1 . National parks like Yellowstone are popular destinations for both family vacations and adventure trips alike. But there are some places that simply don’t get the love that they deserve despite the fact that they are truly impressive.

Isle Royale National Park

Located in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale requires a bit of work to reach, but it is well worth the effort. Access is permitted only via daily ferries, which is why larger parks like Yellowstone see more visitors in a day than Isle Royale sees in a year. Wildlife like wolves are frequently spotted by hikers along the park’s scenic trails.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Another island park, the Dry Tortugas can be found 68 miles to the southwest of the Florida Keys. Accessible only by boat or plane, this park is actually quite small, but it’s packed with history, abundant sea life, and amazing coral reefs. At the center of the park is Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry(砖石)structure in the Western Hemisphere.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Covering more than 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest in the entire U.S. system. Remote and mostly undeveloped, this is a park that demands more from its visitors, after all there are just two roads that lead into it. But in return, it gives them a special connection with nature that simply isn’t found anywhere else.

Big Bend National Park

Travelers looking for a truly wild experience should have Big Bend National Park on their bucket lists. Big Bend is well known for its whitewater rafting camping, and hiking although during the summer months it can be intensely warm, keeping many visitors away.

1. What is the main reason for fewer visitors to Isle Royale National Park?

A．The terrible work.	B．The dangerous wolves.
C．The remote location.	D．The inconvenient transport.

2. Which park will you visit if you are interested in history?

A．Big Bend National Park.	B．Isle Royale National Park.
C．Dry Tortugas National Park.	D．Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

3. How is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park different from the other three parks?

A．With its wide roads.	B．With its large area.
C．With its beautiful scenery.	D．With its special visitors

2 . Ten years ago, I went on a vacation in Italy. After climbing up a hill for a panoramic (全景的) view of the blue sea, white buildings and green olive trees, I paused to catch my breath and then positioned myself to take the best photo of this panorama.

Unfortunately, just as I took out my camera, a woman approached from behind, and planted herself right in front of my view. Like me, this woman was here to stop, sigh and appreciate the view.

Patient as I was, after about 15 minutes, I grew frustrated. Was it too much to ask her to move so I could take just one picture of the landscape? Sure, I could have asked her, but something prevented me from doing so. She seemed so content in her observation. I didn't want to mess with that. Another 15 minutes passed and I grew bored. The woman was still there. I decided to take the photo anyway.

Now when I look at the photo, I think her presence in the photo is what makes the image interesting. The landscape, beautiful on its own, somehow comes to life and breathes because this woman is engaging with it.

This photo, with the unique beauty that unfolded before me and that woman who "ruined" it, now hangs on a wall in my bedroom. What would she think if she knew that her figure is captured and frozen on some strangers bedroom wall? A bedroom, after all, is a very private space, in which some woman I don't even know has been immortalized (使永存). In some ways, she lives in my house.

Perhaps we all live in each other's spaces. Perhaps this is what photos are for: to remind us that we all appreciate beauty, that we all share a common desire for pleasure, for connection, for something that is greater than us. That photo is a reminder, a captured moment, an unspoken conversation between two women, separated only by a thin square of glass.

1. What happened when the author was about to take a photo?

A．Her camera stopped working.	B．A friend approached from behind.
C．Someone asked her to leave.	D．A woman blocked her view.

2. According to the author, the woman was probably ________.

A．losing her patience	B．enjoying herself
C．waiting for the sunset	D．thinking about her past

3. In the author's opinion, what makes the photo so alive?

A．The woman's existence in the photo.	B．The perfect positioning of the camera.
C．The rich color of the landscape.	D．The soft sunlight that summer day.

4. The photo on the bedroom wall enables the author to better understand ________.

A．the need to be close to nature	B．the importance of private space
C．the shared passion for beauty	D．the joy of the vacation in Italy

3 . Anyone can book a trip, but not everyone can plan the best adventure that is affordable and fun. If you want to do it better, the places to stay in for the nights must be chosen carefully.     1    

Check distances on a map. It's common for hotels to slightly exaggerate （夸大）their closeness to attractions around town. They will not tell you the true distance. If being close to a particular airport is important for your trip, you' d better confirm the distance on Google Map before you book a hotel.

    2     A little niceness goes a long way, especially with the hotel staff who have to deal with difficult guests on a regular basis. When you check in, simply say hello to the cleaning staff when you pass them in the hall. This is not only common politeness, but it also increases your chances of getting incidental benefit during your stay.

Give up the package deals（套餐）To appeal to new guests, some hotels will offer themed package deals.     3     Sometimes these packages include things you don’ t want or need and the special prices could be higher than the regular ones.

