1 . Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Go Surfing at Kahalu’u Beach
Hawaii is known as a surfer’s haven, making it one of the best places to learn to surf. The Big Island offers surf spots for all ability levels. Head to Kahalu’u Beach, and take a two-hour lesson from one of the knowledgeable instructors at Kahalu’u Bay Surf and Sea, which is also a good place to snorkel (浮潜), offering fun for the whole family.
Take a Helicopter Tour
Many spots on the Big Island are hard to reach by land. But in a helicopter, you can view cliffside views and waterfalls. From the sky, you can also see active volcanoes up close. Some tours circle the island, while others take you out at sunset during “the golden hour” to enjoy beachscapes.
Ride an ATV
Like helicopters, ATVs can reach hard-to-see locations on the Big Island. Book an ATV tour that takes you to majestic waterfalls where you can swim in crystal blue pools. On an Adventure Farms Tour, guides relay the rich history of Polynesia as you drive through the villages of Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
Bike Downhill in Waimea Canyon
A Waimea Canyon Bike Tour will take you on a 13-mile journey by bike from the edge of Waimea Canyon to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. In your van ride up to the edge, your guide will tell the history, culture and folktales of the area, while you take in the native plants, birds, and trees. The second part of the experience is all about fun as you make your way to the Pacific Ocean on a cruiser bike made for downhill coasting. This trip is recommended for experienced bikers only.
1. Which activity is probably the most suitable for a family?A.Riding an ATV. | B.Taking a helicopter tour. |
C.Going surfing at Kahalu’u Beach. | D.Biking downhill in Waimea Canyon. |
A.Access to hard-to-reach locations. | B.Learning about the history of Polynesia. |
C.The chance to swim in crystal blue pools. | D.Appreciating hard-to-sec fantastic views. |
A.Visitors have chances to swim in the water. | B.Visitors can enjoy amazing views at sunset. |
C.Visitors have access to rare plants and birds. | D.Visitors can learn about the local history. |
2 . Explore these lesser-known U.S. by ways for maximum autumn splendor — from Wisconsin to West Virginia.
Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway
Wisconsin’s 70-mile Lake Superior Scenic Byway traces the coastline of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. About a third of the way through the route, you’ll arrive at Frog Bay National Tribal Park, the nation’s first tribal national park. Here, visitors can hike along several short trails. The autumn colors of all kinds of leaves peak in mid-to-late October.
West Virginia’s Seneca Skyway
Seneca Rocks, a stunning formation with dozens of surrounding hiking trails, was once used by the U.S. Army for wilderness assault training. Stay in the wild without a tent by overnighting at the top of a 65-foot-tall fire tower in Seneca State Forest.
Arizona’s White Mountain Scenic Road
Arizona is one of the best places in the Southwest for changing leaves — if you know where to look. Start at 7,000 feet in the town of Pinetop-Lakeside, where giant maples offer pops of color between the world’s largest contiguous stretch of ponderosa pines.
South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway
The leaves of red maples, box elders, and scarlet and black oaks turn late in northern South Carolina — usually from mid-October to early November. That’s the perfect time to take a spin along the 110-mile Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. It takes visitors through six state parks, offering several overlooks for epic views.
1. What can people do at the Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway?A.Hike along the Seneca Rocks. | B.Take a spin. |
C.Visit a tribal national park. | D.Stay in the wild without a tent. |
A.Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Scenic Byway |
B.West Virginia’s Seneca Skyway |
C.Arizona’s White Mountain Scenic Road |
D.South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. |
A.A guidebook. | B.A movie poster. |
C.A sports magazine. | D.A science report. |
3 . Would you take a trip if you couldn’t use your cellphone? A new tour company called Off the Grid is asking travellers to put their cellphones away and not even use them for photos. The company founder, Zach Beattie, is developing his business, using money he saved from a tech job at a mapping company. He’s hired guides for every trip but will help lead the first few himself.
The first trip is to Lisbon, Portugal, in July. It takes 7 to 10 days, with small groups of up to 16 people. Prices range from $1,500 to $1,650, including accommodations, meals and ground transportation. The plan includes at least three excursions (远足) and two social events, with an emphasis on unique experiences over bucket-list sightseeing. The tour also includes surfing lessons, yoga on the beach, a day of sailing and dinner with a local family.
“When you’re somewhere new, there’s a lot to see and a lot of cool and interesting people to meet,” Beattie said. “Your phone can distract (使分心) you.” The phone ban won’t be enforced quite as strictly as it seems at first glance. “We want it to be voluntary,” he said. “We’re not collecting phones and throwing them in a locked trunk. It’s held by you, but put in your pocket, and you state your intentions for the week, whether that’s checking your social media once or twice a day or a total blackout.”
