1 . Four best day trips from Amsterdam: the ultimate travel guide
Broek in Waterland: a village fit for sea captains
If you’re looking for a getaway from the big city, Broek in Waterland is the definition of a peaceful Dutch town. With a small population of about 2,500, this village has quiet streets and picturesque nature. Its standout feature is its traditional wooden houses, with more than 80 of them considered National Heritage Sites.
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 14 minutes
Giethoorn: Venice of the Netherlands
A picture-perfect landscape, Giethoorn is an almost entirely car-free village, replaced with boats and, of course, bicycles. You don’t want to miss a boat tour around this scenic town or a pleasant hike around the area.
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 1 hour and 26 minutes
Marken: a former island in the Zuiderzee
Marken was separated from the Dutch mainland in the 13th century by a storm, turning it into an island in the Markermeer lake. Residents of the town built wooden houses on artificial hills to prevent more flooding damage. To this day, these picturesque homes remain a popular cultural attraction. On your walk, you can visit the comfortable town harbour or enjoy the scenic route of fields, forests and the lakeshore.
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 27 minutes
Gouda: the birthplace of iconic Dutch cheese
Which came first, the cheese or the city? For Gouda, the city is the namesake for this world-famous cheese. The city is quaint(古色古香), but the centre is full of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. Check out the weekly Markt (market) on Thursdays and Saturdays to see thousands of flowers of every color and buy some to take home, and the first Fairtrade Street in the Netherlands at weekends, where all street food is sustainably produced and sold!
Travel time by car from Amsterdam: 1 hour
1. Which city takes visitors the longest time to reach from Amsterdam by car?| A．Broek in Waterland. | B．Giethoorn. | C．Marken. | D．Gouda. |
| A．On Sundays. | B．On Tuesdays. | C．On Thursdays. | D．On Mondays. |
| A．They feature traditional wooden houses. | B．They’re surrounded with an artificial lake. |
| C．They’re listed as National Heritage Sites. | D．They have a small population in the country. |
2 . How to stay healthy on holiday
Taking time to relax on holiday may be good for our health.
Plan before you go
Besides the stress of organizing your break in the first place, there’s the added anxiety of remembering to buy and pack everything you need, as well as getting where you need to go on time. To avoid this, as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, list the travel documents you’ll need. Check you have them and they’re valid (有效的). Then start packing several weeks in advance, giving yourself time to buy some daily necessities.
Try to forget the cares of everyday life. You can achieve this by ensuring you don’t check emails or social media, or feel obligated to use it to record your best holiday moments. Ideally, turn off notices, limit your screen time and try to focus on the present moment. That will enable you to relax and make special memories.
Eat and drink well and mindfully
Get active
Try a new activity. Consider walking and swimming or tennis.
| A．Ignore all the barriers in life |
| B．Get rid of the digital addiction |
| C．But there’s a physical reason for this |
| D．However, too much relaxation also has opposite effects |
| E．Part of the fun of going away is experiencing the cuisine of other places |
| F．On departure day, leave more time than you need to get to an airport or port |
| G．If you’re somewhere hot, it’s best to work out in the early morning or evening |
3 . On October 27, 2020, my friend and I boarded the first flight of our journey from Vancouver Island, to Peru, South America.
Twenty-four hours and four airports later we landed in Cusco, Peru, a city of one million people. Coming from Vancouver Island with only 100 feet above sea level, we knew that we were now at a much higher altitude (海拔) —over 11,000 feet—and needed time to get used to the scarcer oxygen (缺氧) levels! We followed the advice of other travellers and the locals: drink lots of coca (古柯) leaf tea and rest for a couple of hours before any activity.
We were soon hiking through the ruins (遗迹) and ancient castles of Cusco. Leaving Cusco the next day, we stopped at the Moray Ruins, which were used for farming by the Incas. Their size and unique design should be considered a lesson in historical engineering skills. This Inca site is one of the least known tourist destinations, but it’s one of the most interesting places to visit.
Arriving in the beautiful Sacred Valley, we stayed at Willka T’ika for the next week. This place is amazing. We enjoyed delicious meals, all made with local produce by loving Quechua people.
