3 . When I was 25 years old, I had a big dream in my mind. I wanted to travel around Africa with my _______. So I left my hometown with great confidence and arrived in Cape Town, not really _______ what to do next._______, before my trip actually started, I met a kind, old Nigerian man. He gave me the best travel tips I had ever received. “Be like a(n) _______ on your way around the world.”

It sounded _______, but it really changed my idea about travelling. He helped me _______ that travel is about learning and observing local _______. It’s far too easy to go into a new country and believe your ways are better. “But if you study, ask questions, and try to _______ the locals, you’ll have far richer _______.” he promised me.

On other vacations, ________ I was on my tour way to Cancun, I was ________ a tourist. I only stayed there for a week to see the sights and place of interest and then left. The culture didn’t ________ me. I left the cities and towns without really knowing a anyone or anything that existed (存在) in those places to which I had paid a visit.

This time, I promised to myself that I would a ________ traveler. After seven months of ________ backpacking in Africa from Cape Town to Cairo, I realized that having a student-like mindset (观念模式) helped extend my trip and helped me learn a lot, which ________ me more than any other trips ever did to me.

4 . 4 Popular Places to Go This Winter

Harbin, China

China Harbin’s winter is for the brave ones—the average temperature is 1.8°F- but those who brave the cold will be rewarded with experiencing one of the world’s largest winter festivals. 2021 marks the 37th Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival (January-March), when massive frozen structures rise and are lit up, transforming the city into a winter wonderland.

Lyon, France

Paris may be called The City of Light,but every December, light takes center stage in Lyon, France’s third-largest city. That’s when the annual Festival of Lights (around December 8) takes over, with light installations (装置)that transform the city’s streetscapes into modern works of art. The city is also home to two Christmas markets (one in La Croix-Rousse; the other at the Place Carnot; through December 25).

Lima, Peru

Peru’s capital Lima is home to the world’s highest number of cooking schools per person. Aside from its delicate dining, the city also has great cocktail bars where you can taste classic or contemporary takes on the Pisco Sour.Combine that with the oceanfront setting and temperatures in the 80s, and you’ll understand why Lima should no longer be ignored this winter.

Vermont, US

Winter in Vermont means skiing and snowboarding, Many resorts (度假胜地)have greatly upgraded their snowmaking abilities as part of a $15 million statewide program that replaced many outdated snow guns with new, low-energy models.These new machines will also improve the quality of snow surfaces and lengthen the season, meaning this will be one of the best winters for skiing and riding in Vermont in recent memory.

7 . Some Must-see Travel Destinations for 2020

National Geographic has issued its 2020 list of best travel destinations across the world and it's sure to inspire would-be vacationers.

Guizhou Province, China

Historically one of China's most undiscovered provinces, southwestern Guizhou is gaining global notice as a big data center. The mountainous region's plentiful water and cool climate are attractive to Huawei, Apple and dozens of other tech powerhouses that have been established there. This has improved access to the entire province, including the traditional villages of ethnic minority groups, such as Dong and Miao.

Zakouma National Park, Chad

Home to a rapidly growing African elephant population — some 559 in 2019 and a thousand expected by 2024 — Zakouma National Park is an off-the map African destination. The park's location, in southeastern Chad, one of the world's least-visited countries, makes Zakouma a best-kept secret. Illegal hunting previously had made the park nearly a war zone, with 90 percent of the wild elephants killed. Funding from the European Union has brought back life to the region.

Cairo, Egypt

The Great Pyramid, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, can be found just outside Cairo. This triangular structure has been of interest to travelers far and wide for more than 4,000 years. Yet splendid as it is, it also houses some of the most interesting mysteries. It makes visitors wonder what's inside the pyramid.

National Blue Trail, Hungary

Hungary is a dream hiking destination thanks to the country's National Blue Trail. Winding its way from Irottko Mountain to the northeastern village of Hollóháza, the Blue Trail is a wonderfully diverse web of paths labeled with white-and-blue way markers. As Europe's first long-distance trail, it's part of the nearly 6,500-mile European long distance walking route E4.

