1 . Creative Vacation Travel Ideas

Couch Surfing

Those who are bohemians(豪放的人) at heart can travel the world and make new friends using the couch-surfing system. Couch-surfing networking sites allow travelers to research and connect with people in cities around the world who offer up their couch or guest room to strangers. Staying with the people is free of charge, though you will be expected to pay for your own food and entertainment. Most hosts will accommodate a pair of travelers, and the system is safer for inexperienced couch surfers.

Roaming African Hotel

The Shongololo Express is best described as a cruise(邮轮) on land. A fleet of air-conditioned, luxury trains transport travelers through Africa from south to north. The Express stops at prearranged locations of interests, similar to a cruise ship stopping at a port, and allows travelers a chance to get out and explore with the security of a group behind them. Meals and drinks are served on the trains, and there are common areas for socializing.

Underground Motel

Go under Down Under with a stay in the White Cliffs Underground Motel in New South Wales, Australia. The 30 guest rooms called dugouts are carved from supportive soft sandstone and ventilated(通风) with drilled vertical passages. The temperature is naturally regulated year round for a comfortable stay. The hotel includes an on-site restaurant. Guests may even request a personal tour of dugouts local citizens have built for their own homes.

Adventure Vacations

Adventure vacations are travel ideas that suit travelers who want to truly interact with the environment. The National Geographic compiles lists of the best adventure vacations around the world and also helps travelers book the vacations. You don't have to leave the country to have an adventure. The Florida Everglades, Glacier National Park in Montana, The Grand Canyon and The Gila Wilderness in Nevada are adventure vacations to suit the young and the young at heart.

1. What is one of the advantages of Couch Surfing?

A．Couch surfers can travel the world on the Internet.

B．Travelers need to share guest room with strangers.

C．Hosts will charge the guests nothing for accommodation.

D．The system is fit for those who have less travel experience.

2. What do Roaming African Hotel and Underground Motel have in common?

A．The hotels offer free meal service to travelers.

B．Travelers are provided comfortable guest rooms.

C．Security staff accompanies travelers when getting out.

D．Guests have common areas for social events on the trip.

3. Which best suits young people who enjoy dangerous and thrilling activities?

A．Couch Surfing.	B．Roaming African Hotel.
C．Underground Motel.	D．Adventure Vacations.

2 . Biking is an amazing family activity, but finding a route that can accommodate a wide-range of ages can be a challenge.

Lee McNeil and his family are crazy about biking. They have seven children, from 4 to 24 years old. When looking for a route, they look for enough protection from traffic, good surface condition, easy access and interesting views.

With that in mind, here are some great routes for biking with your whole family, as are suggested by McNeil.

Iron Horse Trail

This is the McNeil family’s favourite ride. The route is 26 miles and goes through the 2.1mile Snoqualmie Tunnel.

“Beautiful views, the thrill the tunnel, and places to stop and watch the rock climbers make it special,” McNeil said. “All our kids have taken their turn at braving the black tunnel bravely for the first time, which we celebrate it at the end of the ride.”

How to get there: If you prefer, check http://bit.ly/Mlt9y4 for more information.

Centennial Trail

The Centennial Trail runs for 23 miles from Snohomish to Bryant. The trail is wide and smooth, and is safe for kids as it is off the roads. A nice stop is Lake Cassidy east of Marysville. A dock on the lake is fun to explore. It also has picnic tables and washrooms for a convenient lunch time stop.

How to get there: The trail can be accessed from a number of trailheads. For a map, go to http://bit.ly/L5qCeY.

Cascade Trail

The Cascade Trail follows an abandoned Burlington Northern railroad grade for 23 miles between Sedro-Woolley and Concrete. Because it’s on a railroad grade, the slope is gentle and it makes for an easy family ride.

McNeil said it is a “beautiful ride up the Skagit Valley, with lots of places to watch wildlife along the river.”

How to get there: Go to http://bit.ly/PR4wOW to see a map showing the trail, parking areas and bus stops .

