Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had Cue Card

Jan 22, 2026

Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had IELTS Speaking Cue Card model answers have been provided below. The answers are centred upon questions - What Holiday Was It?, Who Were You With?, What Did You Do? and Explain Why It Was Unusual

What is a Cue Card: IELTS Speaking Part 2 includes cue cards containing topics on which candidates are to speak. Candidates get 2-3 minutes time to speak and 1 minute for note-taking. In IELTS Speaking part 2, candidates' proficiency in grammar and vocabulary is assessed along with their confidence to speak in English.

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Topic: Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had Cue Card

You should say:

What Holiday Was It?
Who Were You With?
What Did You Do?
and Explain Why It Was Unusual

Answer 1:

What Holiday Was It?

One of the strangest holidays I’ve ever had was during the COVID-19 lockdown. Nobody saw it coming, and it definitely wasn’t something anyone planned. But, in its own weird way, it turned out to be a holiday I’ll never forget.

Who Were You With?

I spent those days stuck at home with my family. Usually, holidays mean packing bags, heading somewhere new, or at least dropping in on relatives. Not this time. We couldn’t go anywhere, so we just had each other—and a lot of time on our hands. Some days, all that togetherness felt a little claustrophobic, but honestly, it was comforting too.

What Did You Do?

Our whole routine flipped upside down. We started making meals together, trying out recipes we’d never bothered with before. There were old movies, board games scattered across the living room, and more conversations than we’d had in years. I finally picked up books I’d been ignoring forever and signed up for online courses, just to keep my mind busy. Even with all the rules and worries, we tried to stay upbeat. We exercised as a family, and when festivals came around, we kept the celebrations simple but meaningful.

and Explain Why It Was Unusual?

What made this holiday so odd was that we didn’t choose it—it just happened to us. There was no sightseeing, no shopping, no visiting friends. The uncertainty and fear in the air made everything feel a little heavier than a regular holiday. But I walked away with a better sense of what matters. Family, patience, the quiet moments—they stood out more than ever. I didn’t get the usual break or adventure, but I did get time to reflect and to connect, and I think that made this the most unique holiday I’ve ever had.

Answer 2:

What Holiday Was It?

One of the strangest holidays I’ve ever taken was a solo spiritual retreat in a sleepy hill town. Usually, I travel with friends or family and pack my days with sightseeing or chasing new experiences. This time, I just wanted quiet. I wanted to be alone with my thoughts for once, not scrolling or checking notifications every few minutes.

Who Were You With?

So I went by myself. Honestly, that felt weird at first. I’m used to having people around, chatting, planning, doing things together. But I picked this trip precisely because it was different. I needed to get away from my busy routine and all the noise that comes with it.

What Did You Do?

I stayed in this tiny guesthouse tucked away in the trees. My days slowed down—no alarms, no itinerary. I’d wake up early, wander through the woods, meditate, read, and scribble in my notebook. I barely touched my phone, only turning it on if I absolutely needed to. Some days I joined a guided meditation group, which really helped me unwind and take a hard look at what mattered to me.

and Explain Why It Was Unusual?

This trip wasn’t about chasing after famous landmarks or filling my bags with souvenirs. It was quiet—almost intense, in a good way. I slowed down, stopped running from one thing to the next, and just let myself turn inward for once. When I got home, I felt lighter, more at ease with myself. That kind of silence and simplicity? It completely changed how I see taking a break. Now, when I really need to recharge, I think back to that trip and remember how much I gained from just being still, alone, and letting things be.

Answer 3:

What Holiday Was It?

The holiday I remember most was nothing to do with beaches or tourist attractions. I spent the holiday volunteering in a small rural village. Forget the idea of staying in fancy hotels or sleeping in – it was all about getting my hands dirty and doing whatever needed to be done.

Who Were You With?

I showed up with a group of total strangers. We were all different, but after a few days sweating and eating together, we felt like we’d known each other forever. Honestly, working hard and sharing simple food just makes people bond in a way nothing else does.

What Did You Do?

Most days, we helped local kids with basic schoolwork, organized little community events, and pitched in on projects to improve the village. The work started early and left us exhausted, honestly — both in body and mind. Evenings were the best, though. We’d spend time with the villagers, listening to their tales and trying to glean information about their language and culture. It was an eye-opening experience. The location wasn’t exactly full of comforts, but the people certainly compensated for that. They were so welcoming that we felt right at home.

and Explain Why It Was Unusual?

This trip flipped my whole idea of what a vacation should be. There was no pampering, no luxury, and not much time to kick back. But giving my time and energy felt better than any room service or sightseeing tour. I walked away with a new sense of gratitude, a better understanding of empathy, and honestly, a kind of happiness I’d never found on a regular holiday. It’s still the most unusual — and easily the most rewarding — trip I’ve ever taken.

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