1 . This is the last Christmas that Faye and Matthew have spent in their house, which has already been sold. Faye and Matthew Gooding and their five young sons appear to have perfect lives. For the couple themselves, however, this “materially perfect world” was lacking in something—so now they are giving up all their possessions to travel around the world with their children. Most of their belongings have been given to their neighbors. Faye said, “It is a relief to get rid of so many possessions. Thankfully, our parents understand and support us.”

“I hesitated for a while because some friends think Faye and I are mad to give up so much. When we told the older boys, they were so excited that they were going to have so much time as a family. It made me realize the amount of toys or material possessions can’t replace time spent with our children. They’ve had to give away so many toys, bikes and books. My wife Faye was so determined to keep to our plan,” said Matthew.

They will leave this month and plan to start their travels in Sweden where they have friends. Faye said, “My older boys plot where we go next but we hope to see Europe and over two years travel as far as Japan, America, Bali and Thailand. We don’t plan to hire any tour guides. We just depend on a compass and local people to move in the right direction.”

Faye, who posts on Instagram as a mother of five boys, added, “It is a risk because we are giving up so much. I, however, even plan to quit my job after the travel. We can’t wait to spend more time with our sons without the stresses of everyday routines. We don’t know what will happen, but we do know if we didn’t do this we would always regret it.”

1. How will Faye and Matthew cover the travel costs?

A．By selling their house.	B．By doing part-time jobs.
C．By asking parents for help.	D．By borrowing from neighbors.

2. What is Faye’s attitude towards traveling around the world?

A．Worried

B．Excited

C．Uncertain

D．Firm

3. Who will decide where the family will travel?

A．Faye

B．Matthew

C．The children

D．The tour guide

4. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A travel guidebook

B．A life journal

C．A paper

D．A diary

3 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Why did the speaker go on the tour?

A．It was the prize of a competition.

B．John asked her to go with him.

C．It was her travel plan.

2. What did the speaker dislike about the hotel?

A．The drinks.

B．The food.

C．The waiters.

3. What did the speaker think of the trip to the museum?

A．Disappointing.

B．Amazing.

C．Terrible.

4. What did the speaker do in the second week?

A．She rode an elephant.

B．She went to the mountains.

C．She relaxed in the hotel.

4 . Must-See Destinations in 2024

Are you ready to explore the world in 2024? Whether you dream of sailing down famous European rivers or exploring unique places, our list of must-see destinations is here to inspire your travels.

Spain

Throw yourself into the rich culture and history of Spain. From the sunny beaches of Tenerife to the Moorish architecture (建筑物) of Andalucía, there’s so much to explore in this lively country. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage (遗产) city of La Laguna and become amazed at the beauty of Cordoba, Seville, and La Alhambra, or relax on a beach holiday to Majorca or Tenerife.

Montenegro

Despite its size, Montenegro has beautiful beaches, rich history, and a breathtaking channel. Experience the beauty of the Montenegrin coast — Dalmatia’s jewel (宝石) is the UNESCO World Heritage listed oasis of Dubrovnik, famously praised by Lord Bryon as The Pearl of the Adriatic.

Croatia

Discover the beauty that is Dubrovnik. Explore the 16th-century city’s defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Sail along Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, where attractive villages and beautiful towns like Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč are just waiting to be explored...

South Africa

Explore the wonders of South Africa, from the Garden Route’s nature reserves to the thrill of a Safari drive in the Kariega Game Reserve. Discover the different plants and animals while searching for the “Big Five” on an unforgettable South Africa holiday.

With over 25 years of experience creating holidays for the curious, Travel Department ensures that your journey is in good hands. Plus as a trusted Reader’s Digest Travel partner, you can get special deals when you travel with them across lots of different 2024 holidays. If you want to know more information, please click here.

1. What do Spain and Montenegro have in common?

A．They are both praised by tourists.

B．They both have world heritage cities.

C．They are known for their architectures.

D．They both own beaches and rich history.

2. Which destination will attract people who are interested in creatures?

A．Spain.	B．South Africa.
C．Montenegro.	D．Croatia.

3. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A website.	B．A guidebook.
C．A novel.	D．A magazine.

5 . In a recent email to an old friend, I mentioned that our family planned on taking our four­week road trip in our motor home. My friend emailed back and said he thought I was very “brave” to set out on such an adventure with two young children (aged two and five). I laughed when I read his email and wondered if he knew how much he was missing out on by giving up the idea of such a fun RV trip (房车旅) with one’s family.

My husband and I have been “RVing” for over ten years. When we first started traveling, we certainly had some troubles that were not so funny at the time but seem to be funny now. We forgot our pillows and failed to cook dinner on an outdoor grill (烤架) for lack of a flashlight. Then we decided to make our dinner in the motor home but could not get the oven lit! So we went to bed a little hungrier than we had planned!

However, that's nothing compared with the amazing geological and natural wonders we experienced during our RV trips. In addition, we have discovered a new world of family fun and family bonding. We saw the Grand Canyon when our son was only six months old. We play games inside and out, walk together, talk together, read, solve puzzles, and enjoy music and movies. We have got used to doing things with one another. Our kids love to pick out good, old­fashioned postcards to send off via “snail mail” to different family members on every trip.

