Summer is always a busy travel season, but even at peak times like July, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll see lots of hotels with No Vacancy (空房) signs. More and more travelers are choosing instead to stay in vacation rentals: decorated private houses, rooms, or apartments that only you and your party share for the period of your stay. Or you can get adventurous and book a cabin, a tree house, a houseboat, or even a castle.
The idea appeared in 2007, when Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, the owners of a hotel, realizing that a San Francisco tech meeting would make hotel rooms in the area harder to come by, let travelers sleep on air mattresses (充气床垫) in their apartment for a fee. They called it Air Bed and Breakfast, and the company—now known as Airbnb—is worth almost $100 billion today and has six million listings worldwide.
More space is a major attraction of this accommodation (住宿): the average hotel room measures just 330 square feet, while the average vacation rental room tops 1,300. And in 20 of the largest U. S. cities, average daily rates are comparable to (or slightly lower than) those of hotels.
If you’re willing to share your own digs while you’re away, Love Home Swap pairs you with like-minded travelers for stays in each other’s homes for a membership fee as low as $ 11 per month. If you’d like to list your home, check your local zoning laws, as some areas have strict rules on short-term rentals. In parts of Honolulu, a new law taking effect in October will up the minimum stay to 90 days.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?A.Vacation rentals have replaced hotels nowadays. |
B.Travelers have more options of where to live now. |
C.Hotels have no empty rooms during travel seasons. |
D.Instead of staying in rentals, travelers choose private rooms. |
A.The presence of the Airbnb. | B.The requirement of travelers. |
C.The shortage of hotel rooms. | D.The popularity of air mattresses. |
A.become its member first. | B.rent your house for free. |
C.list your house for at least 90 days. | D.find partners with the similar ideas. |
A.To list the various rentals for travelers. |
B.To urge hotels to take on more vacation rentals. |
C.To compare two different ways to spend vacation. |
D.To introduce a new trend on vacation accommodation. |
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【推荐1】4 Hotels That Will Make Your Life Easier
For the business traveler who is all about efficiency: Check out these hotels that will get you in and out with a minimum of trouble.
When you are pressed for time on a business trip, nothing can infuriate you more than a slow hotel check-in process. On your next trip, try these hotels that offer a speedier check-in process.
1. Yotel New York
The self-service kiosks (售货亭) at this high-tech New York hotel work just like the ones you’d see at an airport. There are just five-steps to register and obtain your card key. There is even a robotic luggage bellboy. You tap in the number of bags you are carrying and sizes, then wait for a robot arm to swing down and store your luggage in a locker (say, for a day trip). This also speeds up the check-in process if the first thing you need to do, like me, is heading to a series of meetings
2. Marriott Detroit Airport
Another option for business travelers in a hurry: Marriott is rolling out its mobile check-in app to 325 hotels this year, including the Marriott Detroit Airport hotel (I’ve tested the app itself but not for a real visit quite yet). Here is the basic idea: you download the iPhone or Android app. The night before, you can “check-in” virtually. When you arrive, you get an alert that the room is ready and your key, which is already tied to your reservation, is waiting for you at the desk.
3. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
I happened to stay at this hotel recently and liked how fast the kiosk check-in works. Like the Yotel, the kiosk asks you to insert your credit card, similar to an airport terminal. The whole process took about three minutes, when I left, I was equally impressed-with the fast check-out. An agent meets you in the lobby with an ipad and asks for an email to use for a receipt. The big advantage: you never have to wait in line.
4. Radisson: LaCrosse
The Radisson is trying to make the kiosk process even faster. At a few selected hotels like the Radisson Lacrosse in Wisconsin, you use a mobile app to register and then receive a barcode by email or text. When you get the kiosk, you scan the barcode to get your key without any other steps required. It’s super fast. You can find this new check-in system at the Radisson hotels in Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Phoenix as well.
1. What does “infuriate” mean in the first paragraph?A.interest | B.anger | C.trouble | D.mislead |
A.Yotel New York and Marriott Detroit Airport |
B.Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and Radisson: Lacrosse |
C.Marriott Detroit Airport and Hyatt Regency Minneapolis |
D.Marriott Detroit Airport and Radisson: Lacrosse |
A.Yotel New York |
B.Hyatt Regency Minneapolis |
C.Radisson: Lacrosse |
D.Marriott Detroit Airport |
A.At Yotel New York, a robot will help you with all the check-in process |
B.With its check-in app, you may enter your room in Marriott without a key |
C.Hyatt Regency Minneapolis is close to an airport terminal. |
D.The barcode you receive from Radisson contributes to the fast check-in |
【推荐2】Spain's tourism industry is looking to Chinese tourists for its high-end market, according to Rafael Cascales, president of the Spain-China Tourism Association (ATEC). “It is the kind of tourism that is not only interested in the sun, beach and the “all-included” culture. They enjoy culture, wine, history and nature, and the new Chinese tourists would also want to spend more money in Spain," said Cascales in a recent interview with Xinhua.
