2 . This is the time when we start thinking of travel plans for the coming holiday. Will we go back to our old favorites? Try somewhere new? The following list will give you fresh ideas of where to stay.

Matca, Transylvania (Romania)

Matca, which means “queen bee” in Romanian, is a nickname for the hotel. Transylvania’s rural landscapes have long been a favorite of those in the know — the UK’s royal family has a house two hours north — and hilltop Matca renews its 16 rooms with the spirit of Romanian traditions, from hand carved beds to traditional carpets over the floorboard. Expected to be open in March.

Maria, Helsinki (Finland)

The Maria has been the first choice for Helsinki travelers since it met the public last month, with its “spa suites” plus private saunas (桑拿) or steam rooms. The hotel sits across four protected buildings dating back to 1885, and as such the look is modern classic, with plenty of copper and iron gray and big windows to let as much of that light as possible into the supersized rooms.

Casa Lucia, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Though Argentina looks set to be entering a period of financial uncertainty in 2024, this new Buenos Aires hotel is looking for new ideas by turning to the city’s golden age a century ago. Featuring “royal suites” and opening soon in April in the Edificio Mihanovich, a skyscraper in the Retiro district, the Casa Lucia is an upgraded version of the former Sofitel.

The Leinster, Dublin (Ireland)

For all too long, there’s only been room for one famous hotel on Dublin’s Merrion Square. The Leinster is about to change that. Opening next month, it’s bringing an almost Kit Kemp style of boutique chic (精品时尚) to the historic square, with lively patterned headboards brightening the modern rooms. The other hotel on the square — The Merrion — had better look to its laurels.

1. Which hotel is already receiving guests?

A．Matca.

B．Maria.

C．Casa Lucia.

D．The Leinster.

2. What do Matca and Casa Lucia have in common?

A．They face financial uncertainties.

B．They draw inspiration from the past.

C．They are famous among royal families.

D．They are single buildings in rural areas.

3. What does the underlined phrase “look to its laurels” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Stay calm and optimistic.

B．Stick to the original look.

C．Try not to lose its advantage.

D．Look up to the newcomer.

3 . Cruise (邮轮) tourism is becoming popular with some 36 million passengers expected to cruise in 2024. Have a look at new ships provided by cruise lines.

DISNEY TREASURE

The 800-passenger Disney Treasure will mirror its sister ship Disney Wish while focusing more on mystery and adventure atmospheres on the high seas as opposed to a fairy-tale theme. Kids who loved the Frozen-themed dining experience on Disney Wish can move into the world of Encanto at a new themed restaurant, Plaza de Coco, on board Treasure.

ICON OF THE SEAS

Icon of the Seas will travel Caribbean waters as the largest cruise ship in the world, with a maximum onboard capacity of 7,600 guests. Passengers can expect a floating festival of entertainment, including the world’s largest waterpark at sea, featuring six water slides, a pool and much more.

RIVERSIDE MOZART

With a top-class hotel feel, the 1400-passenger Riverside Mozart will launch along the Danube in 2024, visiting such cities as Vienna and Bratislava. It includes an indoor pool and steam rooms, plus four restaurants spread across four decks (甲板).

SEABOURN PURSUIT

Expedition (远征) cruising is more appealing than ever these days. Seabourn Pursuit, half the passenger number of Riverside Mozart, entered service in August 2023. It has a 24-person expedition team to maximize adventures on land and at sea in destinations in the South Pacific and Antarctica, all among the itineraries (行程) for 2024.

1. What is special about Disney Treasure?

A．It creates a mysterious mood.	B．It is based on a fairy-tale theme.
C．It provides a kids-only restaurant.	D．It offers the same meal as Disney Wish.

2. What do Icon of the Seas and Riverside Mozart have in common?

A．They have top-class hotels.	B．They visit beautiful cities.
C．They offer water activities.	D．They have famous restaurants.

3. Which cruise ship holds the smallest capacity of passengers?

A．Disney Treasure.	B．Icon of the Seas.
C．Riverside Mozart.	D．Seabourn Pursuit.

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the man doing?

A．Conducting a survey.

B．Asking for directions.

C．Planning a trip.

2. What is the woman happy with about the train?

A．Its space.

B．Its Internet.

C．Its speed.

3. What do we know about the train today?

A．It was too crowded.

B．It broke down halfway.

C．It ran behind schedule.

4. What improvement impressed the woman?

A．The information display facilities.

B．Bigger boards for train times.

C．More seats on the platforms.

5 . Are you a fan of outdoor adventures? Do you enjoy scenic views to relax? Look no further, as the following destinations offer all that and more.

