1 . Mr. Riccardi was working for an Italian university at the time, 10 years ago, and had to go to the city of Potenza in the south of the country for a conference. He wanted to book an environmentally-friendly hotel, but it was not so easy to find one online and book.
So it gave him the idea for a business — a website called Ecobnb, where people can search for sustainable accommodation. When someone finds a place that they would like to book, Ecobn b does not take the payment. Rather it contacts the property, which then emails the person directly. Ecobnb makes its money by charging the accommodation providers a monthly subscription to list on its website.
Today Ecobnb, based in Trento, in northern Italy, lists more than 3,000 properties worldwide, from an organic farmhouse in Tuscany, to an eco-mountain cottage in Costa Rica. 2.8 million travellers now use Ecobnb per year, up from 780,000 in 2018. Mr. Riccardi says the number is still rising. Some accommodation providers offer discounts for guests arriving by bicycle, or those not using a car during the trip.
“Holidaymakers are rethinking their relationship with planet Earth,” Mr. Riccardi says. “Thereis a new awareness, especially in young people, about our responsibility for our future and for the planet.” Statistics appear to back this up. A study has found that 69% of travellers are now actively seeking sustainable travel options.
Although Ecobnb is focused on sustainability, how sustainable is it when many people might be flying to arrive at the accommodations it lists? “The impact of the travel of the flights is very big,” agrees Mr. Riccardi. “We are pushing the staycation (就近旅游) model a lot, inviting people to discover their own countries and to avoid the flights when it’s possible.”
“More people are interested in green lifestyles every day,” he says. “And now they are looking for the same green choices also during their holidays. These little choices can come together, and we can change things and make something different. We can be the change we want to see in the world.”
1. What inspired Mr. Riccardi to start the website Ecobnb?| A．His pursuit for a better future. | B．His motivation to find a green hotel. |
| C．His teaching experience in an university. | D．His desire to invest in sustainable tourism. |
| A．It enjoys great popularity. | B．It owns 3,000 properties in Italy. |
| C．It offers discounts to all visitors. | D．It charges payment from customers. |
| A．To promote sustainable travel. | B．To attract more young travelers. |
| C．To reduce the accommodation list. | D．To make flights available for others. |
| A．Discouraged. | B．Tolerant. | C．Uncertain. | D．Optimistic. |
2 . 4 Really Strange Beaches
Sandy stretches of gray, brown or even white are the world’s norm. Even rocky beaches or those with sheer cliffs barring passage for everyone save the bravest adventurers are not rare. These unique beaches are some of the best treats nature has to offer.
Papakolea Beach, Hawaii, USA
Papakōlea Beach is a green sand beach located near South Point, in the Ka’ū district of the island of Hawai ’i. One of only two green sand beaches in the World, the other being in Galapagos Islands.
Papakōlea Beach is associated with the southwest rift (裂谷) of Mauna Loa. Since its last eruption, the cinder cone has partially collapsed and been partially swallowed by the ocean.
San Alfonso del Mar Beach, Chile
This beach is located between the largest artificial pool. San Alfonso del Mar Beach is an essential part of the luxurious resort of the same name.
It seems a strange spot for the world’s largest swimming pool. But the pool’s remarkable spaciousness (宽敞) complements the ocean beyond rather effortlessly, and jumping in the pool’s 79℉(26℃) water is a much more attractive prospect than venturing into the 63℉(17℃) seawater nearby.
Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
Maho Beach is a beach on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, in the country of Sint Maarten. It is famous for the Princess Juliana International Airport next to the beach.
Arriving aircraft must touch down as close as possible to the beginning of Runway 10 due to the short runway length of 380 metres, resulting in aircraft on their final approach flying over the beach at minimal altitude.
Ocean Dome, Japan
This is an artificial beach constructed in the Seagaia re son along the coastal highway outside the city of Myazaki in Japan it has a fully controlled indoor climate throughout the year.
The Ocean Dome, which was a popular part of the Sheraton Seagaia Resort, measures 300 meters in length and 100 meters in width.
