Tibet was a region I was desperate to see,     1     its remoteness and my inability to go delayed my journey. Last summer, my brother and I finally decided to take the trip.

We set off at the Guangzhou train station and three days later, we arrived in Lhasa. The trip certainly took a while; however, we     2     (reward) with the most beautiful views and made friends along the way, all at a     3     (low) cost than flying.

We started our tour of Lhasa watching pilgrims(朝圣者)doing their morning prayers,     4    (comprehensive) exploring the palace. We had an incredible lunch at one of the best restaurants in Lhasa,     5     offered a beautiful view overlooking the Jokhang Temple.

Then we started our journey to the Qomolangma base camp    6     road from Lhasa. Along the way we stopped     7     (admire) the Yamdrok Lake. Its beauty was beyond     8    (describe).

About a week later, we arrived. We stayed in a guesthouse just next to the base camp and after dropping off our luggage,     9     (head) straight outside to see the Mt. Qomolangma. The tip of the mountain emerged through the clouds,     10     (astonish) us with its unbelievable height. The clouds parted and we watched the sunset over the peak.

Hangzhou is recognized as the “City of Well-Being” in China. Hangzhou made its name     1    (know) to the world in 2016 by hosting the G20 Summit. Blessed with pleasant cli- mate and few wars, Hangzhou has gradually formed     2    (it) own urban character.     3    busy Shanghai, you will slow down and relax once you are here. It seems that Hangzhou people don’t have many things to rush to in their     4    (day) life. No wonder Hangzhou is expanding    5    (annual) by 500, 000 to 600, 000 people.

The lifestyle, however, was laid down by two historical men of letters. One was Bai Juyi,     6     rebuilt the West Lake and made a new bank    7    (benefit) the locals. People love him. When it comes to him, it doesn’t sound like one is talking about a person who     8    (live) a thousand years ago. The other was Su Shi. His open-minded personality     9     diligence for his people left many much-told tales. Seemingly,     10    (mention) his name gives people joy even after a thousand years.

Surely, it will be even more brilliant in 2023 when it hosts the 19th Asian Games. Let’s look forward to it.

5 . In life, do you choose to take the road everyone has taken, or do you choose the path that is best for you? It might be ________ to choose what everyone has done, especially if it seemed to work for them. But is that what truly ________ for you?

On a recent hiking ________, my partner and I decided to take a popular trail in the ________ direction. This was an old, well-traveled trail that people had been hiking and biking from A to Z for years. For our own reasons, we chose to travel from Z to A. Going backwards made more sense with my ________. The trip would take several days and going backwards ________ that I would end the trip closer to the airport for my flight home.

As my partner and I walked, everyone crossing our path had something to say, “You're going the wrong way. Are you lost? Are you returning ________ you forgot something? Are you crazy? The path occasionally crossed a ________. When it did, even passing cars beeped to ________ us in the “right” direction.

Why did people only see one way? Because that's what everyone does? Because that's how it's always been done? We even ________ to talk to a Danish woman who said, “We have a(n)       ________ in my country: when you go backwards to everyone else, it's because you're avoiding something.” I couldn't believe it. We were just enjoying connecting with nature, hiking the way that best ________ us. Had we gone the “wrong” way? No. At least, not for us.

I decided to ________ the path I chose. ________, we had an amazing experience. Choosing the “wrong” path was right for me. When your inner ________ tells you something is right (or wrong), listen to it. It's your instinct. It's speaking to you for a reason and it knows, better than anyone, what's best for you.

6 . Brilliant Spring Breaks

The bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming. Take a look at these destinations and grab a relaxing getaway while making the most of the UK countryside.

Trefeddian Hotel

At the Trefeddian Hotel you can expect a warm welcome whether you are booking a family holiday, or romantic escape. Our beautifully located coastal hotel in Mid-Wales has something for everyone to enjoy: all-around sea views, miles of golden sandy beaches and a heated indoor pool.

St Moritz Hotel & Garden Villas

Escape to our Miami inspired luxury hotel or coastal villas on the north Cornish coast. With our Shorecrest restaurant serving seasonal dishes with ingredients sourced from Cornwall’s markets; Cowshed spa; indoor and outdoor pools; a bunch of local attractions and surrounded by the sea, St Moritz Hotel is the place for relaxation and adventure.

Greenwood Grange

Welcome to a collection of 17 luxury, stone built, self-catering holiday cottages in Dorset. There’s so much to offer, whether it’s relaxing in your own private cottage (some have hot baths), swimming in the indoor pool, or playing the volleyball on the seashore, we’ve got it all—you can even pick your own fruit or vegetables from our kitchen garden. Contact us for more information.

Skye Shepherd Huts

Looking for a holiday offering peace and quiet? Choose Skye Shepherd Huts, with amazing wildlife, donkeys and hens for company. Set in a lovely traditional village by the sea, ideal for walkers, boating nearby and eagle-spotting. Pet friendly. Comfortable with beautiful views, but electricity and hot water are not ready for use.

7 . South America has a long and interesting coastline. When it comes to beaches, there are some excellent options to be found across the continent.

This beach is an amazing stretch of sand with peaceful waters. The clear waters are perfect for swimming but it is difficult to access. It can only be reached by boat or by climbing down the rocky hillsides on each end, so it isn’t particularly good for younger children or people who are physically challenged.

Just a short distance from the waterfront town of Mancora, this lovely beach is often quiet and peaceful, offering some nice shallow water to swim in for little ones. A little further out, the waves pick up, making for fine surfing and windsurfing surroundings, while the charming village offers nice accommodation.

The cold water here means it isn’t an ideal swimming location, but there are good spots for surfing and windsurfing. Various water activities make it a great beach. Visit early, especially in the busy tourist seasons, not only to avoid crowds, but also to gain admittance — visitors will be turned away once the park reaches peak capacity.

Located near the city center, this beach is very popular among surfers thanks to its great waves. It isn’t too rough to swim for experienced swimmers, although a slightly rocky seafloor means you should be careful. With large crowds of people, the best time to visit is sunset-arrive early to get a good viewing spot.

10 . Thanks to its super walkable historic center and handy square of famous museums, Amsterdam is practically made for two-day trips.

Day 1

Morning

Start your day off in the Centrum with breakfast in the charming courtyard cafe De Koffieschenkerij, situated within the De OudeChurch, Amsterdam’s oldest building. After that, wander the surrounding streets and take in Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, and streets, like Nieuwendijk, a busy pedestrian shopping street. From here, continue south to Dam Square to see the massive Royal Palace.

Afternoon

Cross over to the Flower Market, which has been selling tulips since the mid-1800s. Then you’ll want to make your way to the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. This is one of the city’s most visited sights, so you have to pre-book a timed ticket online.

Day 2

Morning

Kick off your day at Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Get there right at 9 a.m. when it opens to head off the crowds. Head directly to admire the famed 17th-century Golden Age paintings from the likes of Vermeer and Rembrandt.

Afternoon

Grab lunch at one of the food trucks on Museumplein. If you want to rest your feet a little longer, hit up The Burger Room, a Wizard of Oz-themed restaurant around the corner. Refueled and ready for more, cross the street to the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of the famed artist’s works. Tickets will sell out fast, so be sure to book your timed entry.

After you’ve been thoroughly blown away by Post-Impressionism, take the tram to Sampurna, a long-running Dutch restaurant,trying their signature dishes — “Erwtensoep” and “Pannenkoeken”.