ESL Podcast 238 - Traveling Off-Season

what I wouldn't give... - I really want to do or have something; I would do almost anything to do or have something

What I wouldn't give to see my granddaughter! My daughter and her family live in Singapore, and I haven't seen her in a long time.

to get away - to take a vacation; to leave work and other daily activities for a short time

Ernie and Belina wanted to get away, so they went to Jamaica for a one-week vacation.

to afford - to be able to pay for something; to have enough money to pay for something

Sharon wants to buy a new car, but she can't afford it with the job she has now.

off-season - the time of year when there are few tourists in a place

During the off-season, in the winter, hotel rooms near the ocean often cost 50% less than they do during the summer.

doable - able to be done; feasible; possible

Everyone said that finishing the project by Friday wasn't doable, but Martin stayed at the office late every day and finished it on Thursday evening!

deep - large; big; significant

Shelly was in deep trouble when she accidentally broke her mother's favorite plates.

low season - the time of year when there are few tourists in a place

During the low season, there isn't very much to do on Lopez Island, since the shops and restaurants close.

crowded - with many people; with a large number of people in a small space

The streets in Springfield were crowded yesterday because there was a big party downtown.

package deal - a group of things that are paid for together, such as a tourist's airfare, hotel rooms, and meals

The vacation cost $2,000. We had a package deal of $1,500 that included our travel and hotel rooms, and we spent about $500 on gifts and food.

lodgings - accommodations; where one stays (sleeps) when one is traveling

During our vacation in Costa Rica, our favorite lodgings were small houses near the river, where we could see a lot of animals.

deal - an agreement, usually for buying and selling things; bargain

Kenuke found a great deal. When he bought his computer, he got a free printer and scanner!

to have one thing going for (someone) - to have an advantage; to have something on one's side; to have something that will help one do something

Although Yuki was in a bad car accident, she does have one thing going for her: a positive attitude that her doctors say will help her recover quickly.

flexible - able to change if and when needed; able to adjust to changes

The president thanked Guadalupe personally for being so flexible in her job, always helping other people with their projects even when she was busy.

special promotions - a lower price that is offered for only a short time

This week, there's a special promotion at the CD store. If you buy five CDs, the sixth one is free.

bargain hunter - a person who looks for the lowest prices when shopping

Oresti is a great bargain hunter. He found the big-screen TV he wanted for 30% off.

won't be for lack of trying - if it doesn't work, it won't be because I didn't try hard enough

Fernando might not pass the test, but it won't be for lack of trying. He's been studying almost four hours every day for two months!