Vacation role-play scenarios are a great way to help ESL students practice real-life conversations. Vacations don’t always go as planned—bad weather, lost items, or unexpected problems can happen. These role-plays prepare students to handle these situations confidently in English.
Through role-play scenarios, students improve their speaking, listening, and problem-solving skills while learning useful vacation-related vocabulary. They will practice asking for help, explaining issues, and responding naturally in different situations. This makes them more confident in real vacation conversation settings.
Each role-play includes two roles: one person dealing with a vacation problem and another offering help. Students can practice in pairs, switch roles, and use key phrases to make their conversations more natural. Encourage creativity and full responses to make the activity both engaging and effective.
Try these 40 vacation role-play scenarios in your classroom! They are practical, fun, and designed to make learning English enjoyable. Pick a situation, set the scene, and let your students gain confidence while having fun!
Table of Contents
1. Sunburned on the First Day of Vacation
Person A:
You were so excited to go to the beach that you forgot to put on sunscreen. Now, your skin is very red and painful. You go to the hotel front desk to ask for help. Explain your problem and ask what you can do to feel better.
Person B:
You work at the hotel front desk. A guest comes to you with a bad sunburn. Listen to their problem and give them advice. Suggest using aloe vera or cold water and tell them where they can buy medicine for sunburn.
2. Lost Your Child at a Theme Park
Person A:
You were having fun at a theme park with your child. Suddenly, you look around and realize your child is missing! You feel very worried. You go to the park staff and tell them what happened. Describe your child and ask for help finding them.
Person B:
You work at the theme park’s Lost Child Center. A worried parent comes to you for help. Ask them for details about the child, like their age, clothes, and name. Tell them what steps you will take to find the child and how they should wait.
3. Hotel Pool Closed for Maintenance
Person A:
You were looking forward to swimming in the hotel pool, but when you arrive, you see a sign that says, “Pool Closed for Maintenance.” You feel disappointed. You go to the hotel front desk to ask why the pool is closed and if there is another place to swim.
Person B:
You are a hotel receptionist. A guest is unhappy because the pool is closed. Apologize and explain why the pool is closed. Offer other options, like a nearby beach or another pool in the area.
4. No Beach Chairs Available at the Resort
Person A:
You arrive at the beach, but all the beach chairs are taken. You really want to sit and relax. You go to a staff member and ask if they can help. Ask if there are any more chairs or if there is another place to sit.
Person B:
You work at the resort’s beach. A guest asks you for a beach chair, but all the chairs are taken. Explain the situation and tell them if they can wait for a chair or rent a private cabana.
5. Got Locked Out of Your Hotel Room
Person A:
You left your hotel room to get some fresh air, but you forgot your room key inside! Now you can’t get back into your room. You go to the hotel front desk and explain the problem. Ask for a new key or help opening the door.
Person B:
You are a hotel receptionist. A guest comes to you and says they are locked out of their room. Ask them for their room number and ID. Explain how they can get a new key or how security can help them enter the room.
6. Forgot to Pack Swimwear for a Beach Trip
Person A:
You’ve arrived at the beach and are ready to swim, but then you realize you forgot to bring your swimsuit! You go to a shop near the beach and ask if they sell swimwear. Ask about sizes and prices.
Person B:
You work at a beachside shop. A customer asks for a swimsuit. Show them different options and help them find the right size. Answer their questions about prices and colors.
7. Heavy Rain Ruins Outdoor Vacation Plans
Person A:
You planned to go sightseeing today, but it started raining heavily. Now you can’t do any outdoor activities. You go to the hotel concierge and ask for suggestions on fun indoor activities.
Person B:
You are a hotel concierge. A guest asks you for indoor activity ideas because of the rain. Suggest places like a museum, shopping mall, or spa. Help them make a new plan for the day.
8. Scuba Diving Trip Canceled Due to Bad Weather
Person A:
You booked a scuba diving trip, but when you arrive, the tour company tells you it is canceled because the sea is too rough. You are disappointed. Talk to the staff and ask if you can get a refund or reschedule the trip.
Person B:
You work at a scuba diving tour company. A guest is unhappy because the trip is canceled. Apologize and explain that it is too dangerous to go diving today. Offer them another date for the trip or tell them about other activities they can do.
9. Missed Your Sunset Cruise
Person A:
You bought a ticket for a sunset cruise, but you arrived at the dock a few minutes late. The boat has already left! You go to the ticket office and ask if you can join another cruise or get a refund.