Tour-goers also get a “dumbphone” without Internet access that’s loaded with numbers for group leaders and other participants, both for emergencies and to promote socializing. Participants may bring regular cameras, but Beattie is hiring a photographer for each tour so there will be plenty of photos to remember the trip. Once the trip is over, participants will have access to those photos for use in social media posts.
1. What can be learned about Zach Beattie?A.He set up his business at his own expense. |
B.He is always guiding every trip personally. |
C.He forbids tourists to take along cellphones. |
D.He used to earn his living in a tour company. |
A.The trip features sightseeing. |
B.Participants live in homestays. |
C.Air ticket is covered in the cost. |
D.Tourists experience water sports. |
A.Lock their phones in a trunk. |
B.Post their photos on social media. |
C.Free themselves from their phones. |
D.Shift their focus onto dumbphones. |
A.Take photos. | B.Access the Internet. |
C.Record the trip. | D.Contact group members. |
4 . Spring breakers don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy life in the sunshine for a week. U. S. News carefully considered everything to bring you the best inexpensive spring break destinations.
Key West
This small island in the Florida Keys is known for its odd residents and best snorkeling (浮潜) opportunities. While you’ll find plenty of spots for partying along rowdy Duval Street, you can also soak up some culture at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Plus, Key West offers several budget-friendly vacation rentals, so you can save your cash for bars and boat tours.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a tried-and-true Florida spring break location that is sure to please the masses. Scope out a spot across the town’s 27 miles of white sand beaches to sunbathe, play volleyball or scan the horizon for bottlenose dolphins. Hotel prices are reasonable if you book your accommodations in advance. Just note: This town bans alcohol consumption on the beach during March, so you’ll have to enjoy your adult beverages elsewhere.
South Pad re Island
With hotels offering nightly rates around $200 or less and DJs and celebrities holding court at nightclubs, South Padre Island, Texas, is a hot spring break destination for college students. This South Texas local e is only about 30 miles north of the U. S.-Mexico border, meaning you’ll get to enjoy warm weather without having to leave the country. As an added bonus, the island offers a free public shuttle system, so budget-conscious travelers won’t have to worry about spending money on a rental car.
1. What can tourists do in Key West?A.Have a good surfing. |
B.Bath e in the sun on the beach. |
C.Throw a party anywhere on the island. |
D.Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. |
A.The hotel prices are low whenever you go. |
B.It is a perfect destination for spring vacation. |
C.You can drink some wine on the beach in March. |
D.You can see the bottlenose dolphins in person. |
A.They are budget-friendly. | B.They are alive with wildlife. |
C.They offer a taste of culture. | D.They offer free public shuttle system. |
5 . Popular destinations boosted by films, TV dramas
Over the past year, several films and TV dramas have put their shooting locations into the public spotlight.
Dali in Yunnan provinceWith the premiere of the TV drama Meet Yourself earlier last year, the Dali Bai autonomous prefecture in Southwest China’s Yunnan province emerged as a highly sought-after tourism destination.
The drama was filmed in Dali, showcasing main locations such as Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Fengyangyi village, Shaxi Ancient Town and Xizhou Town. The idyllic scenery and relaxing pace of life depicted in the drama proved to be a soothing balm for many, leading to a tourism boom in Dali during the Spring Festival holidays.
Jiangmen in Guangdong provinceThanks to the success of the hit show The Knockout, Jiangmen in Guangdong province soared as a prominent tourism destination last year, where the drama was filmed.
As a prominent hometown for many overseas Chinese, the city boasts historical cultural street scenes, exotic South Asian-style architecture, and a díverse array of flavorful snacks, attracting a throng of tourists and TV fans.
Taiyuan Ancient County in Shanxi provinceFull River Red, the highest-grossing blockbuster during last year’s Spring Festival, has set the TaiyuanAncient County in Shanxi on fire with excitement. The film was directed by iconic director Zhang Yimou and draws inspiration from a famous poem by the patriotic general Yue Fei of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Filmed within a residential compound made up of five enclosed courtyards in an ancient town relic site in Jinyuan district, Taiyuan city, Shanxi province, the movie captures the essence of the country’s intricate, winding alleyways and distinctive ancient courtyards, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
ShanghaiShanghai has once again captured the public’s attention with the recent popularity of the TVseries Blossoms Shanghai. Key filming locations such as Huanghe Road, Peace Hotel, and Tai Sheng Yuan restaurant have emerged as highly sought-after tourist destinations. Dishes featured in the show, such as Spare Ribs with Rice Cakes and Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Beef, have become culinary favorites among tourists exploring Shanghai.
The iconic No. 27 on the Bund, where Miss Wang worked in the TV series, has transformed into JiushiArt Museum, while the Pujiang Hotel has found new life as the location of the China Securities Museum.