As our world gets more and more overloaded with cell phones, texting, emails and video games, our family sticks more and more tightly to the wonderfully simple idea of unplugging for a while and jumping into the seat to take a trip in our motor home. Then we come home with fun pictures of our wanderings, and we're able to build special memories for our kids. Now we want to spread the word and tell families of all kinds what enjoyment can be had from packing the family up for a trip in the RV.

1. What did the author’s friend think of her travel plan?

A．A family trip should not last four weeks.

B．It was wise of her to take children on RV trips.

C．A family RV trip might bring unexpected troubles.

D．It was an opportunity to teach children to be brave.

2. What can we learn about the first RV trip of the author’s family?

A．They found many things lost.

B．It was ruined by bad weather.

C．They didn’t prepare well for it.

D．It was quite a scary experience.

3. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To appeal families to take RV trips together.

B．To show how to make RV trips interesting.

C．To encourage kids to take part in RV trips.

D．To share an unforgettable traveling experience.

6 . America is one of the best travelling options for everyone. Here the Good Hotel Guide shares some of the top American hotels for travelers to choose from.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

If you want a quiet, stress-free getaway, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort might be just the place. Sitting right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel is a destination unto itself. Meanwhile, staff goes out of their way to attend to their guests’ needs. However, if you are hoping to explore urban areas, be warned this hotel is located approximately 25 miles south of the city.

The Peninsula Chicago

Travelers describe the guest rooms as comfortable thanks to their modern techie touches, like a bedside remote command station that controls the lights, television and room temperatures. During your stay, guests recommend making time for the tasty Cantonese dishes served in the Shanghai Terrace restaurant. However, for many travelers, it was The Peninsula Chicago’s friendly service staff that convinced them to stay here again.

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX

Located just 1,312 feet from Los Angeles International Airport, this hotel offers free 24-hour airport shuttles, easy access to the city center. With nearby motorways, Hollywood is just 12 miles away from Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX. Couples in particular like the location — they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip because of its convenience and the welcoming staff.

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

This modern hotel provides free 24-hour dedicated shuttle service to Los Angeles International Airport, just 3 minutes’ drive away. Guests can relax in the outdoor heated pool. Recent guests give the courteous and professional staff high praise. Couples like the location best — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.

1. If you want to relieve your tension, which hotel would you like to choose?

A．Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX.

B．The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

C．The Peninsula Chicago.

D．Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel.

2. Which hotel is the most favorable to couples?

A．The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

B．The Peninsula Chicago.

C．Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX.

D．Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel.

3. What do the four hotels have in common?

A．They offer convenient access to the downtown area.

B．They have quality customer service.

C．They are popular among couples.

D．They are located near the airport.

7 . Best U. S. National Parks for 2023

Today, 63 national parks in the U. S. draw millions of visitors a year to witness jaw-dropping natural wonders. To determine the best national parks, we considered the opinions of both travel experts and recent visitors. Do you have a favorite park? Cast your vote below.

#1 Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is called the “Crown of the Continent” for its breathtaking beauty. A favorite spot among hikers, it features a variety of trails for all levels, ranging from the easy Trail of the Cedars to the challenging Grinnell Glacier. Besides, the park boasts numerous lakes and two mountain ranges, sheltering a variety of wildlife.

#2 Grand Canyon National Park

Measuring approximately 277 river miles in length, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep, this canyon is truly a natural wonder. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Canyon always leaves its visitors impressed. But if you’re seeking an escape to Mother Nature, be prepared: The Grand Canyon can be very crowded.

#3 Yellowstone National Park

With dramatic peaks and pure lakes, Yellowstone National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Multicolored pools, hot springs, stretching meadows, and steaming geysers (间歇泉). While you cross its 3,000-plus square miles of mountains, geysers and waterfalls, be prepared to share the trails with residents like buffalo (水牛).

#4 Yosemite National Park

Enjoying extraordinary landscapes, Yosemite National Park features towering waterfalls, millennia-old sequoia trees (红杉树), striking cliffs and unique rock formations. Most tourist activities take place within the Yosemite Valley. Here you’ll find the park’s most famous landmarks—Half Dome and El Capitan—as well as excellent hiking trails.

1. What can you do in Yellowstone National Park?

A．Appreciate waterfalls.	B．Join wildlife preservation.
C．Camp at mountain peaks.	D．Swim in colorful pools.

2. Which park might appeal to wildlife enthusiasts?

A．Yosemite National Park and Glacier National Park.

B．Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

C．Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

D．Grand Canyon National Park and Glacier National Park.

3. Where can you probably find this passage?

A．In a research paper.	B．On a tourist website.
C．In an ecology journal.	D．In an instruction book.

8 . The Friend Trip: Fun Without Conflicts

Anyone who said a friend is a friend forever has clearly never experienced a group trip where you will get into trouble arguing over plans and restaurant bills.     1     Here are some ways to do it without anyone getting unfriended.