Person B:
You work at the cruise ticket office. A customer comes to you after missing their boat. Explain the cruise schedule and check if they can take another boat. Tell them if they can get a refund or not.
10. Theme Park Ride Too Scary for You
Person A:
You were excited to try a big roller coaster, but now that you are in line, you feel too scared to go on the ride. You talk to the ride attendant and ask if you can leave the line or change to another ride.
Person B:
You are a theme park ride attendant. A guest is nervous about riding the roller coaster. Reassure them that the ride is safe. If they still don’t want to go, help them leave the line or suggest a smaller, less scary ride.
11. Got Stung by a Jellyfish While Swimming
Person A:
You were swimming in the ocean when suddenly, you felt a sharp pain on your leg. You look down and see red marks—it was a jellyfish sting! You quickly go to the lifeguard for help. Explain what happened and ask what you should do.
Person B:
You are a lifeguard at the beach. A swimmer comes to you and says they got stung by a jellyfish. Ask where they got stung and how they feel. Tell them how to treat the sting and if they need to see a doctor.
12. Wrong Language on an Audio Tour
Person A:
You are visiting a famous museum and rented an audio guide. But when you press play, it speaks in the wrong language! You don’t understand anything. Go to the front desk and ask for help. Explain the problem and ask if they have an audio guide in your language.
Person B:
You work at the museum’s front desk. A visitor tells you their audio guide is in the wrong language. Apologize and check if the correct language is available. Help them switch to the right guide.
13. Too Crowded to Enjoy the Famous Landmark
Person A:
You have been waiting for months to see a famous place, but when you arrive, it is so crowded that you can’t see anything! You feel frustrated. You go to the tourist information desk and ask for advice. Ask if there is a better time to visit.
Person B:
You work at the tourist information desk. A visitor complains that the place is too crowded. Suggest the best times to visit or tell them about another great place nearby.
14. Forgot to Book a Spa Appointment at a Resort
Person A:
You were looking forward to a relaxing spa treatment at your resort, but when you arrive, you realize you forgot to make a booking. You go to the spa reception and ask if there are any open spots today.
Person B:
You work at the spa reception. A guest comes without a booking. Check the schedule and tell them if there are any available appointments today. If not, suggest another time.
15. Got Sick After Eating Street Food
Person A:
You ate some delicious street food, but now your stomach hurts a lot. You feel nauseous and weak. You go to the hotel front desk and ask for help. Explain your symptoms and ask what you should do.
Person B:
You work at the hotel front desk. A guest tells you they feel sick after eating street food. Ask about their symptoms and suggest they drink water and rest. If they need a doctor, tell them where to go.
16. Camera or Phone Falls into the Water
Person A:
You were taking photos near the ocean, but suddenly, your camera (or phone) slipped from your hand and fell into the water! You are very upset. You go to an electronics store and ask if there is a way to fix it.
Person B:
You work at an electronics store. A customer comes in with a wet phone or camera. Ask what happened and explain if there is a way to repair it. Give them advice on what to do next.
17. Lost Your Way on a Bicycle Tour
Person A:
You joined a bicycle tour, but you stopped to take photos and now you can’t find the group! You don’t know the way back. You stop at a café and ask for directions to the meeting point.
Person B:
You work at a café. A tourist comes in and says they lost their bicycle tour group. Listen to them and try to help by giving directions or calling the tour company for them.
18. Hotel Room Has a Strange Smell
Person A:
You checked into your hotel room, but there is a strong and strange smell inside. You don’t feel comfortable staying there. You go to the front desk and explain the problem. Ask if they can give you another room.
Person B:
You are a hotel receptionist. A guest complains about a bad smell in their room. Apologize and offer to send housekeeping to check the problem. If necessary, offer them another room.
19. Beach Is Too Dirty to Swim
Person A:
You arrived at the beach, but the water is full of trash and seaweed. It looks too dirty to swim. You go to the tourist information desk and ask if there is another clean beach nearby.
Person B:
You work at the tourist information desk. A tourist asks about clean beaches. Apologize for the dirty beach and recommend another nearby beach that is cleaner.
20. Didn’t Bring Enough Warm Clothes for a Cold Place
Person A:
You are on vacation in a cold place, but you didn’t pack enough warm clothes. Now you feel very cold and uncomfortable. You go to a clothing shop and ask for warm clothes, like a jacket or scarf.
Person B:
You work at a clothing shop. A tourist comes in looking for warm clothes. Help them find something warm to wear and answer their questions about price and size.