Other good choices

Snoqualmie Valley Trail: http://l.usa.gov/nWGWO

Guemes Island: http://bit.ly/LJ3RxL

Burke-Gilman Trail: http://l.usa.gov/s33li

1. We can learn from the passage that Lee McNeil ________.

A．has a large family

B．often travels with his family

C．teaches his children how to bike

D．spends lots of money on bike rides

2. Which of the following route do McNeil’s family like best?

A．Cascade Trail	B．Iron Horse Trail
C．Centennial Trail	D．Burke-Gilman Trail

3. If you choose the Centennial Trail, you can ________.

A．see a small valley	B．go through a tunnel
C．have a picnic for lunch	D．watch the rock climbers

4. People who want to get more information about the Cascade Trail can visit ________.

A．http://bit.ly/Mlt9y4	B．http://bit.ly/LJ3RxL
C．http://bit.ly/L5qCeY	D．http://bit.ly/PR4wOW

5. The main purpose of the passage is to ________.

A．ask people to learn from Lee McNeil

B．tell people how to make a family ride

C．introduce some routes for family rides

D．encourage more people to ride bikes

3 . The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter

While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The country’s oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger’s perspective on the park and local people.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you’ll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country’s best views of a starry sky.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon’s wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.

1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?

A．Yellowstone National Park.	B．Joshua Tree National Park.
C．Grand Canyon National Park.	D．Virgin Islands National Park.

2. What do we know about the Grand Canyon National Park?

A．We can have a poor view of the South Rim there.	B．It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs.
C．There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter.	D．The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather.

3. Which activity is mentioned in all of the parks?

A．Hiking.

B．Skiing.

C．Swimming.

D．Hunting.

4 . There are three things you can watch forever: Instagram feeds, YouTube videos and water. Among them, water is definitely something no one argues about, and there are many unusual water attractions that you can find around the world.

Bangkok Floating Markets

There are many floating markets where goods are sold from boats. While modern markets are more popular, floating markets still are a huge attraction for local tourism. Any visitors can purchase local foods and traditional handcrafted (手工的) souvenirs. Bargaining is a part of experience. So, start low and get the price you are ready to pay.

Bregenzer Festspiele

The Bregenz Festival is held every year from July to August in Vorarlberg. It has the world’s largest stage on the water. The performances are different every year but they are usually united by one theme. The decorations are very impressive and are worth seeing.

Marina Bay Stadium

This stadium was built as a temporary solution while Singapore National Stadium was rebuilt. The stadium was used for the opening and closing ceremonies during 2010 Summer Youth Olympics. It was a floating platform where the Formula One Grand Prix event was successfully held.

Archipelago Cinema

Archipelago Cinema is probably one of the world’s most scenic open-air cinemas that floats in the middle of a lake. The cinema was designed by German architect Ole Scheeren, who built it using techniques popular among local people. This cinema stage was built specially for the film festival Film on the Rocks Yao Noi.

1. What is special about Bangkok Floating Markets?

A．Local foods are free to taste.

B．Visitors can make boats by themselves.

C．Bargaining for a good price is an experience.

D．Performances on water are impressive to see.

2. Which one was used for Formula One Grand Prix event?

A．Archipelago Cinema.	B．Marina Bay Stadium.
C．Bregenzer Festspiele.	D．Bangkok Floating Markets.

3. What do Marina Bay Stadium and Archipelago Cinema have in common?

A．They both hold ceremonies every year.

B．They both used local building techniques.

C．They were both built for a special purpose.

D．They both provide visitors with sports events.

5 . As well as hosting New Zealand’s largest and most populous city, the Auckland region features many attractive, diverse places.

Central Auckland

Central Auckland is a hub of urban delights set against beautiful coastal scenery. You can take a trip up the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. The adventurous can also try SkyJump-New Zealand’s highest base jump-or the incredible Sky Walk where you’ll walk around the outside of the Sky Tower for extraordinary sightseeing.

