Travel & Culture - Asking for Local Info

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's talk about finding out about a new place!

When you visit a new city or town, what kind of information do you like to find out? (Example: good places to eat, interesting sights)
Who can you ask for local information when you are staying at a hotel?
What's one place you'd like to get local information about right now?

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some important words and phrases for asking for local information!

1. Tourist attraction: A place of interest that tourists visit.

Example: "What's a popular Tourist attraction near the hotel?"

2. Recommend: To suggest something as good or suitable.

Example: "Can you Recommend a good local restaurant?"

3. Directions: Instructions on how to get to a place.

Example: "Could you give me Directions to the museum, please?"

4. Nearby: Close to a particular place.

Example: "Are there any good coffee shops Nearby?"

5. How far is it?: A question to ask about the distance to a place.

Example: "How far is it to the main shopping street from here?"

Activity 3: Reading - Getting Local Tips 📖

Read this story about a guest asking for information at their hotel.

David was staying at a hotel in a new city and wanted to explore. He went to the front desk to ask for some local information. "Good morning," he said to the receptionist. "I'm interested in seeing some local sights. What's a popular Tourist attraction in this area?" The receptionist smiled and said, "Good morning! The City Museum is very popular and it's quite Nearby. It's just a ten-minute walk from here." David was pleased. "That sounds great!" he replied. "Could you Recommend a good place to have lunch near the museum?" The receptionist thought for a moment. "Yes, there's a lovely little cafe called 'The Corner Spot' just across the street from the museum. They have excellent sandwiches."

David then asked, "How far is it to the Old Market? I heard it's interesting." The receptionist explained, "The Old Market is a bit further, about a 20-minute bus ride. I can give you Directions if you like." David nodded. "Yes, please, Directions would be very helpful." The receptionist quickly wrote down the bus number and the main stops. David thanked her for all the useful information. He felt much more prepared to explore the city thanks to the helpful local tips from the hotel staff. He was excited to visit the museum and try the recommended cafe.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

What was the first thing David asked the receptionist about?
What place did the receptionist Recommend for lunch?
What did David ask about the Old Market? (Hint: two things)
What did the receptionist offer to give David for the Old Market?
How did David feel after getting the local information?

Activity 4: Role Play - Seeking Recommendations 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Ms. Sofia (Guest), and the other is Alex (Hotel Concierge).

Ms. Sofia (Guest): Excuse me, I'm new in town and would love some local information.

Alex (Concierge): Of course, Ms. Sofia! I'd be happy to help. What are you interested in?

Ms. Sofia (Guest): Well, are there any interesting Tourist attractions Nearby that I can walk to?

Alex (Concierge): Absolutely. The historic Town Square is just a 15-minute walk, and it's beautiful. I can give you Directions.

Ms. Sofia (Guest): That sounds lovely! And could you Recommend a place for authentic local dinner tonight?

Alex (Concierge): For local cuisine, I'd Recommend "The Local Plate." It's very popular. How far is it? Not too far, about a 5-minute taxi ride.

Ms. Sofia (Guest): "The Local Plate," I'll remember that. How far is it to the main shopping street from here?

Alex (Concierge): The main shopping street is about two blocks east of the Town Square, so also within walking distance if you enjoy a stroll.

Ms. Sofia (Guest): This is wonderful information. Thank you, Alex!

Alex (Concierge): My pleasure, Ms. Sofia! Enjoy exploring our city.

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

What Tourist attraction did Alex say was Nearby?
What question did Ms. Sofia use to ask about the distance to the shopping street?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Tourist Questions ✍️

Help Kenji (Guest) complete his part of the dialogue with the Hotel Receptionist. Use words and phrases from Activity 2!

Receptionist: Good morning, sir! How can I help you explore the city today?

Kenji (Guest): Good morning! I'd like to visit a . What do you ?

Receptionist: The Art Gallery is very popular, and it's quite nearby.

Kenji (Guest): Oh, an art gallery sounds good! from the hotel?

Receptionist: It's about a 20-minute walk, or a very short taxi ride. I can give you directions.

Kenji (Guest): Yes, please, would be great. Are there any good souvenir shops the gallery?

Receptionist: Yes, there are several nice souvenir shops on the street just behind the gallery.

Kenji (Guest): Perfect! Thank you for your help.

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