21. Tried Local Food but It Was Too Spicy
Person A:
You were excited to try the local food, but it turned out to be too spicy! Your mouth is burning, and you need something to cool it down. You call the waiter and ask for help.
Person B:
You are a waiter at the restaurant. A customer says the food is too spicy. Apologize and offer some water, milk, or a less spicy dish.
22. Got Overcharged for a Jet Ski Rental
Person A:
You rented a jet ski, but when you returned it, the rental shop charged you much more than expected. You go to the shop owner and ask why the price is so high.
Person B:
You work at the jet ski rental shop. A customer is complaining about the price. Explain why they were charged that amount and discuss any possible discounts or misunderstandings.
23. Boat Tour Got Delayed for Hours
Person A:
You booked a boat tour, but it has been delayed for hours. You are tired of waiting and go to the tour company desk to ask what is happening and if you can get a refund.
Person B:
You work at the tour company desk. A customer is frustrated about the delay. Apologize and explain the reason. Offer options like waiting, rescheduling, or getting a refund.
24. Long Line at a Popular Tourist Attraction
Person A:
You arrived at a famous tourist attraction, but the line is extremely long. You are worried you won’t have enough time to visit. You go to the staff and ask if there is a faster way to enter.
Person B:
You work at the tourist attraction. A visitor asks about the long line. Explain if there are any fast-entry tickets or the best time to visit when it’s less crowded.
25. Didn’t Realize the Sun Was So Strong and Got Dehydrated
Person A:
You were outside all day under the sun and didn’t drink enough water. Now you feel dizzy and weak. You go to a small shop and ask for water and advice on how to feel better.
Person B:
You work at a small shop. A tourist comes in feeling dehydrated. Offer them water and suggest they rest in the shade or visit a doctor if needed.
26. Had an Argument with a Friend on Vacation
Person A:
You and your friend planned this trip together, but now you are arguing about what to do next. You feel frustrated and want to solve the problem. Talk to your friend and try to find a solution.
Person B:
You are Person A’s friend. You have a different idea about what to do on the trip. Try to explain your side and work together to find a plan that makes both of you happy.
27. Bought the Wrong Ticket for an Attraction
Person A:
You bought a ticket for a tourist attraction, but you just realized it’s the wrong one! You go to the ticket counter and ask if you can exchange it for the right ticket.
Person B:
You work at the ticket counter. A customer bought the wrong ticket. Check their ticket and explain if they can exchange it or if they need to buy a new one.
28. Forgot Your Sunglasses and It’s Too Bright
Person A:
The sun is very bright, and you forgot to bring sunglasses. Your eyes hurt from the strong sunlight. You go to a small shop and ask if they sell sunglasses.
Person B:
You work at a small shop near the beach. A tourist asks for sunglasses. Show them what you have and help them choose a pair.
29. Couldn’t Find a Public Restroom at the Beach
Person A:
You are spending the day at the beach, but now you really need to use the restroom. You look around but can’t find one. You ask a local person if they know where the nearest restroom is.
Person B:
You are a local person at the beach. A tourist asks you where the restroom is. Help them by giving clear directions or suggesting a nearby café or shop they can use.
30. Scared to Try a New Adventure Sport
Person A:
You signed up for an adventure sport, like parasailing or zip-lining, but now you feel very nervous. You talk to the instructor and ask if it is safe.
Person B:
You are the adventure sport instructor. A tourist is scared to try the activity. Explain the safety measures and encourage them to try it if they feel comfortable.
31. Got Lost During a Guided Walking Tour
Person A:
You joined a guided walking tour, but you stopped to take pictures and lost the group. Now you don’t know where to go. You ask a local person or a shopkeeper if they know where the tour group might be.
Person B:
You are a local person or a shopkeeper. A tourist tells you they lost their walking tour group. Listen to their problem and try to help them find the group or suggest a way to contact the guide.
32. Chose the Wrong Time to Visit a Famous Place
Person A:
You were excited to visit a famous place, but when you arrived, it was too crowded or closed for the day. You go to the staff and ask when the best time to visit is.
Person B:
You work at the tourist attraction. A visitor asks when the best time to visit is. Give them information about the best days and times to come when it is less crowded or open.
33. Struggled to Order Ice Cream in a Foreign Language
Person A:
You want to order ice cream, but the menu is in a language you don’t understand. You don’t know the flavors, and you don’t know how to ask for a small or large cup. Try to communicate with the staff and order what you want.
Person B:
You work at the ice cream shop. A tourist is struggling to order. Help them by explaining the flavors and sizes using simple words or gestures.
