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Herm: A Small Island With No Cars

photography of island against sky
Photo by Marek Okon on Unsplash

Herm is a small island located in the Channel Islands, near the coast of France. One of the most unusual things about Herm is that it has no cars at all. Visitors get around by walking or cycling instead.

The island is known for its white sandy beaches and its calm, peaceful atmosphere. Because there are no cars, the island is very quiet, with few of the noises usually found in towns and cities.

Herm has appeared on a list of the world's most tranquil islands. This kind of list is created to help travelers find destinations where they can relax away from busy modern life.

The list also includes Stewart Island, which is described as a wild and untouched place. Interestingly, one island included on the list is actually in Italy, showing that peaceful islands can be found in many different parts of the world.

This growing interest in quiet getaways reflects a wider trend among travelers. Many people today are looking for places where they can escape crowds, noise and traffic. Islands without cars, like Herm, offer exactly that kind of experience.

Although the source does not give more details about Herm's size, population or history, it is clear that the island's main appeal lies in its natural beauty and its silence. For travelers seeking a slower pace of life, such secluded places are becoming increasingly attractive.

Vocabulary8 words

island
land with water all around it
beaches
sandy areas next to the sea
peaceful
calm and quiet
quiet
having very little noise
tranquil
very calm and peaceful
destinations
places people travel to
getaways
short trips away from normal life
secluded
quiet and away from other people

Quiz

1. What makes Herm unusual compared to many other places?
2. How do visitors get around on Herm?
3. Which other island is mentioned as being on the list of peaceful islands?

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Herm is a small _____ located in the Channel Islands, near the coast of France.

One of the most unusual things about Herm is that it has no _____ at all.

Visitors get around by walking or _____ instead.

The island is known for its white sandy _____ and its calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Herm has appeared on a list of the world's most _____ islands.

The list also includes Stewart Island, which is described as a _____ and untouched place.

One island included on the list is actually in _____.

Many people today are looking for places where they can escape crowds, noise and _____.

Discussion questions

  1. Would you enjoy visiting an island with no cars? Why or why not?
  2. What do you think makes a place feel peaceful?
  3. Why might people want to escape busy city life?
  4. Have you ever visited a quiet, remote place? What was it like?

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