I’m sure many of you love to visit new places, but what is the best way to travel?
Some people love to make their trips as cheap as possible. Others like to book first class flights that can be as expensive as a new car.
Today I want to compare budget and luxury travel. In order to talk about this topic, and similar topics, we need to understand and know how to use comparisons of equality (be as something as something)!
Let’s practise this grammar and discuss the best form of travel in today’s episode!
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Grammar Lesson
I am 188cm tall. My friend is also 188cm tall. We are the same height. In this situation, we can use a specific piece of grammar to show that we are equal in our height – my friend is as tall as me.
The structure “be + as + adjective + as” is used to compare two things or people in terms of equality. It shows that the first thing or person has the same level of the quality (adjective) as the second thing or person.
- “Be”: This is the verb (like “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” or “were”).
- “As + adjective + as”: This is the comparison structure.
It means that the adjective applies equally to both things or people being compared.
- She is as tall as her brother.
- This means that her height is the same as her brother’s height.
- This book is as interesting as the one I read last week.
- This means that this book and the one from last week are equally interesting.
- The cake is as delicious as it looks.
- This means that the cake tastes just as good as its appearance suggests.
- He runs as fast as a professional athlete.
- This means his speed is equal to that of a professional athlete.
To say that the first thing does not have the same level of quality, add “not” before the first “as.”
- The weather today is not as cold as yesterday.
- This means today’s weather is warmer than yesterday.
- The movie wasn’t as good as I expected.
- This means that the movie was less good than you thought it would be.
We use this grammar to show equality between two things (this computer is as powerful as the new model), or to show inequality between two things (I’m not as confident as I used to be).
The Best Way to Travel!
[00:04:00]
When I was in my early 20s, I loved to travel cheaply. I remember staying in a hostel in South Korea that cost just $5 a night.
While the bed was not as comfortable as a nice hotel bed, the experience was probably as enjoyable as a great hotel.
While budget travel may not be as glamorous as staying in luxury resorts, I think it can be just as rewarding as a high end vacation.
Let’s explore how these two approaches compare across different aspects of travel.
Accommodation is often the biggest expense while traveling. Budget travellers usually stay in hostels, guest houses or budget [00:05:00] hotels.
While these options are not as luxurious as 5 star resorts, they can still be as clean as higher end accomodations.
For example, in Japan, I have stayed in some very, very clean and nice capsule hotels. Capsule hotel rooms are as small as a box, but they are clean and cheap.
Some budget hostels are designed to be as stylish as any high end hotel, but at a fraction of the cost.
When my wife and I travel, we often choose a Japanese hotel chain that has hot springs and free ramen noodles as part of the deal. The rooms are not as big as an expensive hotel, but the hotel facilities are often as good as those expensive hotel [00:06:00] facilities.
Of course, staying in a five star resort or a private villa can be an unforgettable experience. A beachfront villa with a private pool might be as peaceful as a secluded island. You’ll also enjoy services that are not as common as in budget accommodations, like 24 hour room service, a spa, and personalized concierge assistance.
There is something to be said about the simplicity of budget accommodations, though. Sometimes a cosy bed and a warm shower can be as comforting as a luxury suite after a long day of exploring.
Food is also an essential part of any travel experience, and both budget and luxury travellers have different approaches to dining.
For budget travellers, [00:07:00] street food can be as delicious as a gourmet meal. Eating a freshly made taco from a street vendor in Mexico might be as authentic as dining at a high end Mexican restaurant.
I went to Thailand last year and the cheap meals we ate at street markets and local restaurants were just as tasty as those from nicer restaurants.
Luxury travellers, on the other hand, might enjoy multi course meals prepared by renowned chefs. A Michelin starred restaurant experience is as elegant as it gets, with perfectly plated dishes and impeccable service.
But, does it always taste better? Not necessarily.
Sometimes, a simple bowl of local soup can be as satisfying as a [00:08:00] five star meal, especially if it is made with love and tradition.
One of the biggest differences between budget and luxury travel is how you spend your time.
Budget travellers often seek out free or inexpensive activities like hiking, swimming at public beaches and visiting local markets.
These experiences can be as exciting as any guided tour. Watching the sunrise from a mountain peak is often as unforgettable as an expensive hot air balloon ride or helicopter ride.
Luxury travellers, on the other hand, often prefer exclusive experiences that aren’t always as affordable as budget options. For example, private yachts, helicopter tours and personalised tour guides. [00:09:00]
Getting around is another area where budget and luxury travel differs. Budget travellers usually rely on public transport, which may not be as fast as private cars, but can be as interesting in the journey itself.
Riding a local bus in a foreign country allows you to experience how locals live, making the trip just as educational as visiting a museum.
I always take the bus in Japan when I visited Malaysia I was taking buses in India I took trains. I think taking local transport is a great way to see how normal people travel in that country.
However, luxury travellers often prefer convenience and comfort. Private car services and first class train tickets are as comfortable as they come.
But they do lack some of the adventure [00:10:00] of budget travel.
For example, taking a tuk tuk in Bangkok or riding a rickshaw in India might be as thrilling as any luxury travel experience.
Staying in hostels, sharing rides and participating in group tours naturally leads to meeting other travellers. You’ll likely build friendships that can be as meaningful as the trip itself.
When I visited Taiwan for the first time in 2018, I met five people at my hostel. We drank together, went to night markets together, hiked up a mountain and ate hotpot. These are wonderful memories. I remember the experiences I had with those people more than the trip itself.
Luxury travel, by contrast, can be as private as you want it to be.
Exclusive [00:11:00] resorts and private tours offer peace and quiet. However, this privacy might not be as culturally immersive as budget travel.
Of course, one of the biggest differences between budget and luxury travel is the cost. Budget travel can be as affordable as you want it to be.
With careful planning, you can often stretch your money and still have an amazing experience. You can stay in cheap hotels, do cheap activities, and still have a great time.
Luxury travel, on the other hand, is rarely as cheap as budget travel.
However, for those who value comfort and convenience and exclusivity, it may be worth the expense. After all, splurging on a luxury experience now and then can be as satisfying as sticking to a strict budget.
Final Thought
[00:12:00]
So here is today’s final thought.
Today, I’ve introduced you all to comparisons of equality and inequality. We use this grammar to show the equality between two things or to show inequality between two things.
After explaining how to form and use this type of comparative grammar, be as tall as something, be as strong as something.
I tried to demonstrate the grammar through a discussion of luxury and budget travel.
Now you have listened to this episode and this grammar lesson, let’s practice your English. Why not answer the following question in the comments on Spotify or on my blog or on YouTube using the grammar you have learned today.
Are online classes as effective as in-person classes?
You can leave a comment on Spotify or comment on YouTube or leave a comment on my website.
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