Ask about parking.     4     You'd better look for a hotel offering free parking. If you have to afford the expensive parking, apps like Best Parking can help you find nearby parking lots at lower prices. As parking costs really go up, if not necessary, we suggest you take a taxi or a bus from the hotel to travel around the city rather than travel in your own car.     5    

A．Be polite to the staff.

B．Pay attention to difficult guests.

C．They are quite cheap but taste bad.

D．In this way you can save much money.

E．In a self-driving travel, parking may cost a lot.

F．They are attractive but may not be good value for money.

G．Here are some tips about hotels that we'd like to share with you.

4 . Welcome to Vietnam!

Day 1: Endangered Primates and Stunning Landscape Of Ninh Binh

After breakfast take the electric car to the Endangered Primates Rescue Centre. Here, they focus on the conservation of the gibbons (长臂猿) and langur (叶猴). You will have chance to see how the staff feed them in captivity and semi-wild areas of primary forest. Then you’ll see how their behavior is studied in semi-wild conditions and how they are prepared for full release into the wild.

Day 2: Cruising Halong Bay

A delicious lunch will be served as you slowly sail through this Halong Bay. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Mid-afternoon head to the Vung Vieng fishing village by local rowing boats to explore the interesting daily lives of its inhabitants. In the evening you will experience a Vietnamese cooking meal served in the main dining room. Evenings are beautiful on Halong Bay. Relax on the top deck and take in the transformation of the bay.

Day 3: Discover Hue the Authentic Way

Today, you will get a taste of what real life is like in Hue. One of the city’s most famous cooking experiences is the Royal Dinner. You will have a unique experience where you will have a private audience with descendant (后裔) of the last royal family of Vietnam, in her own home. Spend time tasting the real dishes that were once served to royalty.

Day 4: Walk to the Hang Tien Cave

Hang Tien is actually two huge caves, one of which is over 3km long. The wonder lies in unusual rock formations, such as breathtaking rock formations that look like terraced rice fields, giving the caves an otherworldly feel. On your way back, take a dip in the natural jungle swimming pool and have a coffee, a quick swim, before making your return journey.

1. What are tourists scheduled to do on their first day?

A．Tour a bay by boat.

B．Watch endangered animals.

C．Climb breathtaking rock formations.

D．Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. What do the activities of Day 2 and Day 4 have in common?

A．Tasting local foods.

B．Exploring huge caves.

C．Visiting a small fishing village.

D．Enjoying water-related activities.

3. When do visitors enjoy royal diets?

A．Day 1.

B．Day 2.

C．Day 3.

D．Day 4.

5 . Mother Nature is a cruel mistress. Why? Read on to find the answer.

Venice

This iconic city is sinking rapidly. The canals that make up the streets of Venice rise 2mm every year, making relics of history go under the surface of water and destroying architecture. Experts warn that without intervention (干预) , this city will disappear back into the water at an even faster rate, consumed by rising sea level from melting polar ice caps.

Machu Picchu

These iconic ruins have drawn adventurous tourists into the mountains of South America. The forces of natural erosion (侵蚀) have been accelerated by tourism and this landmark faces severe influence from increasing foot traffic. The Peruviar government recently suggested a cable car that would cut out the intense hike up to the ruins, making the site instantly accessible to millions, but the future of Machu Picchu remains uncertain.

Glacier National Park

Perhaps you’ve heard that the ice caps are melting. But nowhere is more apparent in the United States than in Glacier National Park. Estimates indicate that the glaciers that are part of the beauty of this national landmark will disappear entirely in the next two decades.

The Great Barrier Reef

Hidden from view beneath the waves, the Great Barrier Reef has been rapidly dying off. Nearly fifty percent of coral which once occupied a large area is gone, destroyed by pollution and disease.

1. What can we learn about Machu Picchu?

A．It’s famous for cable cars.	B．It will soon turn away all visitors.
C．It bears a heavy burden of tourism.	D．It’s well preserved by the locals.

2. Which place probably needs visitors to dive into the water to enjoy its beauty?

A．The Great Barrier Reef.	B．Machu Picchu.
C．Glacier National Park.	D．Venice.

3. What do the above attractions have in common?

A．They all have a long history.	B．They’re all threatened by climate.
C．They’re all in danger of disappearing.	D．They’re all well-known for natural scenery.

6 . When you go to St. Petersburg, the number of attractions can seem large. If you are short of time, or just want to make sure to hit the highlights, these are the top must-see sights in St, Petersburg.

● The Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum is one of the most important sights to see for any visitor to St. Petersburg. There are lots of different paintings by the old masters in the Hermitage. Prepare to come face-to-face with classic Western artists.