Athabasca Falls

Alberta, Canada

Water from the Canadian Rockies flows down into the waterfalls of Jasper National Park, creating a flow with wild energy. The falls are wheelchairs accessible, with a paved path taking admirers to a number of viewpoints. If visitors leave the path, they can explore both the upper and lower regions of the trail.

Akaka Falls Trail

Hakalau, Hawaii

A short half-mile hike is big on sights and low on hard activity. The well-kept ring like trail guide visitors around to see a number of waterfalls, including the 442-foot main attraction, and beautiful local flora (植物群) among the famous landscape. Though there are no hills to climb, there are a number of stairways to go.

Nugget Falls

Juneau, Alaska

Located in Tongass National Forest about 12 miles from Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier has produced Nugget Falls, a fan-like waterfall that leads into a lake. A series of short hikes allows for different views of the waterfall and icy surrounds, which are also known for frequent brown bear sightings.

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Valley, California

Yosemite National Park is one of the oldest national parks in America and home to the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. Hikers can reach it by taking a 1-mile trail from the lodge or the 7.2-mile round-trip Yosemite Falls Trail route. Late spring is best, with the highest water flow. In the winter, the temperatures dip below freezing. A park admission fee applies.

1. Where can visitors expect to see frequent brown bear sightings?

A．Athabasca Falls.

B．Akaka Falls Trail.

C．Nugget Falls.

D．Yosemite Falls.

2. Which season is best for visiting Yosemite Falls?

A．Winter.

B．Spring.

C．Summer.

D．Fall.

3. Where can this text probably be found?

A．In a travel magazine.

B．In a novel.

C．In a history book.

D．In a diary.

6 . Mammoth Cave National Park, in the state of Kentucky, is a unique and historical natural wonder. It has the world’s longest cave system. There may be another 600 miles of cave passageways that have yet to be explored. In addition, more than 200 caves that are disconnected from the larger system can be found in the park.

The underground caves were created naturally by the process of limestone (石灰岩) erosion. Rain and rivers slowly dissolve (溶解) and shape soft limestone. The system is still being shaped today. Not only are they an amazing destination to visit, but the system also provides drinking water for about 40% of the US population.

The caves’ first explorers were Native Americans, who mined (采矿) the upper levels of Mammoth Cave. Later, the sites were left in great shape and began to draw public interest.

Mammoth Cave was made into a national park thanks to strong support. Back in the 1920s, the Southern Appalachian National Park Commission was set up in 1925. After years of work, as well as building roads and public facilities, the park was completed on July 1, 1941.

The park now receives around 2 million visitors a year, with about a quarter taking a tour of the caves—everything from a cultural tour to the more adventurous tours on offer. The cave supports more than 130 wildlife species (物种). The park is also much more than just a cave; the forest around has a diverse (多种多样的) range of species. There are miles of trails open for horseback riding, with canoe trails and great fishing spots. There are also more than 1,300 flowering species in the forest, and animals like wood warblers, thrushes, and bald eagles can regularly be seen.

1. What can we learn about Mammoth Cave from the first two paragraphs?

A．It was made by ancient people.	B．It has the length of 600 miles.
C．It is made up of 200 connected caves.	D．It has a large underground system.

2. How do the caves form?

A．Explorers mine the upper levels.	B．The government searches for drinkable water.
C．Water dissolves limestone.	D．People build roads and public facilities.

3. What can we learn from the last paragraph?

A．More than 1,300 flowers grow in the caves.

B．The park offers visitors diverse experiences.

C．Most visitors come to the park just for caves.

D．Two million people have visited the park till now.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Planning cave tours around the world

B．Exploring the world’s longest cave system

C．Learning about the explorers of Mammoth Cave

D．Predicting the future of Mammoth Cave National Park

8 . ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) spans over 415 square miles. It contains more than 300 miles of hiking roads and one of the most amazing sights and landscapes (风景) that Colorado has to offer in summer and winter. It’s a perfect place to take a day vacation just for yourself.

Ride by the Iconic Flatirons and the City of Boulder

Your tour kicks off in Boulder which is hidden in a classical little valley near the Flatirons. This community is home to over 100,000 people and features booming tech, food industries, and world-class University of Colorado.

Have a Tasty Picnic Lunch at Rocky Mountain National Park

There’s nothing better than enjoying a meal with the Rocky Mountains in the background. With the unbelievable beauty of the area, it offers plenty of opportunities for taking photos. People have chance to see local wildlife. It’s no wonder that nearly 3 million people visit this national park every year.

Go for a Scenic Ride down Trail Ridge Road

There’s no better way to discover the Rocky Mountains than taking a scenic (风景优美的) ride down Trail Ridge Road. Stretching for 48 miles, it gives you the chance to enjoy the Rocky Mountains in leisure.