1. Why did the TV drama Meet Yourself make Dali in Yunnan province popular among tourists?A.Because it showcased the beauty of Erhai Lake. |
B.Because it provided a relaxing escape from daily life. |
C.Because it was filmed in many ancient towns. |
D.Because it featured the local culture and snacks. |
A.A poem by a patriotic general. | B.An ancient town in Taiyuan. |
C.The director Zhang Yimou. | D.The intricate alleyways of Shanxi. |
A.A personal travel blog. | B.A tourism promotion website. |
C.A film press release. | D.A cultural journal. |
6 . Spain is a country that continues to surprise and let us tell you it’s not all sunbathing and shopping! We’re outlining our top 3 reasons to discover Spain along with our holiday suggestions to help you make up your mind.
Stunning sceneryFrom the dramatic, imposing mountains to the countless glistening beaches that dot its coastlines, Spain is a country full of natural beauty and inspiring landscapes. If breath-taking views and unique scenery captures your attention then our top suggestion is to experience a holiday to Tenerife where you can enjoy the inspiring its volcanic views and panoramic scenery. The largest of the Canary Islands, just south of Spain, Tenerife has a rugged, volcanic landscape as well as over 200 miles of coastline boasting a huge variety of flora and fauna.
Beautiful beachesDid you know that Spain has over 5,000 miles of coastline and thousands of beaches? Wherever you go, you are never far from a beach. From undiscovered, hidden alcoves to popular tourist resorts, there’s a beach for everyone and with over 300 days of sunshine each year you’re guaranteed the weather to enjoy them! This beautiful country also has the most blue flag beaches in the world so now you’ve no excuse! With thousands of beaches to choose from, where will you go?
Fabulous foodFor many people, one of the highlights of Spain is, of course, the amazing food on offer. The country’s vibrant cities offer up Michelin-starred restaurants and lively tapas bars, while small-town cafés and restaurants offer up traditional dishes such as paella, seafood stew, and chorizo, made with love from family recipes.
Spanish cuisine is known for being delicious, healthy, and full of flavour, so there are many unique dishes available that will tempt your taste buds. If we’ve made you hungry, then you should take a holiday to Costa Brava, a Spanish foodie destination that should not be missed!
1. What is the top suggestion for experiencing stunning scenery in Spain?A.The beaches of Costa Brava. |
B.The mountains in the northern region. |
C.A holiday to Tenerife. |
D.The hidden alcoves along the coastline. |
A.Conventional cuisines and trendy bars. |
B.Volcanic views and countless coastlines. |
C.Sufficient sunshine and striking beaches. |
D.Marine creatures and mouthwatering seafood. |
A.To inform. | B.To report. | C.To review. | D.To entertain. |
7 . It’s not like anywhere else I’ve been to: readers’ favourite cities.
Bologna, Italy
When I picture Bologna, it’s always bathed in golden-hour light that makes its rust-red walls glow. But what lies beneath the surface bewitches (迷人) just as much. Exploring the small and distinctive museums of the university reveals ancient courtyards. Diving into hidden doors and arches leads to secrets-or food. Music and debate liven evenings in the main square. On my last trip I watched locals in impassioned discussion, taking turns on stools (凳子) in Piazza Maggiore. Not trusting my Italian, I declined an invitation to contribute, but gladly accepted the cherries shared among the crowd.
Siobhan Maher
Melilla, Spain/North Africa
Melilla, on Morocco’s northern coast, is a relic of Spain’s colonial past with a character determined by its geography. Facing the Mediterranean on one side and the Rif mountains on the other, and surrounded by a terrifying border fence, it is definitively multicultural, with Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities living side by side with a large force of Spanish soldiers. The cityscape is equally diverse: streets of small Moroccan houses give way to wide avenues lined with “art deco” marvels; it’s even home to Africa’s only genuine Gothic church.
Digby Warde-Aldam
Padua, Italy
Padua is full of fascinating places to see. Saint Anthony’s Basilica, with a magnificent silver sarcophagus (石棺) housing the saint’s body, easily rivals (媲美) Saint Peter’s in Rome. The nearby botanical gardens, filled with plants and flowers, are a delightful way to pass a few hours. In the morning, hit Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, for buzzy markets selling everything from strawberries to sneakers, or pop into the Palazzo della Ragione with its impressive frescoes (壁画). At night, both squares become open-air bars and restaurants for sampling local cuisine. If you have time for a day trip, Verona and Venice are less than an hour away by train.
Berni G
1. What did Siobhan Maher do in Bologna?A.She drew landscape paintings. | B.She wandered in old courtyards. |
C.She participated in heated debate. | D.She bought hand-picked cherries. |
A.It boasts the largest Gothic church. | B.It is the center of Moroccan culture. |
C.It is bordered by the Mediterranean. | D.It is a historical city in European continent. |
A.Lively night life. | B.Splendid gardens. |
C.Open-air music concerts. | D.Convenient transportation. |
8 . If you’re able to, wandering the streets of a new city on foot is an unrivalled way to take in all the sights and sounds. And there’s no denying that walking is a much more eco (and wallet) friendly form of transport, too. To help you get out and explore, language learning platform Preply has ranked Europe’s most walkable cities. They analyzed the walking distance between top attractions and now reveal which cities in Europe are the easiest to explore on foot.