● Kizhi Island

Kizhi Island is an open-air museum of wooden architecture from the Karelia Region of Russia. These impressive structures are made entirely without nails - the wood fits together with joints and grooves (沟槽）.

● Peterhof

Peterhof is as beautiful as it is fun. You’ll be charged for admission, but go to Petethof when the fountains are working-during the day in the summer. They are shut off in winter evenings,

● The Church of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood

Love it or hale it, the Church of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood in St. Petersburg is an enthralling must-see sight. The beautiful look may make y our eyes brighten, and the painting inside the church will make you say “Wow!”

● The Bronze Horseman Statue

The so-called Bronze Horseman is a part of Russian culture and a symbol of St, Petersburg. Made famous by Alexander Pushkin, this statue of Peter the Great sitting on his horse can truly show Peter the Great’s influence on the Russian idea of greatness.

1. If you are interested in paintings, you'd better go to ______

A．Peterhof arid Kizhi Island

B．the Hernatage Museum and Peterhof

C．Kizhi Island and the Church of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood

D．the hermitage Museum and the Church of Our Savior on the Spilt Blood

2. We can learn from the passage that ______

A．visitors can visit Peterhof for free

B．the buildings of Kizhi Island are made of wood

C．the fountains in Peterhof can be seen all year round

D．the largest collection of Russian arts is in the Hermitage Museum

3. The main purpose of the passage is to ______

A．show the wonderful history of Russia

B．persuade artists to study St. Petersburg

C．recommend the famous buildings in Russia

D．introduce the must-see sights in St. Petersburg

7 . Iceland, the land of fire and ice is filled with glaciers(冰川), towering volcanoes and geothermal(地热的)pools. Come here, and you’ll have a destination that provides not just splendid sights but also plenty of culture.

Game of Thrones

Go back along with your favourite Game of Thrones characters on this five-day tour from Regent Holidays(0203 733 4931;regent-holidays. co. uk), which takes in the wilderness where the third series of the TV show was shot(拍摄). Led by the same expert guide that took the cast and crew to some of Ice land’s key sights, this tour visits the scenery brought to life with tales of the“Seven Kingdoms”.

Departs any time, from ￡1, 495 B&.B including Icelandair flights.

In search of the Northern Lights

A three-day “Northern Lights in Iceland” itinerary(行程表)from the Ultimate Travel Company(0203 553 2540;theultimatetravelcompany. co. uk)takes in the country’s most attractions by day and goes in search of the Aurora Borealis by night. The tour includes the Golden Circle, the site of the world’s oldest parliament(国会), the Blue Lagoon, and the volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls of Iceland’s southern coastline.

Departs anytime, from ￡1, 197 B&. B including flights and transfers.

Going solo（单独地）

If you’re travelling without others, Discover the World(0173 7900 689;discover-the-world. co. uk) offers an eight-day journey. The tour visits Borgarfjorour Eystri, which is hidden away in the east fjords and is home to sweeping beautiful scenery, coastlines and ancient tales of elves and the“hidden people" who tales suggest, once lived there.

Departs between May and September, from ￡1, 824 full board including flights.

1. What can we know about Iceland?

A．Both fire and ice exist there.	B．There are many towers and pools.
C．It’s the coldest country worldwide.	D．It’s only famous for its beautiful sights.

2. Which might attract those interested in the shooting place of famous series?

A．Going solo.	B．Game of Thrones.
C．Discover the World.	D．In search of the Northern Lights.

3. If Tim wants to travel alone, which phone number should he dial?

A．0203 553 2540.	B．1197 1495 1824.
C．0203 733 4931.	D．0173 7900 689.

8 . Los Angeles is a relatively new and spreading city, which means there’s a big canvas (画布) for architects of many styles to put their 3D stamps on the city. For architecture fans, here are some must-see spots.

Watts Towers

Designed and constructed by Italian-born Simon Rodia over the course of three decades, the 17 towers—the tallest is 100 feet high—consist of metal and found objects such as broken glass, pottery chips (陶器碎片), seashells, etc. You can take a guided tour of this place, learning about the history of this attractive project. 1727 E. 107^th St., LA.

Getty Center

Architect Richard Meier’s shining city on a hill took 16,000 tons of marble to build but today it’s a wonder, housing the Getty’s main art collection and offering unbelievable views of Los Angeles. 1200 Getty Center Dr., LA.

