【推荐2】With the attractive scenery and the possibility of a monster (怪物) sighting, Loch Ness is the one of those rare destinations that engages everyone.

Urquhart Castle

Captured by Edward 1 in 1296, this prized castle changed hands between the Scots and English on several occasions. Though ruined today, it’s still possible to climb the Grant Tower and visit the battlements and prison cells. A cafe and visitor centre offer modern facilities in historic surroundings.

The Loch Ness Centre

For those who wish to digest the complete history of Loch Ness, this centre is particularly good at documenting the history of this mysterious stretch of water, including many attempts to search for Nessie, the infamous monster. It also holds curious artifacts (古器物) such as the diving suit worn by Lloyd Scott when he undertook his underwater marathon.

The Clansman Centre

At the south end of Loch Ness, this attraction uncovers the truth surrounding 18th-century family life. Audience members get the opportunity to put on Highland dress and there’s a demonstration on how weapons were used. The presentations take place within the recreated interior of a Highland house, adding atmosphere and authenticity (真实).

South Loch Ness Trail

This 36-mile route invites hikers along the quieter south side of Loch Ness, passing through three villages, and taking in the Falls of Foyers. Walkers hike a mix of minor roads and forest tracks, with highlights including Suidhe Viewpoint (a mountainous view at 1,200 feet). If it sounds too easygoing, then consider the Loch Ness 360° Trail instead for a more challenging, 80-mile route.

【推荐3】Sentry Mead, Isle of Wight

Sentry Mead is an ideal destination with nine beautifully decorated bedrooms. The attention to detail is exceptional. Hence, each room enjoys its own uniqueness. And guests delight in features such as piles of books, homemade cupcakes, chocolates and a pillow menu. Dogs are welcomed and are allowed everywhere except the dining room. Besides walks and treats, there are blankets for them too.

The Halfway Bridge, West Sussex

The Halfway Bridge, a welcoming village pub-with-rooms, is oriented (指向的) towards rural life, famous for its delicious local and fresh food —their burgers are particularly popular. Rooms are in a single-story block behind the pub, and offer contemporary rural style. Dogs can stay in select rooms with garden access. Treats for four-legged friends are available in the lounge (大厅) and bar and there’s always a water bowl to hand.

The Falcondale, Wales

The Falcondale is a romantic destination. Stay in a valley-view room and enjoy the teapot. coffeepot and shortbread available in all rooms. Dogs not only enjoy the landscape, but can sit with you in part of the restaurant. There’s a luxury Canine Retreat package available. Bowls, blankets, towels, mess bags, leads, a torch and an outdoor tap are provided, as well as treats, a temperature-controlled dog bat h and a dog dining menu.

The Traddock, Austwick

The place to go for walking, especially if you choose to bring the dog with you. The Traddock is a welcome country house in the Yorkshire Dales national park. Homely and warm, rooms are decorated in comforting style but with a clear sense of luxury too. Locally sourced food always takes center stage. The personal welcome extends to four-legged friends who will love the many surrounding walks and the peaceful garden. After a day outdoors, they can relax in the lounge and bar.

【推荐1】A TRAIN operator from Britain has made travelling more enjoyable — by hosting live yoga classes during journeys.

Heathrow Express passengers travelling on October 13 were treated to sessions with yoga influencer Celest Pereira, who has developed a 12-minute seat-yoga and meditation session to help travellers relax.

The class has been developed so travellers of all ages and abilities can perform the exercises safely from their seats — and it’s believed to be the first time a yoga class has taken place on a moving train and it received fabulous feedbacks.

To get passengers in the right stage of mind, the “Tranquil Train” carriage hosting the sessions was decorated with fresh eucalyptus (桉树叶) and lavender (薰衣草) to fill the carriage with calming fragrances, as a consequence of which the passengers might feel much more light-hearted.

The initiative was launched after a study also conducted by Heathrow Express found more than half of public transport users find travel stressful following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Celest Pereira said, “Travelling can get people very unsettled. As there’s lots going on, lots of things to think about, and it’s very deadline driven so it can be a very intense experience.” By hosting these classes we’re hoping to relieve those pressures and help passengers be in the present moment, feel less overwhelmed and relieve any muscle tension. Moreover, these kind of classes are likely to produce prized memories.

The surveyed adults also identified the most frustrating aspects of travel — including delayed departures, big crowds, noisy environment as well as dull waits. They revealed that more quiet carriages, more reserved seats, free snacks or refreshments plus reserved places for luggage and onboard entertainment contributed to taking mind off worrying things. These researches will make a big difference to a better travel experience.

【推荐2】When the COVID-19 pandemic made face masks an everyday necessity, Japanese company Donut Robotics took the opportunity and created a smart mask — a high-tech upgrade to standard face coverings, designed to make communication and social distancing easier. Connected to an app, the smart mask can record the information it accepts in a written form, make the wearer’s voice louder, and translate speech into eight different languages.

Donut Robotics first developed the translation software for a robot called Cinnamon — but when the pandemic hit, the robot project was put off. That was when the team’s engineers came up with the idea to use their software in a face mask. Donut Robotics was co-founded by Taisuke no and Takafumi Okabe, aiming to change the world with small and mobile communication robots. They applied the initiative to provide services for visitors at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Cinnamon robot — designed to provide tourists with useful information — was one of four translation robot prototypes selected by the project.

But earlier this year, COVID-19 hit Asia and the airport project grounded to a halt. “We were running short of money and wondering how to keep the company going,” says Ono. The team sought a solution and came up with the idea to adapt its software for a product that would sell well in the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in face mask sales. Seeing an opportunity to make money with their translation technology, Donut Robotics launched a fundraiser on Japanese crowdfunding platform Fundinno in June. They raised $265, 000 in 37 minutes. “It was very surprising,” he says, “because it would usually take three or four months to get that kind of money.”

Ono says the first wave of supply is expected to take place in Japan, with 5,000 to 10,000 masks available by December, priced at $40 to $50 each. Donut Robotics will not expand overseas until April 20.