ESL Podcast 635 - Arranging Airport Transfer

vacation package - an arrangement that includes airfare, lodging, transportation, admission fees, and possibly food and drink so that one can enjoy a vacation without worrying about the details, usually for one price

This five-day vacation package includes everything except alcohol.

to double-check - to make sure something is a certain way, often by asking more than once

I know I just asked this question a few moments ago, but I want to double- check: Are you sure there won't be any hidden fees on our bill?

airport transfer - transportation from the airport to one's hotel or other destination

They've arranged our airport transfer - we just need to look for a man holding up a sign with our name once we get off the plane.

hindsight is 20/20 - a phrase used to express the idea that one cannot understand something fully until after it has happened, and it is impossible to have that information before it happens

If we'd known that everyone here would be wearing tuxedos and formal dresses, we would have dressed better, but hindsight is 20/20.

taxi - a car with a driver who is paid to take different people to different locations

Let's take a taxi to the next meeting because it will be hard to find parking if we drive there.

to nix - to not let something happen; to say no; to deny or refuse something

They were planning an outdoor wedding, but they had to nix that idea when it began to rain heavily.

to cost an arm and a leg - to be very expensive; to be very costly

Adding another bedroom to your home is going to cost an arm and a leg. Are you sure you don't just want to move to a bigger house?

option - one of many choices; one of many things that one can have or do

The cable company offers three payment options: cash, credit card, or check.

limo service - a company that arranges to drive people from one place to another in a limousine (a very fancy, expensive, and long black car)

If you really want to impress your date, pick her up using a limo service.

to be out - to not be an option; to be impossible; to be eliminated as a choice

Peter is afraid of heights so flying across the country is out. We have to drive or take a bus.

shuttle service - a company that arranges to drive groups of people from one place to another, usually in a large van, normally going to and from the same places every day

This airport shuttle service will pick you up from your home and take you to the airport, but it takes a while because you'll have to wait while the driver picks up other people, too.

stop - one of many places where a vehicle pauses for a short period of time to let people on or off

Do you live near a bus stop?

public transportation - types of vehicles that are provided by a city for everyone to use, usually after paying a small fee, such as buses, subways, or trams

If everyone used public transportation, there would be less traffic in this city.

bus - a large vehicle that has many seats and follows the same route each day, or many times in a day, taking people to and from different places

Taking the bus to work is kind of slow, but I enjoy being able to read the newspaper instead of driving.

subway - a type of train that moves underground, taking people from one place to another quickly in large cities

Max rides the subway to work each morning, transferring from the yellow line to the red line.

courtesy shuttle - a large van operated by a hotel that moves people between the airport and the hotel whenever they need it, for free

I've reserved one room with a queen-sized bed for two nights, and the hotel is going to send its courtesy shuttle to meet us at the airport.

on its way - coming toward oneself; in movement, but not yet at the destination

Your package was mailed last Thursday, so it is on its way and should arrive within the next day or two.

to relish - to enjoy; to look forward to

I don't relish the thought of our daughter moving so far away, but I know it's a good career opportunity for her.

red-eye - an airplane flight that travels during the night-time hours

Sandra could have saved money by taking the red-eye flight, but she decided she didn't want to be so tired when she arrives.