2 . With a new year come new opportunities, and there’s no time like the present to start learning more about parts of the world you’ve never dreamed of before. Forget the standard bucket list: Machu Picchu, Mt Everest, Galapagos Islands—these places are over-visited. And besides, why follow the beaten path when you can get off it?

Lush green forests, amazing surf breaks, and village ruins greet visitors to El Salvador. Compared to the popular Costa Rica, the country’s coastline is a surf-enthusiast’s dream. If you’d rather be under the water than gliding along it, then grab the chance to dive in a live volcano. Lake Ilopango sits 460 meters above sea level, near the capital of San Salvador. Freshwater sponges, along with freshwater fish, lava flows along underwater cliffs and pillow lava deposits are just some of the incredible sites. Thanks to the hot vents in the lake bed the water is a balmy 85F.

Hike the multicolor peaks in Zhangye, Gansu Province, which is also home to hidden caves, rock formation, and temples balanced precariously on cliff faces. The otherworldly colors look just like a painted rainbow and give Peru’s much-visited mountains of the same name a run for their money.

Made up of 10 islands, two large and eight smaller ones, there are very few tourists who make it all the way to Samoa. Packed with natural wonders: ocean trenches, epic waterfalls, and stunning beaches, it’s a must do for outdoor enthusiasts. There’s ample hiking too, from World War II heritage trails to a “cloud rainforest” hike and a trek up to the peak of Mount Alava.

Technically an external territory of Australia, Christmas Island is dominated by around 50 million red crabs. Head to this remote island to witness the stunning spectacle of their annual migration, plus keep an eye out for manta rays, dolphins, and whale sharks that patrol the 80km of coastline. It’s not an easy place to get to, but the near-deserted beaches and friendly community make it worth the adventure.

The Maritime Silk Road Museum of Guangdong (MSRMG) in Yangjiang, South China’s Guangdong Province, is China’s first museum to focus     1     underwater archaeology (考古学). The museum has become the home of the ancient ship, now known as the Nanhai I, and continues to tell the story of the Maritime Silk Road     2     began 800 years ago.

“Unlike many other Chinese museums that contain     3    (various) of relics, the MSRMG is dedicated to Nanhai I culture,” museum expert Li Yiyang said.

Ye Daoyang, the deputy director of MSRMG’s Underwater Archaeology and Technology Department, said that the Nanhai I will     4    (eventual) become closer and closer to people. During the excavation of the sunken ship, visitors have been able to witness the slow reveal of the ship, once     5    (reveal) only 1 meter of the hull (船体). Most importantly, the museum is     6     archaeological site that keeps people close to first-hand discoveries.

Apart from the ship itself, the museum is home to many china     7    (object). A wooden shi ding is another item unique to the museum. It was a tool     8    (use) during the Song and Yuan dynasties to measure the balance of a ship.

“The entire body of the Nanhai I     9    (display) fully to visitors soon. This is a landmark stage. Such rich underwater resources have encouraged museums like the MSRMG to improve its facilities     10    (protect) these relics while finding creative means to introduce them to the public,” Ye noted.

6 . 4 Best Places to Travel in 2023

2023 is the year when travel returns in a big way. To get you started, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to travel in 2023. All you need to do is pick the place that appeals to you.

Copenhagen

With its fantastic houses, clean streets and colorful architecture, Copenhagen is regarded as the most livable city on the earth. Named the World Capital of Architecture for 2023, Copenhagen will offer a series of major artistic events and programs sure to delight architects and design lovers.

Bhutan

For travelers with a sense of adventure and a love of discovery, Bhutan has always been a must-go destination. In 2023, travelers can once again explore the Trans Bhutan Trail, which runs 250 miles from east to west, offering visits to the century-old communities along the journey. The trail spans (横跨)18 major bridges and national parks and connects more than 400 historic and cultural sites.

