Last Updated on July 9, 2025
“Describe a country you would like to visit” is a popular cue card topic in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 test. In this article, you will discover four diverse sample answers, essential vocabulary for a high band score, related follow-up questions from Part 3, and a clear explanation of what this topic assesses.
This cue card is designed to test your ability to use descriptive language, express future hopes and plans, and organize details about a place in a coherent way.
Learn how to answer “Describe a country you would like to visit” with IELTS sample answers, Band 9 vocabulary, tips, follow-up questions & structure.
Cue Card Topic Breakdown
You will have:
- 1 minute to prepare
- 1–2 minutes to speak
Describe a country you would like to visit
You should say:
- Which country is it
- When you would like to go
- What would you do there
- And explain why you want to visit this country
Why This Cue Card Matters
This cue card helps examiners assess your ability to:
- Use future and conditional tenses correctly (e.g., “I would like to go,” “I will visit”).
- Employ a wide range of vocabulary related to travel, geography, and activities.
- Organize your ideas logically with supporting details.
- Express personal interest and enthusiasm effectively.
Japan: Describe a Country you would like to visit
Which country is it?
The country I dream of visiting is Japan.
When you would like to go
I would prefer to visit during spring, possibly in April 2026. I need to see the popular Cherry blossoms or sakura, as they are known to be stunning.
What would you do there?
I would plan to get a taste of the contrasts of the country. I would cruise in a big city, Tokyo, visiting such sites as the Shibuya Crossing, and then hop on a fast train called Shinkansen to Kyoto and feel the serenity of its ancient temples and gardens. Of course, one must taste real raman and sushi.
Why do you want to visit this country?
Japan has captured my attention because of the way it combines ancient traditions and high technology. Being raised in India, I have watched so many documentaries and anime that present this lovely culture, and I wish to experience this harmony and closeness with nature.
New Zealand: Describe a Country you would like to visit
Which country is it
The one country that is at the very top of my travel list is New Zealand.
When you would like to go
Ideally, I would plan my trip during the Indian winter months, like December or January. This would allow me to experience the glorious summer season in New Zealand.
What would you do there?
I am an avid nature lover, so I would spend most of my time outdoors. I would go hiking in the Fiordland National Park, see the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, and definitely visit the Hobbiton movie set. For a bit of adventure, I might even consider bungee jumping in Queenstown.
Why do you want to visit this country?
I want to visit New Zealand because of its unparalleled natural beauty. The landscapes look almost otherworldly in pictures. For many young people in my city of Maheshtala, it represents the ultimate adventure destination, a place to connect with nature in its purest form.
Italy: Describe a Country you would like to visit
Which country is it
One of the countries that I would love to visit is Italy.
When you would like to go
I believe that the shoulder seasons, such as May or September, would be the best time to visit because of the amusing weather and the lack of massive crowds during the summer.
What would you do there?
My tour would be cultural and historical. I would visit the centuries-old ruins of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, view Renaissance art in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and maybe take a traditional gondola ride in Venice. Eating real Italian pasta and pizza would occur on a daily basis.
Why do you want to visit this country?
I want to visit Italy as I have a strong interest in history and art. I learned about the Roman Empire and the Renaissance in school, and it would be magical to see those monuments and artworks with my own eyes. It is a nation where you can sense history in every street corner.
Egypt: Describe a Country you would like to visit
Which country is it
The country I am most eager to visit is Egypt.
When you would like to go
I would plan my trip for a cooler month, probably February, to make exploring the outdoor archaeological sites more comfortable and avoid the intense summer heat.
What would you do there?
My main goal would be to witness the wonders of the ancient world. I would visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, take a cruise down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan, and explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. I would also love to wander through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo.
Why do you want to visit this country?
My motivation is a lifelong fascination with ancient history and Egyptology. Ever since I was a child reading about pharaohs and mummies, I have wanted to see these incredible feats of human engineering and artistry for myself. It would be a journey back in time.