Seville, Spain
Visitors to this charming Spanish city can explore the impressive Plaza de Espana public square, before wandering over to the UNESCO-listed palace of Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. With just 20 minutes of walking between these attractions, you can really make the most of your time here.
Venice, Italy
Venice is renowned as a heaven for pedestrians, so it’s no surprise it ranks as the second best location for walkable city breaks. There are endless attractive alleyways to explore, as well as plenty of stunningly ornate (华丽的) bridges over the crisscrossing canals that the city is famed for. Just under half an hour of walking here will take you on a tour of the impressive Grand Canal, Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square and so on, all in only 1.3 miles.
Florence, Italy
In only 33 minutes, visitors can take in the splendor of Florence’s top-tier destinations. A 1.6 mile route covers the awe-inspiring Piazzale Michelangelo; the renowned Uffizi Gallery; and the Galleria dell’ Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David.
Athens, Greece
The capital of Greece ranks in fourth, with a slightly longer — but very worthwhile — route of 2.1 miles between its top-rated tourist attractions. Visitors to Athens can begin their journey at the Acropolis, ascending to discover the ancient Parthenon that stands as a testament to the city’s ancient legacy. The National Archaeological Museum is also close-by.
1. How has Preply ranked the four cities?A.By the number of the tourist attractions. | B.By the expenses of traveling in the cities. |
C.By the popularity among the young visitors. | D.By the walking distance between attractions. |
A.Seville. | B.Venice. | C.Florence. | D.Athens. |
A.Seville Cathedral. | B.St Mark’s Square. |
C.The Galleria dell’ Accademia. | D.The Acropolis. |
9 . Is going alone in an unknown area the right way to go, or do you want a tour guide to show you the highlights? I think that you can combine the two ways in one trip and have the best of both worlds.
Let’s look at the San Francisco Bay Area which is another one of my favorite vacation spots. Some areas are so familiar to tourists that it’s possible to view the attractions on your own.
You can go alone to attractions or take a guided tour. It’s your choice and you can choose whichever would give you the most memorable experience.
A.I recommend both. |
B.It’s possible to drive to the area and go alone. |
C.One trip we recently took was to Washington DC. |
D.Some attractions are worth having a tour guide for. |
E.Chinatown Walking Tours are a tour-guided must-see. |
F.That allows you to take your time and go at your own pace. |
G.The tour guides know what we have never found out on our own. |
10 . Known as “the roof of the world”, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has long been an ideal and mysterious destination for visitors who are passionate about exploring remote lands. Here are some of the best tourist destinations in Tibet which might suit your discerning travel taste with the arrival of spring.
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world. With a total length of about 500 kilometers, its altitude spans from 7,782 meters at Namcha Barwa, the highest peak of the eastern Himalayas, to 550 meters around the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley in Metog county.
One unique feature of the spring sight here is that visitors can enjoy both the peach blossoms and the snow-capped mountains at the same time. The water Peach Blessom Fair is also an attraction in the area.
Lake Manasarova
Lake Manasarova sits 4,500 meters above sea level in Purang county, Ngari prefecture. Snow melt from the Gangdise Mountains hugging the lake is the source for the nearby Yarlung Zangbo River as well as the mighty Ganges.
The Manasarova wetland is a key “climate regulator” on the plateau and home to more than 400 rare species including the black-necked crane and the Tibetan wild donkey. Enshrined as “holy lake and sacred mountain” along with Gang Rinpoche, Lake Manasarova attracts a large number of pilgrims as well as tourists from home and abroad.
Nanyi Valley
Nanyigou scenic spot is 20 kilometers away from Milin county and is an important birthplace of the mysterious Tibetan medicine culture. The scenic area covers a total area of 820 hectares. The ecological conditions here are so good that the place is rich in various animal and plant species.
Nanyi Valley is known as “the highest green mysterious place on Earth”. Surrounded by mountains and shrouded in clouds, Nanyi Valley is an ideal spring destination for visitors, where you can find peach and azalea blossoms everywhere.
1. What is special about the spring scenery in the Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon?A.It is possible for people to see the deepest canyon in the world. |
B.Visitors can go to the water Peach Blossom Fair in Metog county. |
C.A great range of cultural heritage sites can be enjoyed in pleasant weather. |
D.Tourists can admire charming flowers as well as mountains covered with snow. |
A.The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon | B.Lake Manasarova |
C.Nanyi Valley | D.Milin county |
A.A travel brochure. | B.An academic article. |
C.A geography textbook. | D.A marketing website. |