Bordeaux

The coming years will be sporty in the historical wine region of Bordeaux in France. In 2023, the city will host the Rugby World Cup, an intense and stressful game. Beyond sports, Bordeaux is one of the favorite historical cities, with more than 350 structures that are either nationally or regionally listed as historical monuments.

Namibia

Wildlife and adventure lovers looking for a unique path in African Safari trips should head straight to Namibia in 2023 — this country in southern Africa is the perfect place to travel to reconnect with nature and escape the modern stresses of life. On the wildlife front, you may see lions along with giraffes and elephants.

7 . With the return of tourists, some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations are flat-out, telling tourists to stay away in 2023.

Lanzarote, Spain

Lanzarote has long been a top getaway choice for the British, making up around half of the island’s overseas visitors. However, the days of budget drinking until dawn is over, as the Spanish President wants to attract “higher quality” visitors to spend more and drink less. The island declared itself a tourist-packed area early in 2023.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has it all: modern art, a massive beach, all-night parties, and the food, culture and sunshine you want from a European city break. It’s also full of tourists. In 2022, the city took steps to limit the size of tour groups and introduce noise restrictions. The city will further limit numbers to ensure better life quality for locals.

Santorini, Greece

The Greek island attracts two million visitors annually, a significant number considering the island’s year-round population of around 10,000. While tourism is a large part of the economy, the island started restrictions in 2019, when passengers were limited to 8,000 per day and tourists weighing over 100kg were banned from riding donkeys.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

In 2022, Amalfi Coast took number plate system for visitors. Cars with odd (奇数的) number plates were allowed access to the coast on one day, while cars ending in an even number were permitted to enter on the next. Local residents and public transport were exception. The coast also featured on Fodor’s list of places to avoid visiting in 2023 for its over-tourism.

9 . Bike Rental & Guided Tours

Welcome to Amsterdam, welcome to MacBike. You see much more from the seat of a bike! Cycling is the most economical, sustainable and fun way to explore the city, with its beautiful canals, parks, squares and countless lights. You can also bike along lovely landscapes outside of Amsterdam.

Why MacBike

MacBike has been around for almost 30 years and is the biggest bicycle rental company in Amsterdam. With over 2,500 bikes stored in our five rental shops at strategic locations, we make sure there is always a bike available for you. We offer the newest bicycles in a wide variety, including basic bikes with foot brake (刹车), bikes with hand brake and gears (排挡), bikes with child seats, and children’s bikes.

Prices

Guided City Tours

The 2.5-hour tour covers the Gooyer Windmill, the Skinny Bridge, the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Brewery and much more. The tour departs from Dam Square every hour on the hour, starting at 1:00 pm every day. You can buy your ticket in a MacBike shop or book online.

10 . Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of ranger programs throughout the park, and throughout the year. The following are descriptions of the ranger programs this summer.

Experiencing Wildlife in Yellowstone (May 26 to September 2)

Whether you’re hiking a backcountry trail (小径), camping, or just enjoying the park’s amazing wildlife from the road, this quick workshop is for you and your family. Learn where to look for animals and how to safely enjoy your wildlife watching experience. Meet at the Canyon Village Store.

Junior Ranger Wildlife Olympics (June 5 to August 21)

Kids can test their skills and compare their abilities to the animals of Yellowstone. Stay for as little or as long as your plans allow. Meet in front of the Visitor Education Center.

Canyon Talks at Artist Point (June 9 to September 2)

From a classic viewpoint, enjoy Lower Falls, the Yellowstone River, and the breathtaking colors of the canyon (峡谷) while learning about the area’s natural and human history. Discover why artists and photographers continue to be drawn to this special place. Meet on the lower platform at Artist Point on the South Rim Drive for this short talk.

Photography Workshops (June 19 & July 10)

Enhance your photography skills — join Yellowstone’s park photographer for a hands-on program to inspire new and creative ways of enjoying the beauty and wonder of Yellowstone.

6/19 — Waterfalls &Wide Angles: meet at Artist Point.

7/10 — Wildflowers &White Balance: meet at Washburn Trailhead in Chittenden parking area.