Rangitoto Island

Emerging unexpectedly from the sea some 600 years ago, Rangitoto, with its distinctive shape and superb location just off the coast, is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. The island is a favourite destination for hikers and day-trippers. Walk up to the top, and you can see the black lava caves on your way up and don’t forget to bring a torch to explore them with the kids.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is a large island with a small population. For thousands of years, Bt has sheltered Auckland’s harbour from the continuous swells of the Pacific Ocean. The wilderness areas are home to several unique plant and bird species. Most amazingly, the community on the island is not using the public supplies of electricity, gas or water, but entirely relying on renewable solar power and collection of freshwater.

Waiheke Island

In landscape, lifestyle and experience, Waiheke is a world away. The three white sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. If you’re a walker, explore the island’s tracks which wind along cliff tops and into cool native forests. At the eastern end of the island, a walkway leads you to a system of World War Il gun emplacements (炮台) and underground tunnels.

1. Which place does an extreme sports lover probably prefer？

A．Central Auckland.	B．Rangitoto Island.
C．Great Barrier Island.	D．Waiheke Island.

2. What makes Great Barrier Island special？

A．Being located off the coast.	B．Being the least populated.
C．Being home to endangered species.	D．Being energy self-sufficient.

3. What can visitors enjoy in both Rangitoto and Waiheke？

A．Black lava caves.	B．White sandy beaches.
C．Hiking tracks.	D．War-related sites.

6 . Do you feel a little bored with your daily work? How to relieve this kind of boredom? Actually, there are a wide range of exciting holidays waiting for you.

Trekking（徒步）tours

There are some trekking tours to some well-known places such as Machu Picchu or the Everest Base Camp Trek, as well as some nearer places to our home in the Highlands of Scotland. You don't need to be very sporty, just fairly fit. You'll have fun enjoying nature with a group of new friends. Some of the holidays include camping, so we'll transport the tents for you!

Polar expeditions

Take a journey to Antarctica or the northern Arctic；explore a land of wonderful wildlife. Our experts will explain everything about the two poles as you watch the penguins in Antarctica or whales and polar bears in the Arctic. There's no greater adventure than travelling to the ends of the earth.

Activity holidays

Our activity holidays are for people who love sports while enjoying natural beauty. We have a huge variety of water, snow or desert holidays. We'll take you diving in the Red Sea or white water rafting in Canada. If you prefer snow, you can try skiing or snowboarding in the Alps. For those who like warmer weather, we also have sand-boarding or camel safaris（游猎）.

Cultural journeys

Our cultural journeys will help you discover ancient civilizations: India, Thailand, Egypt and many more. Visit temples, palaces and ancient ruins-just remember to bring your camera! Get to know local ways of life by exploring markets, trying foreign foods and meeting local people.

1. Which activity will you choose if you love taking adventures?

A．Trekking tours.

B．Polar expeditions.

C．Activity holidays.

D．Cultural journeys.

2. Which country is NOT included during Cultural journeys?

A．Egypt.

B．India.

C．Canada.

D．Thailand.

3. What do the Trekking tours and Activity holidays have in common?

A．Going camping.

B．Going skiing.

C．Enjoying nature.

D．Doing water sports.

7 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

A new subway station in Moscow     1     features a number of Chinese design elements will soon become another landmark for Sino-Russian friendship and     2     (cooperate). The station as well as the other two on the southwestern section of the Moscow Metro     3     (stand) on the third transfer line of the city’s subway system.

    4     (show) respect for the Chinese constructors and friendship between China and Russia, Chinese-style designs have been adopted for the platform at the new station. The lamps     5     (decorate) with auspicious clouds, while the ceiling is in the form of a Chinese checkerboard.

According to Chen Zhuang, one of the designers, the style     6     (adopt) for the new station is “unique and consistent”, while the overall concept is modern, with geometric patterns and lines forming the main section. Design and aesthetic standards in China and Russia differ greatly, as Russia has     7     (large) inherited those of the former Soviet Union, but China’s design philosophy is based more on traditional elements. Combining the different standards of the two countries is one of the toughest     8     (task). “The Chinese-style platform is just     9     small part of the design, and we have to do more work and communicate     10     (far) on the subway structure, and other functions in underground construction,” he said.