Follow-Up Questions (IELTS Part 3): Describe a Country you would like to visit
Why do you think people like to travel to other countries?
There are numerous reasons why people travel: to explore new cultures, visit landmarks, taste national food, or just unwind and forget about their everyday life. It expands our horizon and leaves memorable impressions.
What are the benefits of tourism for a country?
The economic positives of tourism include generating employment opportunities within the hospitality industry, the transport sector and artisans of the area. It also facilitates cultural exchange and may assist in financing the preservation of historical places.
Do you think tourism can also have negative consequences?
Yes, definitely. Overtourism may cause environmental degradation, impose pressure on local infrastructure, such as water and housing, as well as degrade the local culture. It is a balancing act which must be handled with care.
How has technology changed the way people travel?
Technology has revolutionized travel. Our smartphones can now allow us to conduct research on destinations, make flight and hotel reservations, and even get around unfamiliar cities with ease. It has increased accessibility and autonomy in travel.
Vocabulary to Use for This Cue Card
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Breathtaking scenery | Extremely beautiful natural views. | New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking scenery. |
| Rich cultural heritage | A history, traditions, and culture of great value. | I want to visit Italy for its rich cultural heritage. |
| Bustling metropolis | A very busy and vibrant city. | I want to explore the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. |
| Off the beaten path | In a place where few people go; secluded. | I’d like to find some spots that are off the beaten path. |
| Once-in-a-lifetime trip | A very special journey that you are unlikely to repeat. | Visiting the pyramids in Egypt would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. |
| Itinerary | A detailed plan or route of a journey. | The first thing I would do is prepare a detailed itinerary. |
| Immerse myself in | To become completely involved in an activity or culture. | I want to immerse myself in the local culture. |
| Iconic landmarks | Very famous and well-known buildings or monuments. | Paris is known for its many iconic landmarks. |
| Shoulder season | The travel period between peak and off-peak seasons. | I plan to travel during the shoulder season to avoid crowds. |
| Broaden one’s perspective | To expand one’s understanding of the world. | Travelling helps to broaden one’s perspective. |
Related Topics for IELTS Practice
- Describe the Scene of a Hospital
- Describe a Skill You Want to Learn
- Describe an important day in your life
- Describe a Difficult Decision You Made
- Describe a Historical Building You Have Been To
- Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
- Describe a Place You Would Like to Live in the Future
- Describe an Old Person Who Has Had an Interesting Life
- Describe a Place in Your City Where You Can See Wildlife
- Describe a Village Near Your Hometown: IELTS Cue Card
Final thoughts on the “Describe a Country you would like to visit IELTS Cue Card”
This IELTS cue card is a good chance to show your descriptive abilities and to show how you can speak about future dreams. Use colourful adjectives and sound enthusiastic. Including specific examples of what you would do and mentioning the solid reason as to why you would do something will make your answer more persuasive and memorable to the examiner.
FAQs
Can I choose a country I have already visited?
The cue card specifically asks for a country you “would like tо visit.” It іs best tо choose a place you haven’t been to, as this fits the topic better and allows you tо use future/conditional tenses.
What іf I don’t know many details about the country?
It’s okay. You don’t need tо be a travel expert. The examiner іs testing your language, not your geographical knowledge. Focus оn what you imagine you would dо based оn general knowledge, pictures, оr things you’ve heard.
Should I talk about the budget for the trip?
It іs not necessary unless іt іs directly relevant tо why you want tо gо оr when you can gо (e.g., “I would gо after I save enough money.”). The focus should be оn the place and your desire tо visit it.
As a dynamic social media content strategist and storyteller, Bhaskarjyoti blends creativity with data-driven precision to turn aspirations into action. With a keen understanding of what today’s students seek, he has redefined how study-abroad dreams are communicated, combining global trends with grounded Indian values. He also works across student guides, scholarship explainers, university deep-dives, and thought pieces, making study-abroad content both insightful and accessible. Always curious, always evolving – he believes that great content is not just about reach, but about impact. And that the right story, told the right way, can change a life.