1. What has Papakōlea Beach experienced in Hawaii?| A．One mineral. | B．One connection. |
| C．One fierce rift. | D．One severe outbreak. |
| A．Jumping into the pool’s water |
| B．Learning to jump water in the pool |
| C．Building a spacious swimming pool |
| D．Taking a risk of swimming in the pool |
| A．They lie beside good places built. | B．They both lie on an island. |
| C．They are both artificial beaches. | D．They are both well-known. |
1. Who helped the woman arrange her accommodation?
| A．Her father. | B．The man’s relatives. | C．The man’s friends. |
| A．Athens. | B．Istanbul. | C．New York. |
| A．It’s more modern. | B．It’s more relaxed. | C．It’s more beautiful. |
| A．It is a little noisy. | B．It is very European. | C．It has many museums. |
4 . Dublin is one of Europe’s smaller capital cities, but it has an outsized number of places to see. Here’s a decent sampling of the great attractions that await when you come to Dublin to play.
National Gallery of Ireland
Ireland is a country known for its literary contributions, but don’t overlook its contributions to the artistic world. It houses a number of works by Rembrandt, Goya and Monet. The collection’s 15,000 Irish and European works date from the 13th to mid-20th centuries and include paintings, prints and national portraits (肖像). Particularly prized is the Yeats Collection, consisting of works and other materials related to Irish painter Jack B. Yeats, brother of poet and playwright W. B. Yeats.
Ha’penny Bridge
This modest cast-iron bridge over the River Liffey has become the symbol of Dublin, with its wonderful design and old-fashioned lampposts. Before it became a tourist attraction,
Ha’Penny Bridge was a welcome addition for local people. Before its construction, most of them had to ferry (摆渡) across the river. When it was built in 1816, Ha’penny Bridge was the first iron bridge across the Liffey.
Dublin Castle
You’re in Europe. It’s hard to resist a good castle. And you have one right in the heart of Dublin. And like all good castles, it has a storied history—from its start in the 1200s on the site of a Viking settlement to 1922, when it was handed over to the new Irish government after independence from the United Kingdom. A fire in 1684 damaged a good bit of the castle, and in reconstruction, parts of it took on the look of a Georgian palace, making for an interesting mix of styles today.
St. Stephen’s Green
As a treasured part of the city for centuries, the park, which is in the heart of Dublin, has important sculptures of major figures in Irish history and well-maintained Victorian grounds in the center. A variety of trees line the perimeter (周边) to help block city noise, and it’s a haven for birds as well as people.
1. What can visitors see in National Gallery of Ireland?| A．W. B. Yeats’ collection of poems. |
| B．Works about painter Jack B. Yeats. |
| C．Over 15,000 European literary works. |
| D．Irish paintings dating from the 11th century. |
| A．Attracting foreign visitors. | B．Offering shelter to ferrymen. |
| C．Replacing a cast-iron bridge. | D．Helping people cross a river. |
| A．They feature a variety of rare birds. |
| B．They are not well-maintained at present. |
| C．They are located in the center of Dublin. |
| D．They take on the look of a Georgian palace. |
5 . My family visited the coastal town of St. Pete Beach. Florida. With its pretty sandy beaches, deep blue waters and year-round sunshine, it’s clear to see why St. Pete is a popular tourist destination among travelers from around the world.
Just a few feet from our apartment, we found ourselves walking on white sand towards the bright blue ocean. We were soon greeted by a man offering us the use of one of his luxury beach cabanas (小屋) for the day at a very reasonable price and settled into a full day of relaxation. The peaceful atmosphere was a true escape from the hustle and bustle (喧嚣) of the city. It was so easy to while away the days from morning until dusk, enjoying the warmth of the sun’s rays and getting lost in a good book, before taking a quick swim in the calm waters to cool off.
Once the sun set, there was a various range of bars and restaurants to choose from just a few steps away. The warm evening atmosphere was peppered with the mouthwatering smell of sizzling freshly-caught fish. The only hardship was trying to decide where to dine each evening with so many tasty options!
After a while, we began to desire a bit more adventure on our trip which, to our delight, we discovered was easy to come by. On one of our outings, we took a boat trip to the undisturbed island of Egmont Key State Park. There we explored the ruins of a military outpost built in 1898 and a 150-year-old working lighthouse. The island is also a protected wildlife reserve. On our return journey, we were excited to discover we were being followed by over a dozen dolphins, who were taking turns to leap out of the water playfully in the wake of our boat.
