2 . Have you ever experienced any inconvenience caused by language barriers while traveling? Have you ever thought how awesome those language courses would be if they didn't cost so much money and require so much time?

Translaty is created to serve this purpose-without wasting your money and time on language courses, you can instantly become "fluent" in more than 40 languages with this genius device!

What is Translaty?

Translaty is a simple yet life-changing invention that helps you to overcome any obstacles caused by foreign languages, whether you are in business with an international client or sunbathing somewhere on a Spanish beach. This small but smart device is able to instantly recognize and translate over 40 different languages, making intercultural communication completely effortless!

What languages can I actually communicate in?

Translaty has more than 40 languages pre-installed, so you're able to use it the minute you get it! It provides fast and accurate two-way communication and allows you to install some other languages that might be missing.

What makes Translaty so special?

* It makes traveling easier-you'll forget language barriers and become "fluent" in 40+ languages.

* It helps you with business-strengthening your international business relationships. It's easier when you speak the same language.

* It assists you in daily life-allowing you to overcome language differences between you and your foreign friends.

* It's convenient and easy to use-the lightweight and simple design insures it's there when you need it the most.

* It offers highly accurate, two-way translations.

* Its high sounding and recording qualities insure there are almost no misunderstandings.

To sum up-get it while you can!

3 . The World's Coolest Bookstores

Where did you buy your last book? Chances are that you bought it on the Internet. But if you did, you missed the extraordinary experience of browsing in a real bookstore. These days bookstores offer lots of great books and plenty more.

Taipei's Eslite Dunnan Store

Time magazine once named Eslite Dunnan Store in Taipei "Asia's best bookstore ". One visit to the store tells you why. The store, spreading across five floors, offers a combination of restaurants, music and over 200,000 books. With its cosy reading spots, visitors sometimes say it's like a library. Others have called it the " 7-Eleven of bookstores" because it's open 24 hours a day.

Book Garden

The world's biggest bookstore is Tehran, Iran's Book Garden with 700,000 square feet of space. In addition to restaurants and a theater, the Book Garden features a park on the roof.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Venice, Italy, is a city surrounded by water. It seems that one of its most interesting bookstores is Libreria Acqua Alta. Its books are displayed in all things related to water such as boats, bathtubs and more.

La Caverne aux Livres

La Caverne aux Livres—the cave of books—was once a train. Today this unique French bookstore, located north of Paris, is home to thousands of second-hand books.

Bart's Books

Many readers like to sit inside with a good book. But at Bart's Books in California, guests can enjoy a good book and some fresh air. Bart's Books is believed to be the largest independently-owned outdoor bookstore in the US.

Whether you enjoy reading inside or outside, there's always an interesting bookstore to be discovered.

5 . Toys for the Techie In Your Life

BY NICOLE NGUYEN, JOANNA STERN AND WILSON ROTHMAN

Each fall, we look back at the year's best tech products, and list the ones we think are actually worth your money (and ours). So have at it!

Lexon Oblio Phone Sanitizer/Charger

This stylish nightstand vase is a Qi-compatible (兼容) wireless charger that powers up your phone while bathing it in ultraviolet light, which is known to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and may also be effective in inactivating the new coronavirus, according to the FDA. $80; lexon-design.com       

MaskFone

The MaskFone is really just a mask with a pouch (袋子) that holds a pair of Motorola wireless earbuds, but it does solve some highly annoying mask-headphone issues. The earbuds, attached to the belts, stay firmly in your ear when walking or running. No more flying AirPod when you remove the mask. Then, with the microphone shoved (推) inside, you don't sound like you're underwater every time you take a call. Just beware: since there's no phone in sight, people you pass will   think you're talking to them under your mask. S50; maskfone.com

Sure, our gift guide tends to include some curiosities, but this remote-controlled selflighting candle actually makes sense. It's not a wax burning candle, but a wax-cylinder lamp with refillable fuel canisters that each last about 100 hours, so it's always full size. Each one does cost... $99; ludela.com

Forget the past puppy. Get a latest robovac (robotic vacuum cleaner). The not-so-adorable, not-so-little autonomous vacuum is quick to navigate to the mess and impressively avoids obstacles. It even empties itself into its Clean Base station. Plus, with the improved app you can set its cleaning schedule, keep track of how much area it covered and remotely control it from anywhere in the house. $600; irobot.com

6 . Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) is the only show in the world to gather the world's top award-winning garden and flowery designers under one roof. This ''must-see'' event will impress you with a wide range of displays and activities that have been planned specially for you. An experience of a lifetime awaits at the Singapore Garden Festival for you and your family. Mark your calendar today!

Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

Worry that your child is bored? Sign him or her up for a guided tour in Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. It will stimulate a sense of wonder in your child as it promises a unique discovery and provides interesting learning experiences in a garden setting. Let your child explore and play so that they will learn to take care of plants and the environment while you admire the exhibits with a peace of mind.