8 . Life Outside London: Five Reasons to Visit the North of England!

Most people when visiting England will go to London. In fact most people don't even know much about England outside of London. It makes sense. It's the capital. There are lots to se there. However, as a northern girl, from a place just between Manchester and Liverpool, and a university student in Sheffield. I'd say the north is well worth a visit, and definitely as good if not better than London! Here are five reasons:

Friendliness

Northerners will chat to you on the bus, say hello in the streets and won't think you're crazy if you smile at them when you walk past. Friendly northerners might also call you "duck" or "love" don't worry, they call everyone that.

Gravy

Now although Southerners have gravy (a delicious meaty sauce that goes well with everything), they don't do it properly. You haven't lived until you've tried chip-shop chips swimming in gravy.

Beautiful Countryside

We have the Peak District, and the Lake District. They're both absolutely beautiful and definitely worth a visit. We also have some pretty amazing beaches too.

Excellent Party Cities

We have Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield You can't go wrong if you want to go on a night out here.

Low Cost

The same night won't cost you anywhere near as much up north! In London you can pay over for a pint, which is outrageous! For some reason, everything up North is cheaper, from food to drink to getting around, you can't go wrong when you're spending less money.

There are lots of lovely things to see in the North, so if you can brave the weather being a bit colder and wetter, it's definitely worth a trip.

1. Who might call you "duck" when you are visiting the north of England?

A．A warm passer-by.	B．A rude salesman.
C．A friendly southerner.	D．A cold teenager.

2. What can you do in the north of England according to the passage?

A．Get free beer.	B．Enjoy an all-night party.
C．Try chips in gravy.	D．Enjoy warm and dry weather.

3. Where can the passage be found?

A．In a recipe book.	B．In a science fiction.
C．In a business report.	D．In a travel magazine.

10 . When my father and I traveled to Paris, Notre Dame was our first stop. But when we arrived at Notre Dame, we saw a long line outside it. Even so, we didn’t want to _________. We decided to go to the back garden of Notre Dame where there were few tourists.

Immersed in the beautiful natural scenery, we wanted to take some _________ photos. As we tried to find a photographer, a tall, slim Frenchman _________ toward us and showed us he was willing to take pictures for us.

Trying to get the perfect shot, he kept changing the _________ of the camera. However, after a few _________, he didn’t return our camera. His behavior confused us. But after a while, it became _________. He asked for 10 euros as payment before he would return our camera.

At that point, I was so angry that I _________ to argue with him. But my father stopped me and paid the money, with a(n)_________ expression on his face, the man walked away quickly to search for his next _________.

Later, my father __________ to me: There’s no such thing as a free lunch. So it’s __________ to ask for a payment after taking photos for us. But if someone offers to help you, never __________ the kindness just because of this particular event. Most acts of kindness are pure and without any __________ intention.

__________, we met a lot of warm-hearted locals who guided us and lent a hand when we needed them. So just remember, we can’t throw away the __________ because of its core.

1.

A．set out

B．miss out

C．put aside

D．come about

2.

A．memorable

B．adorable

C．available

D．remarkable

3.

A．marched

B．headed

C．limped

D．wandered

4.

A．angel

B．eagle

C．angle

D．edge

5.

A．signposts

B．laps

C．shots

D．films

6.

A．shallow

B．visible

C．ridiculous

D．clear

7.

A．attempted

B．planned

C．expected

D．hesitated

8.

A．awkward

B．satisfied

C．indifferent

D．disgusting

9.

A．purpose

B．target

C．agent

D．clerk

10.

A．complained

B．claimed

C．explained

D．argue

11.

A．forgivable

B．necessary

C．unusual

D．convenient

12.

A．ignore

B．judge

C．cease

D．reject

13.

A．negative

B．harmless

C．critical

D．genuine

14.

A．Apparently

B．Luckily

C．Gradually

D．Eventually

15.

A．banana

B．object

C．item

D．apple