34. Someone Took Your Seat on a Sightseeing Bus
Person A:
You bought a ticket for a sightseeing bus, and you found the perfect seat. But when you left for a moment, someone else sat in your seat. Politely ask them if they can move.
Person B:
You are a tourist on the sightseeing bus. Someone says you are sitting in their seat. Listen to them and decide whether to move or explain why you thought the seat was available.
35. Bought a Souvenir That Doesn’t Fit in Your Bag
Person A:
You bought a beautiful souvenir, but now you realize it’s too big to fit in your bag. You go back to the shop and ask if you can return it or if they can help you ship it home.
Person B:
You work at the souvenir shop. A customer comes back with a problem. Explain your store’s return policy or suggest a way for them to send the souvenir home.
36. Booked a Luxury Experience That Wasn’t Worth It
Person A:
You paid a lot of money for a special experience, like a fancy dinner or spa day, but it was not as good as you expected. You go to the manager and politely explain why you are disappointed.
Person B:
You are the manager of the luxury experience. A customer is unhappy with their experience. Listen to their complaint and decide if you will offer a refund, a discount, or an apology.
37. Your Travel Buddy Wants to Relax, but You Want Adventure
Person A:
You are traveling with a friend. You want to go on an exciting adventure, like hiking or zip-lining, but your friend just wants to relax by the pool. Try to convince them to do something fun.
Person B:
You are Person A’s travel buddy. You just want to relax, but they want to do something active. Try to explain your side and find a way to agree on an activity.
38. Forgot to Check the Dress Code for a Fancy Dinner
Person A:
You arrived at a fancy restaurant for dinner, but you just realized you are wearing shorts and flip-flops. The restaurant has a dress code, and you are not allowed inside. You ask the host if there is anything you can do.
Person B:
You are the restaurant host. A guest is not dressed properly for dinner. Explain the dress code and suggest solutions, like changing clothes or sitting in a different area.
39. Didn’t Realize There Were Hidden Fees for an Activity
Person A:
You signed up for an activity, like a boat tour or a theme park ticket, but now you see extra fees for things like food, photos, or special access. You ask the staff why the price is so much higher than expected.
Person B:
You work at the activity center. A tourist is upset about extra fees. Explain what the extra costs are for and whether there is a way to avoid them.
40. Got Too Many Bug Bites While Exploring Nature
Person A:
You went hiking or camping, but now you have many mosquito bites, and they are very itchy. You go to a pharmacy or a local shop and ask for something to stop the itching.
Person B:
You work at a pharmacy or shop. A tourist comes in with many mosquito bites and asks for help. Suggest a cream or spray to help them feel better.
Conclusion
Practicing vacation role-play scenarios helps ESL students build confidence in real-life conversations. By acting out different situations, they improve their speaking skills, learn useful vocabulary, and develop problem-solving abilities. These activities make learning fun while preparing students for unexpected challenges on vacation.
Encourage students to be creative, use natural expressions, and switch roles to experience different perspectives. The more they practice, the more comfortable they will become in handling vacation-related situations in English.
Use these 40 role-play scenarios to make your lessons engaging and interactive. With regular practice, your students will be ready to communicate effectively and enjoy their vacations without language barriers!
FAQs about Vacation Role-Play Scenarios
- How can I help students improve their speaking skills?
Give students lots of chances to practice speaking in class with activities like role-plays and conversations. - How can I make lessons more fun for students?
Use games, group activities, and real-world topics like travel to make lessons interesting and engaging. - What’s the best way to teach new vocabulary?
Teach new words in sentences, use pictures, and practice by having students use the words in their own sentences. - How can I help students with pronunciation?
Focus on difficult sounds, practice with examples, and encourage students to speak slowly and clearly. - How can I check my students’ progress?
Use quizzes, speaking tasks, and writing activities to see how well students are doing. You can also let students assess themselves or each other. - What is task-based learning, and how do I use it?
Task-based learning is when students do real tasks in English, like planning a trip or solving a problem, to practice the language. - How do I handle different levels in my class?
Group students by their level for some activities, give simpler tasks to beginners, and challenge advanced students with harder work. - How can I teach grammar?
Teach grammar in real contexts, use examples, and include it in speaking and writing activities, not just memorization. - How can I encourage students to participate more?
Create a friendly, supportive environment, start with easy activities, and gradually help shy students speak more with group work. - How can I make my class work for different types of learners?
Use different teaching methods, like visual aids, hands-on activities, and group work, to help all students learn in their preferred way.
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