The Fastest Ways of Travelling

Modern life is impossible without travelling. There are express trains, huge cruise liners, luxurious cars and busses and jet airplanes, all of which provide tourists and travellers with comfort and security. To understand how true it is, go to a railway station, a sea or a river port or an airport. There you are most likely to see hundreds of people hurrying to board a train, a ship or a plane. They travel to see other countries and continents, modern cities and the ruins of ancient towns, they travel to enjoy picturesque places, or just for a change of scene. It is always interesting to discover new things, different ways of life, to meet different people, to try different food, to listen to different musical rhythms. All means of travel have their advantages and disadvantages. And people choose one according to their plans and preferences.

Of course, travelling by air is the fastest and the most convenient way, but it is the most expensive too. If you want to go somewhere by plane you should book a seat on a flight to your destination for a certain date. You may book a single, return or open return ticket. While booking a ticket you should mention what class you are going to travel: first, business or economy. You may ask the travel agent what time the coach leaves for the airport and what is the latest time of check-in at the airport. Before passengers get on board the plane, they have to register their luggage.

Before the flight you have to spend some time in the departure lounge. Then you hear your flight announced, and the passengers are invited to board the plane at particular gate and take their seats. There may be an announcement of your flight delay. It often happens due to weather conditions. On board the plane the stewardess greets the passengers. The airplane armchairs are very cosy, and they are equipped with safety belts, which must be fastened during both take off and landing. When the plane takes off, the stewardess gives the passengers all the information about the flight, the speed and the altitude at which the plane will be flying. Then she offers them some mineral water, lemonade and sweets.

Landing formalities and customs regulations are almost the same in all countries: the passengers are given arrival cards to fill in. Then they go to the customs for an examination of their luggage. Sometimes the customs inspector may ask you to open your bag for inspection.

Travelling by train is slower than by plane, but it has its advantages. You can see much more interesting places of the country you are going through. There are sleeping cars and dining cars in the trains which make even the longest journey enjoyable. The carriage and compartment are appointed in your ticket, and you find them easily. And now it is time for you to find your berth. It may be a lower berth, which is more convenient, or an upper one. After that you put your luggage into a special box under the lower berth. Soon the train starts off. It’s more convenient to travel by express trains as you get to your destination faster. Local trains make the stops more often, and you can get on or off a train at a very small station, even if it is only a platform.

Speed, comfort and safety are the main advantages of trains and planes. That is why many people prefer them to all other means.

1. What transporting means are there available for passengers to choose?

2. Why do people travel?

3. What is the fastest and the most convenient way of travelling?

4. Is an air trip expensive or cheap?

5. What kinds of tickets and classes may passengers choose while travelling by plane?

6. Where do passengers spend some time before the flight?

7. Why are the flights sometimes delayed?

8. Who greets the passengers on board the plane?

9. What are landing formalities?

10. Is travelling by train slower or faster than by plane?

11. How can you find your berth in the train?

12. Which train is faster: an express or a local one?

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