8 . Imagine standing on one spot where the only direction is south. You can experience it if you join a group of just 128 passengers for your tip to the pole of the world. Your icebreaker ship, 50 Years of Victory, will take you to the North Pole, which is more commonly associated （联系） with fairy tales.

Days 1&2--From Helsinki to Murmansk

Your adventure begins from Helsinki, Finland’s capital. From Helsinki, you’ll join your fellow passengers on the flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll start your voyage to the North Pole and get to know 50 Years of Victory.

Days 3-6--Travelling towards the north in the Arctic Ocean

Being on Victory and feeling the icebreaker as it cuts through the Arctic pack ice is an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know your shipmates, and be treated to lectures and discussions about the trip by Our expedition （远征） team while seeing various birds. There are other things you can do, such as swimming and playing basketball.

Day7--90°North

Take photos, call your family and wave a flag; just be sure to enjoy your moment at the pole. If environmental conditions permit, you can jump into the icy waters around the North Pole. We’ll also attempt to send passengers high above the pole in our hot-air balloon to celebrate this great moment (highly weather dẹpendent).

Days 8 & 9--Travelling towards the south in the Arctic Ocean

As you head further south, you may get lucky and spot polar bears hunting for seals.

Days 10 & 11--Franz Josef Land

This group of 191 islands lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Here you’ll explore Cape Flora and discover historic remains from three ill-fated arctic adventures.

Days 12 & 13--Getting off Victory in Murmansk and flying to Helsinki

When you return to Murmansk, it will be time to say goodbye to 50 Years of Victory. You’ll be sent to the airport for your flight to Helsinki.

9 . I love travelling, but it hasn’t always been my passion. In my first year of university, I started to travel during the holiday. During the Christmas holiday I went to Paris, and during the spring vacation, I visited Athens and various cities in Italy. I was very excited because this was the first time I had travelled abroad with just my friends. This desire to travel started off simply as a way to have something to look forward to after exams, but I soon discovered how important it is to travel.

On my travels I have had the opportunity to not only experience new and exciting cultures through the art, history, language and food, but also communicate with people who have different views on life. Travelling is a learning experience for both yourself and the people you meet. Some people I met during my travels had never heard of Gambia and it was very delightful to share my African roots with them. When you travel you will meet people who have different cultural backgrounds and as a result, sometimes your own ideas and opinions might be challenged. Ifs important to learn to see things from other people’s perspectives (观点) and to challenge your own.

This is how I realized that travelling is the realization of home. When you I ravel you are exposed to a different setting, a different language and a different way of living. All these factors, mixed with a new and exciting adventure，make you realize your own home. Not just the physical location of home, but also your way of life and your outlook.

Travelling is truly an enriching experience and I am always excited about the discoveries that wait for me in my next adventure!

10 . At Beaver Meadows Ranch on Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, there is a long list of outdoor winter activities for the entire family. Take a winter vacation there.

Ice Fishing

For $10 a day, visitors can try their hand at ice fishing. Ice fishing is available from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. You will need to bring your own ice fishing equipment because it cannot be rented. You will need to have your fishing license too. For more about it, call 800-462-5870.

Hot Chocolate & Cookies Sleigh Ride

Passengers take a 15- to 20-minute sleigh ride through beautiful Colorado country. During the sleigh ride, you’ll have the experience of stopping at an old-time cabin, warming yourself by a fire and eating cookies while drinking hot chocolate. You will need to contact them at 970-231-1955 to set up a time for your sleigh ride.

Winter Horseback Riding

Experience winter horseback riding while viewing the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding 840 acres where Beaver Meadows Ranch makes its home. You’ll be guided on a tour by one of the expert wranglers (牧马人) when the weather permits. One-hour rides cost $35 per person and two-hour rides cost $50. For more information, contact them at 866-881-7679 to set up your horseback riding winter activity.

Other Winter Activities Information

For more information about Beaver Meadows Ranch, or if you’d like to book a room for an adventurous holiday, call 970-881-2450. It’s not very often you can find a one-stop adventure spot full of winter activities. Take advantage of your free time this winter season and enjoy the outdoor scenery in Colorado.