Far East Organization Children's Garden

Your child can have a fun-filled day with interactive games, water play features and educational programs in an abundant natural setting at Far East Organization Children's Garden! The play zone contains play such as a sway (摇摆) bridge and stepping springs, and the Fish Fountain with an interactive landscape of water tunnels and different fish-Shaped sculpture.

Marine Cove Children's Outdoor Playground

Come and bring your child to the 3500-square-metre playground suitable for children of various ages! It is located next to the beach, offering users open spaces and a good view of the sea. Your child can also join in the fun at a play area with talking tubes, fun mirrors and a drum set! The playground also has play equipment for children who have disabilities to play together. This includes special needs equipment such as sensory play panels.

7 . After a day’s hiking, a comfortable place to bed down for the night feels like heaven. Here are four best places that offer more than just bed and breakfast. Click the websites for more if you’re interested.

The Old Rectory, Gwynedd

At the foot of Cadair Idris Mountains, the Old Rectory offers good walking around town of Machynlleth. Two of its four attractive lake-view rooms have big, free-standing baths, ideal for an end-of-walk bath.

Walks: An easy 2-mile trail loops around Tal-y-llyn Lake.

• Double from £100 B&B (bed and breakfast), rectoryonthelake.co.uk

Clachaig Inn, Scottish Highlands

This Glencoe inn is a Highlands legend. The 23 rooms are comfortable and simple, but more appealing are the live bands and the bar.

Walks: A gentle 1½-mile woodland route from the inn visits Signal Rock. An exposed 8-mile climb up Buachaille Etive Mòr.

• Double from £106 B&B, clachaig.com

Lee Byre, Devon

This barn house has three bright guest rooms. Owners are keen hikers and can give trail advice or lead guided walks, day and night. Breakfast features fresh-laid eggs and homemade honey.

Walks: Make a circuit across the wetland (11 miles). Hike from Mary Tavy to Wheal Betsy (5 miles).

• Double from £70 B&B; guided day walk £60 per person; guided star hike £30 per person; leebyre.com

Cottage Lodge, Hampshire

Christina Simons, owner of this comfortable hotel, has created several self-guided walking routes direct from the front door. The lodge has 16 rooms, two of which are dog-friendly.

Walks: To Lyndhurst via Standing Hat woods (7 miles), looking out for wild deer. A 3-mile walk through Keyhaven marshes, a good place to see migrating birds.

• Double from £75 B&B, cottagelodge.co.uk

8 . Welcome to Reading Museum's Hands-on Learning Service

During the past 100 years, Reading Museum has always been offering learning opportunities to schools, and we hope to continue this tradition for the next 100 years with your support.

Victorian Schoolroom

The session takes place in a grand reconstruction of a schoolroom in a late nineteenth century Board School. The children will experience a wide range of Victorian style lessons and use slate boards and dip pens. The session leader will play the role of a Victorian teacher but will come out of the role during the session to comfort the children. We provide costume for all children.

Victorian Toys

Our Victorian nanny delivers this interesting session. The nanny will help children to explore the differences between rich and poor children's toys from the past. During the session the children have the opportunity to make a toy to take home.

Victorian Christmas

In a specially decorated room the children will find out how the Victorians introduced many of our Christmas customs. They will make a simple card or present to take home.

For up-to-date prices and session details, please visit our website www.. Reading museum, org. For all session bookings please phone us on 01189373400. Reservation at least 4 weeks in advance is advised. Please be ready to tell us when you wish to come. the session(s) you wish to book and the year group of pupils. Our sessions take place between 10:00 and 12: 00 or 12: 30 and 14： 30. The maximum group size is 35 pupils. We recommend that you bring 5 adults for each group.

9 . Homestay provides English language students with the opportunity to speak English outside the classroom and the experience of being part of a British home.

What to Expect

The host will provide accommodation and meals. Rooms will be cleaned and bedcovers changed at least once a week. You will be given the house key and the host is there to offer help and advice as well as to take an interest in your physical and mental health.

Meal Plans Available

*Continental Breakfast

*Breakfast and Dinner

*Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner

It's important to note that few English families still provide a traditional cooked breakfast. Your accommodation includes Continental Breakfast which normally consists of fruit juice, cereal, bread and tea or coffee. Cheese, fruit and cold meat are not normally part of a Continental Breakfast in England. Dinner usually consists of meat or fish with vegetables followed by dessert, fruit and coffee.

Friends

If you wish to invite a friend over to visit, you must first ask your host's permission. You have no right to entertain friends in a family home as some families feel it is an invasion of their privacy.

Self-catering Accommodation in Private Homes

Accommodation on a room-only basis includes a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities and often a main living room. This kind of accommodation offers an independent lifestyle and is more suitable for the long-stay student. However, it does not provide the same family atmosphere as an ordinary homestay and may not benefit those who need to practise English at home quite as much.