15. Moon vacations possible by 2024
A website that provides price comparisons for flights, hotels and car hire across the globe has made some bold predictions for what travel will look like in a decade from now. Perhaps the most mouthwatering destination for 2024 holidaymakers will be a trip to the Moon or a stay in space. The site Skyscanner.com has just released a report of what holidays in the not-too-distant future might look like. The report is titled 'The Future of Travel 2024' and outlines a whole series of previously unimaginable vacation choices for the thrill-seeking traveller and those who just want to get there quicker. The report is a result of the collaboration between travel experts and international technology experts.
Holidays in space are perhaps the most spectacular of Skyscanner's predictions. Its report says: "Orbital space travel will be the next hot ticket, and commercial companies are lining up to make it a more affordable proposition." Indeed, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX are already accepting bookings. The cost of a seat on the Virgin craft (round trip, of course) is $250,000. Skyscanner also predicts an explosion in the number of underwater hotel rooms, which it says will become a mainstream travel option. Other things to look forward to include a supersonic aircraft that will fly London-Sydney in two hours and the emergence of "danger-zone" tourism. We can also expect futuristic advances in shopping and dining.
1. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.
1. provides a.inexpensive
2. hire b.forecasts
3. predictions c.normal
4. unimaginable d.joint effort
5. collaboration e.eye-catching
6. spectacular f.makes available
7. affordable g.arrival
8. explosion h.unheard of
9. mainstream i.increase
10. emergence j.rental
2. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What does the website provide for flights, hotels and car hire?
2. What did the site say will be the most mouthwatering place to visit?
3. What did the website release?
4. What kind of traveller did the website mention?
5. Who collaborated to make the report?
6. What did the report say would be the next "hot ticket"?
7. What are companies lining up to do?
8. How much is a seat on a Virgin Galactic space flight?
9. What will become mainstream in the future?
10. How long might it take to fly from London to Sydney?