You can’t go to Peru without visiting Machu Picchu. The “road” up to the ruins is made up of endless switchbacks (急转弯), resulting in cold sweats (汗). It was worth the ride, though.
It was too soon before we were leaving Peru. We learned the unique history of Inca, Ouechua culture, and the farming methods still widely practiced. The best thing we took away returning home to Vancouver Island was how simple and caring the people are and how deeply they love the earth and everyone they meet.
1. Why did the author drink lots of coca leaf tea?| A．To have a good rest. | B．To follow the local custom (习俗). |
| C．To feel better at a greater height. | D．To avoid getting thirsty on the way. |
| A．They’re known to most travel lovers. | B．They’re not as interesting as expected. |
| C．They’re no longer suitable for farming. | D．They’re an example of creative engineering. |
| A．Safe but tiring. | B．Risky but worthwhile. |
| C．Pleasant and interesting | D．Comfortable and wonderful. |
| A．A trip to Peru. | B．The unique history of Peru. |
| C．Travel arrangements to Peru. | D．Top three tourist destinations of Peru. |
4 . Do you want to relax? Here are several beautiful beaches we choose for you.
North Beach, Florida
Warm, clear water, white sand, and nature activities helped this beach rise to the top of our list. North Beach, near St. Petersburg, has a large lagoon (泻湖) that doesn’t get above 3 feet deep. It’s like a natural pool for kids.
Spend the night in the Loews Don CeSar where families can keep busy with movies and toys, books, and DVDs to borrow. There’s a drop-off kids’ club for 4- to 12-year-olds.
Coligny Beach, South Carolina
Coligny stood out for its calm water. And the beach’s hard-packed sand is perfect for kids to build castles or ride. You can rent bikes from a nearby Shore Beach Service stand.
Spend the night in Beach House, which organizes free pool and beachside games. All rooms have a small fridge.
Coronado Central Beach, San Diego
This 2-mile stretch of beach has everything families could want: perfect weather, white sand, and warm, gentle water. But no smoking is allowed on this beach.
Spend the night in the Victorian-style Hotel del Coronado, which offers a kids’ program for 4- to 12-year-olds.
Coquina Beach, Florida
This beach is famous for colorful seashells (贝壳). Every morning, there’s a row of shells on the shoreline for kids to pick up. Another activity: kayaking (皮划艇). You can rent one on the beach.
Spend the night in the Tradewinds Resort. A great money saver: each room has a full kitchen.
1. Which beach is fit for biking?| A．Coligny Beach. | B．North Beach. |
| C．Coquina Beach. | D．Coronado Central Beach. |
| A．Beach House. | B．The Loews Don CeSar. |
| C．The Tradewinds Resort. | D．The Victorian-style Hotel del Coronado. |
| A．They are fit for kids. | B．They are world-famous. |
| C．There are colorful seashells. | D．There are free swimming pools. |
5 . Philadelphia offers a ton of attractions that are suitable for people of every age and here are some family-friendly attractions.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park, one of the best urban beaches in America, is an outdoor heaven on the Delaware River water front. Visitors can relax in a hammock, play on the playgrounds, and play games like table tennis and giant chess. Don’t miss out on the park at night when colorful LED lights hanging from tree tops make the entire area bright.
Blue Cross River Rink
Offering ice skating in the winter and roller skating in the summer, Blue Cross River Rink creates a fun, outdoor experience for the whole family. Visitors can play on the nine-hole mini-golf course during the summer, and enjoy eats and drinks from the on-site (现场的) bar and restaurant all year round.
Sesame Place
Big Bird, Elmo and the other stars of Sesame Street come out and play at Sesame Place, the only theme park in the nation starring the popular TV show’s most lovable characters. A water park, interactive activities, parades, fireworks and shows add to the fun.
Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches
On summer days, uniformed and professional storytellers at 13 storytelling benches throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District entertain visitors with true, free, three-to-five minute tales about the colonial (殖民的) era as part of Once Upon a Nation. Children can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, and then collect a star from every storyteller on their journeys. Flags with all the stars can get free rides on the Parx Liberty Carousel at Franklin Square.