Finish with a Ride Through Estes Park

Taking a ride through Estes Park is the best way to end this tour. This town is well known for being the main base of RMNP and provides an unbelievable view of Prospect Mountain.

1. Where does the tour begin?

A．In Boulder.	B．In Prospect Mountain.
C．At Trail Ridge Road.	D．In Estes Park.

2. What can people do at the Rocky Mountain National Park?

A．Cook a meal with family.	B．Ride a horse.
C．Take photos.	D．Hunt wildlife.

3. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A sports website.	B．A news report.
C．A travel magazine.	D．A geography textbook.

9 . Campgrounds

There are two drive-in campgrounds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.

Namakanipaio

Namakanipaio Campground is operated by Hawaii Volcanoes Lodge Company. It is a large, open grassy area with tall trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits (烧烤坑). Campfires are allowed in the barbecue pits only. Maximum stay is 7 days.

Fees:

There is a pay station on site.

Drive-in sites—$15. 00 per night

If there are more than two people in your party, you can expand to four people per site with another tent.

Weather may be cool year-round. Daytime temperature range: 60s to 70s F. Nighttime temperature range: 40s to low 50s F. We suggest that you use a tent with a good rainfly(帆布篷顶)and bring warm clothing for cool days and evenings.

Reservations are required.

Kulanaokuaiki

Kulanaokuaiki Campground is located about five miles down the Hilina Pali Road. The nine campsites at Kulanaokuaiki have picnic tables and tent pads, and are available on a first come, first served basis. There is NO WATER at this location. Checkout time is 11: 00 a. m. Fires are NOT permitted. Stay limit is up to 7 days.

Fees:

$10. 00 a night per site

$5. 00 a night per site for campers who hold the Interagency Senior(Golden Age)and Golden Access passes

Fees may be paid at the campground’s self-registration station.

Pets are not allowed in the campground or anywhere on Hilina Pali Road. Nighttime temperature range: high 40s to high 60s F. Daytime temperature range: high 60s to 90s F. We suggest that you use a tent with a good rainfly and bring warm clothing for cool days and evenings.

Reservations are required.

1. How is Namakanipaio Campground different from Kulanaokuaiki Campground?

A．It offers no water at the location.	B．It allows fire in the barbecue pits.
C．It provides an up to seven-day stay.	D．It has a wider range of temperature.

2. How much should you pay if you stay at Kulanaokuaiki Campground for five nights with Golden Access passes?

A．$75.

B．$50.

C．$25.

D．$15.

3. What should you make sure of if you want to go camping in these two campgrounds?

A．Booking in advance.	B．Traveling in a group.
C．Bringing a high-quality tent.	D．Taking summer clothing for hot days.

10 . Four Best National Parks for 2023-2024

Swiss National Park

Swiss National Park in eastern Switzerland covers nearly 42, 000 acres of land, giving visitors access to roughly 60 miles of trails that weave in and out of valleys backed by the breathtaking Swiss Alps. While hiking, keep an eye out for wildlife ranging from well-known animals like foxes and eagles to Alpine ibexes that are wild goats with large horns living in the mountains. This park closes from mid-November until the end of May with some higher trails remaining under snow through June, so time your trip for the warmer months.

Yosemite National Park

Located nearly 170 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite offers visitors plenty of impressive natural wonders to see. Scenic landscapes, such as the famous Tunnel View and Valley View outlooks, and famous landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan are just a few of Yosemite’s greatest attractions. Don’t forget to swing by one of the sequoia groves (红杉林) to be amazed at the towering trees.

Glacier (冰川) National Park

Glacier National Park is Montana’s crown jewel. The expansive one million-acre park, which was named after those remains of glaciers estimated to be 7, 000 years old, offers impressive mountainous scenery. Here, you’ll find more than 700 lakes, National Historic Landmarks including Lake McDonald Lodge, Granite Park Chalet and the Two Medicine Store, and the famous Highline Trail, which follows the Continental Divide.

Banff National Park

Situated in southwestern Alberta, Canada’s oldest national park is also one of its most beautiful national parks. Visitors can explore Banff National Park on foot along more than 1, 000 miles of hiking trails—the Lake Agnes Trail features a seasonal European-style tea house, or drive the scenic Icefields Parkway for breathtaking views of glaciers and waterfalls.

1. When are hikers advised to go to Swiss National Park?

A．In May.

B．In June.

C．In August.

D．In December.

2. What can visitors do in Yosemite National Park?

A．Admire 7, 000-year-old landmarks.	B．Interact with rare wild animals.
C．Walk along the Lake Agnes Trail.	D．Have a good view of huge trees.

3. What do Glacier National Park and Banff National Park have in common?

A．The chance to see glaciers.	B．The climb onto high mountains.
C．The visit to a number of valleys.	D．The drive through the whole park.