Planning a day Out.- English Vocab.

Planning a day out:


Here are some words and phrases to talk about a day out that you plan with friends or family.

Activities

a day trip = a journey somewhere just for the day: "They're going on a day trip to London."
a day at the seaside = a day at the beach
a day at the races = a day when you go to see horse racing (very popular in the UK!)
a day in a theme park = a day in a place like Disneyland
a shopping trip = a day in a big city or a shopping centre
a day at the sales = when you go shopping when prices are cheap

Travelling arrangements

go by coach = go in a big, comfortable bus (a coach is for long journeys; a bus is for short journeys)
go by train / take the train
take a bus
drive = go by car
hire a minibus = pay for a small bus (for about 10 – 15 people) for the day
set off / leave at — (sharp) = the time you leave
"We are going to set off at 8am."
sharp = punctual: "We are leaving at 7.30am sharp!"
get back at = the time you return: "We get back at 8pm."
pick-up point = the place where you get on the coach: "There are two pick-up points. One at the Reading roundabout, and one outside the Red Lion pub."
time for shopping / sightseeing: "We'll have time for shopping in the afternoon."
"We're going sightseeing in the afternoon."
a guided tour: "There will be a guided tour of the museum."
a pitstop = a stop in the journey (for a toilet break): "The coach will make a pitstop at the motorway services."
on the way = during the journey: "On the way there, we'll stop at Stonehenge."
"On the way back, we'll take a detour into Oxford."
take a detour = not go straight to your destination, but go to another place.
the scenic route = a journey with beautiful views: "We'll take the scenic route on the way back."

Essentials

These are the things you'll need to bring:
an umbrella = because in the UK it can rain a lot!
your camera = so you can take photos
a raincoat = to protect you from the rain
comfortable walking shoes = so you can walk a lot
a packed lunch = sandwiches, a bag of crisps, a piece of fruit etc
a bottle of water = lots of walking makes you thirsty!
a guidebook = so you can find out information about the place you are visiting
a small backpack = so you can carry everything easily

Evening activities

Here are some typical activities you plan with your friends.
a night out with friends = when you go out in the evening with your friends to a pub, club, restaurant, etc: "I'm having a night out with friends next Saturday."
an evening at home = when you stay in: "I'd like a quiet evening at home tonight."
come over for drinks / a barbecue / dinner = an invitation to come to your house: "Why don't you come over for drinks on Friday evening?"

Other useful phrases

Why don't you…? = a suggestion: "Why don't you come over at about 8pm?"
Why don't we …? = a suggestion for us all: "Why don't we go on a day trip to London?"
Remember "Why don't you / he…" etc is followed by the verb without 'to'.
Let's … = a suggestion: "Let's go to London for the day!"
Remember: "Let's…" is followed by the verb without 'to'.