Invite with care

“You cannot travel with everybody. All your friends are not travel friends,” says Irvin on her popular TikTok account. She suggests picking travel partners who share similar interests, and deciding ahead of time what kind of trip you will be taking—relaxation, partying or adventure.

Brainstorm as a group

    2     Some people prefer to use familiar spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel to organise the plan and share it with friends. And creating an Airbnb wish list lets friends suggest accommodation options for the whole group to see.

Exchange the captain’s hat

Use a classic teacher’s trick to keep everyone engaged and share the planning burden: schedule a group leader to take ownership of each day’s activities.     3     By making everyone the driver, everyone also gets the chance at some point to sit back and be a passenger.

    4    

Tracking expenses for a whole group can expose a lot of pain points. “I have seen so many friendships break down because dissatisfaction builds when one person suspects other friends are taking advantage of her financially or not pulling their weight,” says friendship coach Jackson.     5     Jackson says he liked Splitwise to help groups manage everyone’s bills, so there’s no confusion about who owes what.

A．Prepare cash in advance

B．Automate the money flow

C．Travelling with your best friends can be a tough job.

D．There are countless situations where the group need to design travel routes.

E．Apps can help make complex calculations easy even while the trip is still underway.

F．Ask your friends where they want to go and what they want to do using Google Forms.

G．This person will be responsible for making that day’s tour plan or keeping everyone on schedule.

9 . I recently visited California’s most-visited national park—Yosemite. Turns out, there is a lot you can do and see over a couple days. Here’s my suggested route, if you decide to make a quick weekend trip to see Yosemite’s wonders.

Day 1, Saturday

6 a. m. : Hike the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point. The 9. 6-mile round trip will take six to eight hours with rest stops, so plan accordingly. Leave early to beat the heat and enjoy the sunrise.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to look down-the view of the valley is truly jaw-dropping.

1 p. m. : Hike to Vernal Fall. If you’re looking for lunch, a tasty and efficient spot is Curry Village Pizza Deck. Plus, your next adventure is on the Mist Trail from nearby Happy Isles for a quick 1. 6-mile round-trip visit to Vemal Fall. It’s a nice cool-down hike after your morning workout and offers easy access to year-round falls.

4 p. m. : Learn some history at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Every national park visit requires a stop at the visitor center to learn about park’s history and main features. Here, you can check out the Yosemite Village as well, but the real secret is the free bike share program. Download the app and grab a pair of wheels here for your evening exploration.

Day 2, Sunday

6 a. m. : Drive up the picturesque Tioga Road. While your feet are recovering from yesterday’s mileage, take a leisurely drive up Tioga Road. Along the 45 miles to Tenaya Lake, take photos at the many viewpoints, but especially at Olmsted Point, which has a less-visited but very cool perspective on Half Dome. Have breakfast or lunch alongside the blue waters of Yosemite’s largest lake before heading back toward the valley.

3 p. m. : Complete your trip with a visit to Yosemite Climbing Museum in Mariposa. At a last stop, visit the charming historical town of Mariposa to check out the long-overdue Yosemite Climbing Museum opened in 2021. The famous climbing history displayed in the museum gave me a new appreciation for Yosemite, a place I can’t wait to return to.

1. Which of the following does the author suggest visiting in the morning?

A．Vernal Fall.

B．Yosemite Village.

C．Tenaya Lake.

D．Climbing Museum.

2. According to the author, the best thing to do at Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is __________.

A．cycling for evening exploration	B．learning about park’s history
C．going around the Yosemite Village	D．downloading the free bike share app

3. Why is Olmsted Point a good place to take photos?

A．Because it’s a less-visited place but with picturesque scenery.

B．Because it’s a place offering a better view of Half Dome.

C．Because it’s a rest stop for visitors to have breakfast or lunch.

D．Because it’s not such a place that is flooded with visitors taking photos.

10 . 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。

The recent hit in China is all about Harbin, Helongjiang. Numerous netizens have expressed their longing for this northern ice city,     1     (enthusiastic) declaring, “Harbin, I’m coming!”

Among those highlights,     2     journey of 11 kids from Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has melted hearts across the Internet. Chinese netizens have been eagerly following their adventures online.

Fondly (深情地)     3     (describe) as “Little Tangerines (柑橘)” for their orange-colored coats, the kids also visited China’s northernmost town,     4     they sang the national anthem. The firefighters there had prepared snow sculptures and snowmen, eagerly expecting the     5     (arrive) of the “Little Tangerines”. Mr. Liang, the leader of the group, confirmed their coming in Mohe.

This study tour, under the spotlight of the entire Internet,     6     (draw) a lot of attention. The parents are grateful for the concern shown by netizens and the care provided by friends in the Northeast China. They feel more     7     ease with everyone’s collective support.

    8     was reported that the residents organized a fleet of about 300 private vehicles,     9     (provide) free rides to tourists. Despite the city’s freezing climate, its residents work diligently     10     (create) a warm environment for their guests.