“They are younger, more women travel and they are more cosmopolitan (见多识广的).They also travel on their own or in couples or in smaller groups. The old-fashioned large groups of visitors have not disappeared, but this new form of traveling is becoming more important,55 he said.
Speaking of the consumption pattern of the new kind of Chinese tourists, Cascales said, “The money they spend is distributed better because they will book one flight with one airline, the hotel with another company and the restaurant with another.” In his eyes, “Chinese tourists are very important because they combine two things: there are a large number of them and they spend more money than anyone else — almost four times more than tourists from other countries." They not only travel abroad in the summer months when Spain has to compete with the sun and beaches in countries such as Turkey and Egypt, but also travel in the off-peak seasons of a year, according to Cascales.
In 2017, Spain is the second most popular tourist destination in the world, only after France. It attracted about 82 million visitors, 700,000 of them from China, a number which is estimated to rise to about 2.2 million by 2022.
“We are ready; we have the infrastructure (基础设施) at every level, especially in hotel capacity. Here those visitors can find what they are looking for, including the luxury items which distinguish them,” Cascales noted.
1. What are the features of the new Chinese tourists according to Cascales?A.They are cautious about spending money in Spain. |
B.They are likely to travel in smaller groups now. |
C.They are only interested in the sun and beach. |
D.They are mainly male visitors of middle age. |
A.They will reserve flights and hotels with different companies. |
B.They will spend less money than tourists from other countries. |
C.They will travel abroad only during the off-peak seasons. |
D.They will spend the money in different cities. |
A.Local cultures in Spain are promoted. |
B.Well-furnished hotels are provided. |
C.Best and expensive items are offered for free. |
D.More shopping sites are constructed. |
A.To introduce the tourism industry of Spain. |
B.To show Spain's desire to attract Chinese tourists. |
C.To describe the features of Chinese tourists. |
D.To advertise Spain as a top tourist destination. |
【推荐3】Here are some of the places where women can feel comfortable when they are traveling alone:
New Zealand: People speak English there, and the transport is convenient. Unlike Australia, where you have to travel by airplane to different parts of the country because it’s so huge, it’s simple to go on tours on your own in New Zealand.
Iceland: Iceland is a perfect choice for women who are traveling alone. It’s only four hours by plane from Boston and there are many direct flights from major US cities. In Iceland, you can travel to different farms to experience life there and hike some of its amazing natural wonders.
Costa Rica and Panama: If you’re looking for a destination in Central America, I highly recommend(推荐)both Costa Rica and Panama. There are so many things to do there and most people speak English. I suggest starting in Panama City where you can make a schedule of day trips and tours to different attractions like the Panama Canal. There are lots of adventure activities for active women who like hiking, white water rafting and even bungee jumping(蹦极).
Alaska: Alaska is also a safe and exciting destination. Plan to fly to Anchorage and then either rent a car or take a train to travel around other parts of the state, such as the Kenai Peninsula or Seward. In Alaska, you can go on tours to see wildlife or enjoy the whale-watch. Another good choice is to take a day cruise(航行)to experience some of Alaska's beauty.
1. What do we know about Iceland?A.It has the most convenient transport. | B.It is a good place to experience farmers'life. |
C.It’s far from Boston and most major US cities. | D.Its famous attractions include the Panama Canal. |
A.New Zealand | B.Iceland | C.Costa Rica and Panama | D.Alaska |
A.Pay attention to their own safety. | B.Book tickets for flights ahead of time. |
C.Try their best to protect wildlife there. | D.Rent a car or take a train to travel around. |
【推荐1】The Blue Cafe Theatre
The artist is a movie set in a neighbourhood of the French capital, by the River Seine. Made in 1940, this black and white movie has made cinema history. A romantic drama that will make you cry, it is well worth watching. Don’t worry if you don’t know French; you can read the subtitiles (字幕). Showing Sunday morning in the Blue Cafe Theatre.
Elmstreet Village Cinema
Ask me that again! A great movie for all ages, young and old. It’s a movie with something for everyone! Set in a New York college, it tells the story of a girl who is so pretty that every boy falls for her. But all she wants to do is study! Now showing until Sunday. Special afternoon tickets at 10% discount for the 4:00pm matinee (午后场).
The Orange Cinema Company
Star Traveller is great movie for science-fiction fans who like to have a good laugh at the same time. It may not be the best film of all time, but it certainly is the funniest. You will love Wil, the star traveller, who gets lost in space, chased by aliens (外星人). Showing from Saturday at all Orange Cinemas. 7:00pm, 9:00pm and 11:30pm.