1. What made the author’s family select St. Pete Beach as the destination?| A．Water sports. | B．The city’s busy nightlife. |
| C．Some historical buildings. | D．The beautiful beach and weather. |
| A．Because of some fun activities. |
| B．Because of a cost-effective offer. |
| C．Because of near historical landmarks. |
| D．Because of the distance of it from their apartment. |
| A．Friendly atmosphere in each restaurant. |
| B．High prices in most restaurants. |
| C．Diverse choices available. |
| D．Family members’ preferences for food. |
| A．The presence of a wildlife expert in the boat. |
| B．Dolphins following and playing around the boat. |
| C．The discovery of hidden treasures on the boat. |
| D．A surprising visit from some local residents. |
6 . Overview
Explore the best that Key West has to offer on this narrated, hop-on hop-off trolley (电车) tour. Visit more than 100 points of interest among Key West’s top attractions, with an expert guide who takes you through the history of the city. Select from an unlimited 1-or-2-day pass to suit your schedule.
What’s Included
√ Narrated tour × Tips
√ Local taxes × Food and drinks
√ Ages 0-3 free × Tour closed October 23-24
What To Expect
Get to know Key West and its top attractions on this comprehensive, guided hop-on hop-off tour. Learn about the history and happenings of Key West — stories of pirates, Indians and the Civil War — as the trolley rolls along from one location to the next. Hop off at any of the attractions for a closer look, then hop back on when it’s convenient.
Discover the legends of the Calusa Indians, who gave the city its first name, Cayo Hueso, the Island of Bones.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (full tour)
Operating Schedule: Tours depart from boarding locations about every 30 minutes. Tourists with tickets can board at any Old Town Trolley boarding location. Wheelchair accessible locations are Stops # 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Open daily 10 am — 4:30 pm.
Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund (退款).
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
1. What can be known about the trolley tour?| A．It’s seasonally free of charge. |
| B．Its last stop is at the city center. |
| C．It contains all top attractions of Key West. |
| D．You can get on or off at any attraction of it. |
| A．11:00 am. | B．12:00 am. | C．3:00 pm. | D．4:00 pm. |
| A．A middle school student goes on the trolley tour for free. |
| B．A 7-year-old boy jumps up and down repeatedly on the trolley. |
| C．A physically disabled tourist wants to board the trolley at Stop 5. |
| D．An old man canceling his tour 30 hours in advance wants his money back. |
A casual walk along the Beijing Central Axis,
Since then, the 21-year-old student from the Beijing Foreign Studies University
“I visited Beijing before the start of my college life here, and it was a typical package tour during
“Yet now a city-walk allows me
With the increasing variety of travel options,
“City-walk is all about doing whatever you want in your own exploration of a city, and it is
8 . Here is the information about the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Annual Pass
Cost: $80 annual pass Available for: Everyone How to purchase:
In person: Purchase at a local federal recreation site. Online: Buy from the USGS store.
By phone: Call 1-888-275-8747. Additional Information:
This pass is non-transferable to another person.
Senior Pass
Cost: $80 Lifetime Senior Pass;$20 Annual Senior Pass
Available for: U. S. citizens or permanent residents ages 62 or over. How to purchase:
In person: Purchase at a local federal recreation site. Online:Buy from the USGS store.
Additional Information:
The Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and special services.
Volunteer Pass
Cost: Free annual pass
Available for: Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program
How to get: Volunteers should contact their volunteer coordinator (协调员) for more information.
Additional Information:
The Volunteer Pass is available for 12 months from the date of issue.
Access Pass
Cost: Free lifetime pass
Available for: U. S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship.
How to get:
In person: Purchase at a local federal recreation site. Online: Buy from the USGS store.
Mail: Purchase using an application form that can be exchanged through mail. Note: Processing and shipping fees will be charged for online and mail orders. Additional Information:
The Access Pass generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
Golden Access Passports are no longer sold. However, these passes are still honored according to the provisions of the pass.
Passes may not be purchased as gifts.
