1 . Travelers are always looking for inspiration to guide their trips. Coming up with a list of places to visit can be challenging when you’re staring at a globe. What are the top tourist attractions in the world? Here comes our list.

.The Acropolis, Athens

Follow in the footsteps of ancients as you walk up the same steps that have been walked on since 438 BC. Views out over the city are incredible as you walk between the well-restored old buildings. Near the end of the day, you’ll want to stay and watch the sunset from the stairs near the entrance. This is a ritual (仪式) in Athens.

. The Taj Mahal, India

India is-filled with incredible cities and fabulous places to visit, but the 17th-century

Taj Mahal is the one place that says you’ve been to India. This mausoleum (陵墓)，commissioned by the Shah Jahan for his wife, is known internationally as a symbol of love. This fantastic structure, made with precious stones, has to be visited to be fully appreciated.

. Petra, Jordan

You may have an Indiana Jones feeling as you walk through a 1.2-kilometer-long narrow crack in the sandstone hills and emerge, into a hidden city. First built over 2,000 years ago and lost to the outside world for 600 years, the city was only discovered in 1812. Impressive buildings are carved directly into the red rock walls and are wonderfully preserved, just begging to be explored and photographed.

.Grand Canyon, USA

The greatest natural attraction in the United States, the Grand Canyon is a key sight for all travelers planning their lifetime of adventures. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking out over the carved landscape, will awaken your senses. Several hikes in the canyon and along the edge offer unique perspectives. For even more adventure plan a rafting trip down the Colorado River through the canyon.

3 . The best literary festivals 2023 across the UK to book now

Kite Festival

9-11 June

New last year, this literary festival held in the grounds of spectacular stately home Kirtlington Park in Oxfordshire is the first of its kind, combining music and breakthrough ideas to create a unique programme featuring live performances and interactive discussions. Over the Kite Festival weekend, you’ll find award-winning authors sharing their insights on crafting stories and electronic pop legends headlining on the Saturday night.

Primadonna

28-30 July

Held at the Museum of East Anglian Life in Suffolk, Primadonna prides itself on creating a space for works by women and those whose voices might not otherwise be heard. There are insightful workshops covering everything, including sessions on how to get your foot in the door of the publishing world. The family-friendly event also has plenty to keep kids occupied, from craft activities to entertaining talks from big-name writers.

Queen’s Park Book Festival

2-3 September

Queen’s Park Book Festival is the only one in the capital to be held in a public park, making it a low-key affair that feels more like a garden party than a full-blown festival. Alongside writers’ discussions on their latest works, you’ll find performance poetry events hosted by hip-hop verse maestro Poetcurious and nightly parties once the sun sets.

Henley Literary Festival

30 September-8 October

Henley is home to an impressive literary festival, which takes places over a week in October at various venues throughout the town, including the grand riverside private members’ club Phyllis Court and the historic town hall. Alongside main events featuring famous writers, there’s also a hugely popular children’s festival, where little bookworms get the chance to come face-to-face with their favourite authors.

6 . Students to Compete in 34th National Science Bowl

Thousands of students from middle and high schools across the country have committed themselves to extra study hours as they prepare to compete in the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s)34th National Science Bowl(NSB). These students are hard at work now to win their regional competitions, hoping to advance to the final competition.

The first regional event will take place on January 13th with high schools from the D. C. /Maryland area. Teams will face off in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format, and their knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics will be tested. Regionals will continue weekly until mid-March.

The winning team from each qualifying regional competition will be qualified to compete in the National Finals to be held in Washington, D. C. , from April 25-29, 2024, with all expenses paid by DOE. The national event consists of several days of science activities and sightseeing, along with the competitions.

In the National Finals, the top two teams will earn $5, 000 for their schools’ math and science departments. Schools ranking in the top 16 will receive $1, 000 for their science departments. But to many, the ultimate prize is simply the honor of winning the National Championship.

Today, the NSB annually draws more than 10, 000 middle and high school competitors. Since the first competition in 1991, approximately 344, 000 students have faced off in the NSB Finals. The 2024 competitors will follow in the footsteps of previous NSB contestants and will blaze a trail for students in science, math, and engineering. For more information, please visit the Office of Science website.

9 . Best cheap family vacation in the US

No other place on earth is like Yellowstone National Park. With challenging hikes into the backcuntry as well as disabled-accessible (可到达的) wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone re for everyone. Bring a tent and get here early to take advantage of the affordable campgrounds, seven of which are first-come, first-served and five require reservations, all with fire pits for barbecues.

Hunter Mountain is an all-year-round destination. During the summer, there are paths to hike, trails to mountain bike along, nearby streams to play in and so much open space. During the winter, it’s one of a few locations on the east coast that offers really good skiing and snowboarding runs.

Seek fun in the sun in Destin, Florida, known for its fishing spots, white sand beaches and being less expensive than other popular destinations in the stale. Family-friendly activities include boating, snorkeling, parasailing or just strolling along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Use the money you saved for a sunset ride on &glass-bottom boat or a high-speed racer.

To really impress your kids, head to Sequoia Canyon National Park where they can meet General Grant, the second largest tree in the world. The park also boasts 240 caves, parts of the Kings River, and the towering Moro Rock. Sequoia National Park also has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it one of the best places to observe the night sky.

10 .

With your support today UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, can step up operations in Ukraine and neighboring countries to help people who are forced to flee their homes to escape the military action. Will you help civilians who are forced to flee? £80 could help provide emergency relief items such as shelter, bedding and tarpaulins.

To give £80 now, visit unrefugees.org. uk/ukraine-economist, call 0800-029-3883 or fill out and return the donation form.

The number of displaced people, both within Ukraine itself and in neighboring countries, is still growing every day. Families fleeing can only take so much with them. They will need support to survive far from home in incredibly difficult and dangerous conditions.

UNHCR's RESPONSE

UNHCR has worked in Ukraine since 1994 and has not left since. There are six UNHCR offices across the country, as well as three warehouses storing humanitarian supplies. Over 100 UNHCR staff are working in Ukraine to get support to families, with a similar number in neighboring countries and more set to follow. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said:

“Hour by hour, minute by minute, more people are fleeing the terrifying reality of violence. Countless have been displaced inside the country. And unless there is an immediate end to the conflict, millions more are likely to be forced to flee Ukraine. . .

“Inside Ukraine, our staff--and other humanitarians--are working where and when they can in frightening conditions. Our staff stay, even at great risk , because we know the needs in the country are huge. . . UNHCR staff have already moved in throughout the region and are scaling up our protection and assistance programmes for refugees, in support of host governments. ”

YOU CAN HELP NOW

The support of people like you has helped UNHCR send relief items in by land and by air, but the needs are huge, and growing every day. UNHCR urgently needs more resources.

Your support today can help ensure that people forced to flee their homes are sheltered and safe.