Топик/тема по английскому языку Travelling

       People like to travel. That's why there are so many means of transportation. In the past many people travelled because they wanted to sell their goods or exchange the news. Now people want to see the world, to rest, to have new impressions. The main city means of transportation are car, taxi, bus, trolley bus, tram and metro.
       In St. Petersburg there are all these means of transportation. Many people now have their own cars, and sometimes it is dangerous to cross a street even to the green light, to say nothing of the amber and red. The drivers jump the red light, simply ignoring it. But, of course, that does not excuse the pedestrians who go against the red light. Nevertheless, there are many accidents in our streets. On the other hand, in many European and American cities one can see the sign «Yield the pedestrian». Taxis are very popular in Russia now, because they go more often than other buses, though they are rather expensive. Moscow and St. Petersburg metro are considered to be the most beautiful in the world though they were built comparatively late - in 1935 the construction began in Moscow, in 1955 - in St. Petersburg. The London Metro (called the Tube) started in 1863 and is now the oldest in the world. In the USA metro is usually called subway.
       The Russian city transportation system has its peculiarities. First of all, you can buy a fortnight or a month card. In most European cities, especially museum centres, you can buy a day card, a three days card and so on.
       Second, the price of the card depends on the territory it covers and the number of days, while in Russia it depends only on the term of use.
       But if you travel out of the city, you can choose between going by coach, by train, by plane (by air), by ship (by sea) and hiking. Each of these means has its advantages and disadvantages.
       International travelling by coach is rather convenient and very cheap. You can take food with you or buy it in the places of stops. The coach usually stops at a restaurant or a cafe. There is a toilet in the coach. But sleeping in a armchair can cause problems especially to those who are car-sick.
       Travelling by train is more convenient, because you can sleep well, and it is also not expensive. People can choose between a carriage with sitting places and a carriage with berths. There are carriages with four-berth compartments and two-berth compartments, but all compartments have upper berths, lower berths and places for luggage. The disadvantage of the train is that it stops only for very short periods of time.
       Travelling by plane (by air) is an exciting experience for those who are not airsick. When the plane takes off and lands the passengers usually applaud the crew because it is really a hard job. Travelling by plane is rather expensive though you can choose between economic class, busi¬ness class and deluxe class. The price depends on the food served and the number of people around you. Modern planes usually have special sections for smokers and non-smokers. That does not influence the price of the ticket. You can also choose an aisle seat or a window seat if they are available (not booked) at the moment for free.
       If you have chosen to travel by sea, you are very lucky. You will have a chance to see marvellous landscapes and seascapes. The dawns and sunsets in the open ocean are terrific. This is the first advantage of travelling by ship. English doctors used to recommend such a travel to treat those who were dissatisfied with their lives. But you will also leam a lot about the sea on board of your ship. There are different types of ships to go by - cruisers, yachts and liners. The disadvantages are the cost of the ticket, the storms and sea-sickness. Very few people have got sea legs!
       Hiking is the right kind of spending free time. You pack your tent and start walking. It is slow for sure, but you can go wherever you want. You need no bus stops, you can turn wherever you want and stay in the same place as long as you want. At the same time, not all people like to walk much, though it is very good for their health.
       Whatever means of transportation you choose, it is very important to prepare for the trip. First of all, you have to book a ticket. You can do it over the phone or in person. You will have to show your passport to the clerk in the booking-office. It is important to be attentive and follow the instructions, otherwise you can lose your right on the ticket. Then you should think over the point of accommodation. If you need it, it's better to choose and contact the hotel in advance.
       Always pack your luggage beforehand, or you will never be sure you have not left your tooth-brush or other important things at home.
       Arrive at the railway station, coach stop or airport in advance to have time to make sure everything is all right. The air companies require your coming an hour or even more beforehand because you have to pass checking in, passport control, X-ray control and sometimes (if you go abroad) customs control. When you go by train or by bus it is much easier. You go only through ticket control. If you cross the border of another state, you will pass the customs control right on the border.
       I'm not a great traveler, but I have made several trips and travelled by coach, by train and by plane. I made my last trip two years ago. My parents and I went to the Black Sea. We bought the tickets 45 days beforehand and were lucky to occupy the same compartment, because there were four of us - my parents, my younger sister and me. On the day of departure we were very nervous but everything was all right. It took us three days to reach Sochi. During the trip we enjoyed reading books and playing cards. When the train stopped we went out to stretch our legs and to buy something to eat. The old ladies sold us tasty cakes with potatoes and cottage cheese. We spent a month in Sochi where the parents of my father's friend live. It was very sad to say good-bye to them, but the time was up. They said we had been very clever to buy return tickets because in August it is very difficult to buy tickets to Moscow or to St. Petersburg in Sochi. We spent a week in Moscow on our way back, and visited many museums. It is convenient to have a reference book where you can find this or that museum, when it is open, what facilities it has. Many museums have earphones, so you can move at your own speed, and it is less expensive than a guided tour. You can also buy a guidebook around Moscow or a museum. That is very helpful and the book stays with you for the rest of your life.