1. Which pass can be ordered by phone?| A．Annual Pass. | B．Senior Pass. | C．Volunteer Pass. | D．Access Pass. |
| A．$0. | B．$20. | C．$40. | D．$80. |
| A．It can be bought and given to others as a present. |
| B．All forms of purchase don’t charge processing fee. |
| C．It has replaced Golden Access Passport completely. |
| D．A discount in other related fees can be enjoyed with it. |
9 . We invite you to join us on a wonderful, watery tour of underwater places.
Atlit Yam
Atlit Yam is an ancient village off the coast of Atlit, Israel. Around 8000 to 9250 years ago, there was a human settlement. The villagers left a series of unconnected walls behind, along with water wells and rectangular (矩形的) buildings. All these objects are now under 26 to 39 feet of water.
Port Royal’s Sunken City
As the sea birds fly, Port Royal, Jamaica is about 15 miles south of Kingston. In the year 1692, Port Royal had a population of somewhere between 6500 and 10000 people. Disaster struck that summer. On June 7, just before noon, an earthquake rocked Port Royal. Then it was hit with huge waves. Around 30 acres of buildings and streets slid into the ocean.
Rome’s “Lost Vegas”
Built on Italy’s northwest coast by the ancient Romans, Baia is often compared to modern-day Las Vegas. It was a seaside city where the rich kept vacation homes. But as volcanos raised the water level, most of Baia slipped beneath the waves. Announced as an underwater archaeological park in 2002, the city’s treasures are now accessible to the public.
The “Atlantis of the East”
In the 1950s, the Chinese government flooded a valley inside Zhejiang Province in order to create Qiandao Lake, an artificial body of water. But a city which was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (between 25 and 200 AD) known as Shi Cheng had been founded there. Shi Cheng was rediscovered by divers in the year 2001. The underwater city has five entrance gates and many animal sculptures. Travel guides have called this place the “Atlantis of the East”.
1. Which place sank on a specific day?| A．Baia. | B．Atlit Yam. | C．Port Royal. | D．Shi Cheng. |
| A．They are both huge cities. | B．They were both hit by a disaster. |
| C．They are both open to the public. | D．They were both discovered in this century. |
| A．It lies in a valley. | B．It has five entrance gates. |
| C．It is rediscovered by divers. | D．It lies underwater in the west. |
10 . The Chicago Botanic Garden opened more than 45 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world’s great living museums and conservation science centers.
Group Visit Packages
Garden Package
♦$41 per person
♦One activity/tour of your choice
♦Private dining area for one hour and lunch
Tours
Grand Tram Tour
♦35-minute guided tour departs on the hour starting at 10 am
♦Travels 2. 6 miles and shows the entire Garden grounds, including such highlights as 81 acres of lakes, nine islands, and beautiful gardens
♦Maximum capacity of 76 people
♦Available during peak season (April-October)
Activities
Butterflies & Blooms
For $6 more per person, put yourself in a habitat filled with more than 500 butterflies native to South America and North America. From late May through early September, 10 am — 5 pm. This visit takes approximately 20 minutes.
Model Railroad Garden
For $6 more per person, add a unique adventure to your package: 15 model trains journey coast-to-coast across bridges, through tunnels, and past miniature (微型的) scenes of America’s favorite landmarks. From mid-May to late October, 10 am—5 pm. This visit takes approximately 30 minutes.
Specialty Tours
Library Tour
This tour package includes a rare book viewing, a library tour, and an exhibition tour. Maximum 30 people per tour. This tour takes approximately 50 minutes.
Garden Highlights Walking Tour
On this tour, you will be taken to a garden in full bloom. Areas for touring are determined on the day of your visit and are based on blooms and the group’s capacity to walk. This tour takes approximately 35 minutes.
1. What do we know about Grand Tram Tour?| A．It has no time restriction. |
| B．It offers eight tours a day. |
| C．It is available all year round. |
| D．It limits the number of visitors. |
| A．$6. | B．$20. | C．$41. | D．$ 47. |
| A．Library Tour. | B．Model Railroad Garden. |
| C．Butterflies & Blooms. | D．Garden Highlights Walking Tour. |