1. Who would most probably go to Spruce Street Harbor Park?| A．People who are fond of colorful lights. |
| B．People who want to have a relaxing day. |
| C．People who have a preference for skating. |
| D．People who are interested in water activities. |
| A．Sesame Place. |
| B．Blue Cross River Rink. |
| C．The Parx Liberty Carousel. |
| D．Spruce Street Harbor Park. |
| A．It can be visited all year round. |
| B．It has educational significance. |
| C．It is available at a small charge. |
| D．It is aimed at serving the public. |
6 . Washington Square Park, Manhattan
Its central fountain (喷泉) and Washington Arch (拱门) are immediately recognizable because they’re often seen in films and on television, and the park serves as the center of the famous Manhattan neighborhood. People of all ages cool themselves off here, while musicians from around the globe play for a crowd. The park, rich in history, remains one of the jewels in the park system, serving local residents, chess players, students, performers and tourists.
Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx
The park gets visitors from the Bronx seeking a bit of calm, and a place with real nature. It’s home to the country’s oldest golf course as well as the oldest building in the Bronx, the Van Cortlandt House Museum, which hosted George Washington on a few occasions during the Revolutionary War. Facilities include a pool, tennis courts and plenty of spots for baseball, soccer, and music.
Maria Hernandez Park, Bushwick, Brooklyn
The park was renamed after Maria Hernandez. Today it feels like a big party, with shopping, a mix of food and music performances in the central courtyard. It’s a park with a lot of personality, but it’s important to say it’s about the Latinx community first. You’ll find the majority of people here speak Spanish and come from Latin America.
Astoria Park, Queens
It works hard for the people of Queens, offering, as many parks do, a calm, green place. Its location is close to a river. Its facilities strengthen the community feel, with a large public pool, a soccer field and a big piece of grassland that serves as a site for regular events, including movie nights, concerts and fireworks shows. There’s also an annual festival.
1. Why is Washington Square Park well-known?| A．It has valuable jewels. | B．It has a place to play movies. |
| C．It has various activities. | D．It has special landmarks. |
| A．Washington Square Park | B．Van Cortlandt Park. |
| C．Mara Herandez Park. | D．Astoria Park. |
| A．They are friendly to music lovers. | B．They hold a festival every year. |
| C．They’re used to honor Washington. | D．They’re located in the same district. |
7 . There are many heritage sites in the world. The following are four sites in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada
The park is best known for its extensive fossil (化石) beds, within which 35 species of dinosaurs from about 100 to 65 million years ago have been identified. There are also fossilized remains of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Salonga National Park, Congo
This is the largest tropical rainforest reserve in Congo, covering about 36, 000km. The park was established in 1970. The thick forest provides habitats for various animals like parrots, elephants and monkeys. Park visitors observe the animals from motorized riverboats. The park was entered into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1984.
Hadrian’s Wall, Britain
This is a Roman barrier that guarded the border of Britain. Hadrian, the Roman emperor from 117 CE to 138 CE, went to Britain in 122 CE and was the first to build a wall, 73 miles long, to separate the Romans from the barbarians. There was no intention of fighting from the wall top; the soldiers there were trained to encounter the enemy in the open. In 1987, Hadrian’s Wall was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Easter Island, Chile
This place is famous for its huge stone statues. The first European visitors, the Dutch, named it Easter Island in memory of their day of arrival. The small and hilly island was formed by volcanoes. Easter Island was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1995.
1. Which was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage?| A．Dinosaur Provincial Park, Canada | B．Salonga National Park, Congo |
| C．Hadrian’s Wall, Britain | D．Easter Island, Chile |
| A．To defend against the Romans. | B．To honor the British soldiers. |
| C．To protect the Romans from attack. | D．To keep watch on the wall top. |
| A．Easter Island. | B．Dinosaur Provincial Park. |
| C．Hadrian’s Wall. | D．Salonga National Park. |
8 . Are you thinking about traveling alone? You must have a million questions: Where should you go? Will there be someone to talk to?
Choose a place where you feel comfortable and safe
Truth be told, traveling alone for the first time is more about the experience than the destination.
Make a plan
Always make a plan. That way you’ll avoid worrying too much over where you’re staying, what to see and how you’re getting from A to B.
This can make you less nervous when you’re traveling alone for the first time. Besides, when you book your hotel, ask if they will send a driver to pick you up.
