommendation in your country, what would you suggest?
I'd recommend visiting the High Tatras because they're beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for hiking.

7. Do you think it's easier to meet new people when travelling alone or with friends? Why?
I think it's easier when you're travelling alone because you're more likely to start conversations with strangers.

8. What's the most interesting thing you've learned from someone you met abroad?
I once learned about a small local festival that wasn't in any guidebook, and it became one of the best experiences of my trip.

9. If you met someone from your dream destination, what would you ask them first?
I'd ask them what places tourists usually miss and where they like to spend their free time.

10. What advice would you give someone who feels nervous about talking to strangers while travelling?
I'd tell them to start with a simple question or compliment. Most people are happy to chat if you're friendly and polite.