Findley Park Cinema
Dance all the way! A musical romance, set in an arts & dance school in the US, the film will have you singing along and tapping (轻叩) your toes from beginning to end. Doors open on Saturday at 5:00pm for the early showing.
1. What do we know about the Artist?A.It is a color movie. | B.The story happened in Paris. |
C.It is a movie in English. | D.It is funny. |
A.The Artist | B.Ask me that again. |
C.Star Traveller | D.Dance all the way. |
A.A character in a movie | B.an actor |
C.A musician | D.a director |
A.The Blue Cafe Theatre | B.Elmstreet Village Cinema |
C.Findley Park Cinema | D.The Orange Cinema Company |
【推荐2】There is no point destroying your peace of mind and happiness by taking the wrong job. Society may pressure you into grabbing (抓住) whatever you can get. If you do not have a set path that must be taken, then you have the opportunity to choose something you will not only be paid for doing, but enjoy.
One of the best ways of finding a suitable career is to determine your personality type. It may seem obvious that the creative (创造性的) type does not really find much pleasure in a job as a butcher (屠夫) or dry cleaning assistant (助手), and that weak character may not find happiness in a career based on teaching or leading a team.
To find the best job for your personality type, the first step is to know what and who you really are. If you already know your style, you can search for suitable employment; however, if you are uncertain, there are ways that will help you discover who and what you are. For example, an employment centre, a career adviser or an online quiz can help you.
Taking my own situation for example, am definitely (明确地) a creative type. Besides, I prefer to be my own boss or, if I cannot, at least I want to rely on a boss I truly both respect and admire. I do not like telling people what to do, or being told what to do. I do not relate well to regular 9-5 hours. I do not feel satisfied being paid a high wage for a bad job. I feel much happier at home. Combining my creativity, independence, and desire to stay at home, my ideal (理想的) career would be running home-operated- business involving (涉及) creativity. I actually happen to have chosen this solution; I am a writer, poet, author and publisher. I have suited my career to my personality type.
1. The first paragraph is used as a(n) ________.A.example | B.introduction | C.conclusion | D.contrast |
A.something about employment centre | B.online job markets |
C.our personality types | D.the economic situation |
A.He prefers to rely on his colleagues. |
B.He dislikes home-operated businesses. |
C.He likes giving orders to others and doesn’t like facing orders. |
D.He doesn’t like the usual way of doing things. |
A.Creativity and chances of success. |
B.Jobs and your peace of mind. |
C.Following the set path and making life easier. |
D.Finding the right job for your personality type. |
【推荐3】Jinli Street in Chengdu, Sichuan Province has recently been chosen as one of the world’s most beautiful streets by CNN Travel. Altogether 21 are chosen, including Convent Avenue in New York City, the U. S., Flask Walk in London, England, and the Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto, Japan.
Jinli Street is located to the east of the Wuhou Temple, the most famous Three Kingdoms Period relic museum in China. It’s recorded that as early as the Qin Dynasty,Jinli Street was the most famous place for baldachin—a rich cloth. And it was one of the busiest commercial areas during the Shu Kingdom, when it was known as the “First Street of the Shu Kingdom”. In order to bring back its prosperity of former days, it was rebuilt and was opened to the public in October of 2004. Since then, visitors from home and abroad have come here to relax, admire the traditional-style buildings, and taste local snacks.
The street winds through Chengdu for a length of 350 meters. By mixing the culture of the Three Kingdoms Period with local customs of Sichuan, the buildings on both sides including teahouses, stores and hotels, which look pleasingly historic, are modeled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan Province from the Qing Dynasty.
Walking down the street, you will find many old-world stores. All of these stores have their own style but also have one thing in common:no matter how busy the place is, the stores are peaceful and relaxing. Most of the special local products can be found here.
Outside the stores, the stands are busier but equally attractive. You can find local artists putting on funny shows. Some traditional artworks made by skilled workmen are sold here. From these artworks, you will get a taste of the true life of local people and find something about China’s past in the modern city.
1. Why was Jinli Street rebuilt?A.To create a political center. |
B.To gain its popularity again. |
C.To help visitors relax and eat snacks. |
D.To make it the world’s most beautiful street. |
A.By combining different cultures. |
B.By imitating the style of modern town. |
C.By presenting the history of the street. |
D.By following Qin Dynasty’s architecture. |
A.Plain. | B.Modern. | C.Unique. | D.Restful. |
A.Jinli Street—A place to recall history |
B.Jinli Street—First Street of the Shu Kingdom |
C.Jinli Street—Rebuilt and opened to the public |
D.Jinli Street—One of the world’s most beautiful streets |