Talk to people
If you’re going to a touristy place like Thailand, there are lots of other people who are traveling alone.
Let someone know where you are
Your family and friends love you and probably worry about you every day, so text them and let them know what you’re up to throughout your trip.
| A．Book hotels ahead of time. |
| B．Don’t draw attention to yourself. |
| C．That will make you and them feel safer. |
| D．The first thing you need to do is believe in yourself. |
| E．So make sure to choose a place that you feel comfortable with. |
| F．Most likely, they’ll be easy to talk to and they’ll want to communicate. |
| G．How do you stay safe? |
9 . There are so many beautiful places in the world that wait for you to explore, but some of them won’t wait around forever.
The Dead Sea, for example, known for being one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world is in danger of disappearing. Tourists are in the rush to the lake to float（漂浮）in its waters and put its mineral-rich mud on their skin. However, the water level has been dropping more than three feet per year in recent years. In fact, if nothing is done by 2050, it will be too late.
Madagascar’s rainforests could also be gone in about 30 years. They once covered 120,000 square miles, but due to logging（伐木）and forest fires, only 20,000 square miles remain today. This is sad for many animals that call Madagascar home. About 80 percent of the species（物种） that live there can’t be found anywhere else in the world, and there are even many more yet to be discovered.
There are also many man-made places of interest with long history around the world that are at risk of disappearing. One of these is Machu Picchu. A trip to these Inca ruins is on many people’s plan lists. However, Machu Picchu has been in danger, too. If steps are not taken to protect the ancient site, it could be gone in the near future.
Another place in danger is the Great Wall of China. Around one-third of the wall, built over centuries and completed in the Ming dynasty, is already gone. Wind and rain have weathered it and plants that grow in the wall have weakened it further. Also, poor villagers have stolen its bricks in order to sell them or build homes with them.
It’s hard to believe that so many amazing places could soon be gone for good. If you have your heart set on visiting any of these places, pack your bags and get to them before time runs out!
1. What is the problem with the Dead Sea?| A．It is polluted seriously. | B．It attracts too many tourists. |
| C．Its water is drying up. | D．Its water is too salty for people. |
| A．It has a great influence on people’s lives. | B．It is important to some special species. |
| C．It is of great value in human history. | D．It serves as a name card for its country. |
| A．They are under good protection now. |
| B．They are important to the environment. |
| C．They are famous man-made places of interest in the world. |
| D．They are in danger of being impossible to see one day. |
| A．In a travel magazine. | B．In a science report. |
| C．In a personal diary. | D．In an adventure novel. |
10 . Best spring destinations in Tibet
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has long been an ideal and mysterious destination for visitors who are passionate about exploring remote lands. Here we recommend some of the best tourist destinations in Tibet.
Peach Blossom Valley, Nyingchi
The peach blossoms in Nyingchi have been dubbed as “the most beautiful peach flowers in the world”. The annual festival has become a signature tourism event on the plateau. Peach trees bloom depending on the altitude and climate, so visitors will have the chance to enjoy the blossoms.
Ranwu Lake
Ranwu Lake is renowned for its tranquility (平静) and its purity of blueness. Scenery along the lakeside varies a good deal with grass, forest, autumn leaves, white waterfowl and snow mountains clearly reflected in the mirror-like water. Spring coming, a reflection of green trees dances on the lake and people feel like they are walking into a romantic dreamland.
The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world. With a total length of about 500 kilometers, its altitude spans from 7,782 meters to 550 meters around the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley. Visitors can enjoy both the peach blossoms and the snow-capped mountains.
Nanyi Valley
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.
There are some other attractions. For more information, please click the following link http://en.chinaculture.org/.
1. If you are a festival lover, which destination will you choose?| A．Nanyi Valley |
| B．Ranwu Lake |
| C．The Yarlung Zangbo River Grand Canyon |
| D．Peach Blossom Valley, Nyingchi |
| A．Admiring snow mountains. |
| B．Watching white waterfowl. |
| C．Enjoying peach blossoms. |
| D．Appreciating azalea flowers. |
| A．A book review | B．A website |
| C．A magazine | D．A travel brochure |