Sturges House

Frank Lloyd Wright designed nine different structures throughout Southern California. This was Wright’s first turn away from the textile (纺织) block buildings he’d been designing in California and toward stressing natural factors of the structure to mix with the natural surroundings. 449 N. Skyewiay Rd., LA.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Frank Gehry has lived in Los Angele s for decade s and hi s world has been se en throughout the city. This one, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, is his most luxurious (奢侈的) building in Southern California. You need not sit through a symphony performance to get a glance at the interior(内饰). The concert hall offers free self-guided audio tours recorded by actor John Litligow. 111 S. Grand Ave., LA.

1. Where should you go to visit Watts Towers?

A．1200 Getty Center Dr., LA.	B．1727 E. 107th St., LA.
C．449 N. S kyewiay Rd., LA.	D．111   S. Grand Ave., LA.

2. What is special about Sturges House?

A．It is made up of 9 structures.	B．It is a textile block building.
C．It fits in well with its environment.	D．It is a luxurious building.

3. Who designed Walt Disney Concert Hall?

A．Simon Rodia.	B．Richard Meier.
C．John Lithgow.	D．Frank Gehry.

9 . Cities all over the world celebrate Christmas in unique and memorable ways. The following international destinations are just a few of the countless choices to consider.

Quebec city

Quebec city has long drawn admirers to its historic district the famed city wall, strange cobblestone lanes（鹅卵石小路）and handsome stone houses. This area transforms into a scenic Christmas village each December. The 403-year-old capital of Quebec province takes pride in the outdoors at Christmas time, when stone buildings shine with lights. Consider cross-country ski on the Plains of Abraham, or skate at the place D’ Youville square.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, a magic city full of staircases and hills as well as Georgian and neo-Classical buildings, is famous for its mixture of the modern and the old. This is evident in winter, when Scotland’s capital puts on a six-week festival lasting until Jan. 6 that goes way beyond Christmas markets. You can ride roller coasters, climb a wall of ice and attend a vivid Christmas themed show by the cabaret troupe（剧团）La Clique.

Zurich

If buying gifts is on your travel schedule, Zurich is an impressive shopping center, particularly around the holidays, from multiple Christmas markets and the luxury（奢侈品）dress shops of Bahnhofstrasse Street, to the independent designers and antique shops in the merging industrial zones. Another annual lighting spectacle（壮观场面）, Lichterschwimmen, on Dec. 21, includes hundreds of tiny lanterns that are sent floating down the River Limmat.

Sydney

A lack of snow does not dampen the Christmas spirit in Sydney. One great and free way to feel the holiday is to take this Dec. 21 walking tour of George Street, which promises “the most sharable window displays and coloured lights.” One advantage over other destinations: warm, sandy beaches that lie just minutes from downtown, where the natural beauty of Australia’s most popular city will be waiting.

1. What can you do in Quebec city during Christmas?

A．Ride roller coasters.

B．Take part in a walking tour.

C．Enjoy cross-country ski.

D．Watch a Christmas-themed show.

2. Where should you go if you want to enjoy a Christmas without snow?

A．Quebec city.	B．Edinburgh.
C．Zurich.	D．Sydney.

3. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A guidebook.	B．A diary.
C．A novel.	D．A research paper.

10 . Some of the best cycling routes in the world pass through its most beautiful scenery. Here are some of world’s best bike routes for cyclists who either are up for breaking a good sweat or simply seeing the world without leaving an ugly carbon footprint behind.

The Great Windy Road, Victoria, Australia

If you like a challenge, take on this 243-kilometer windy road along Australia’s south-eastern coast. If a day is all you’ve got, take the 60-kilometer route from Torquay to Bells Beach. There you’ll cycle through rural farmland, enjoy the sweeping ocean views from cliff tops, and snake past the wetlands around Lake Connewarre.

Udaipur City Tour, Rajasthan, India

Biking is arguably the best way to explore Udaipur, Venice of the East.

Cyclists often need to cycle past herdsmen and their goats and camels, sharing narrow, old pavements in this romantic place. But surrounded by ancient castles, temples and grand palaces, Udaipur brings about one of the best biking experiences, allowing cyclists to truly discover rural India.

The Karakoram Highway, China-Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway is the highest international road in the world, reaching an altitude of 4,700 meters at the Khunjerab Pass. Starting in Kashgar, China, cyclists can travel up to 1,200 kilometers on mostly unpaved roads, but the views are as breathtaking as the riding.

Route of the Hiawatha, Idaho-Montana, United States

Take your family out to Montana this summer and cycle along the most scenic disused railroad in the country. The railroad turned bike trail turns into 24 kilometers of leisure biking that takes you over seven trestles(高架桥) and through 10 tunnels, with the longest one, the Taft Tunnel, stretching for 2.7 kilometers.

1. In which tour can you enjoy the seaside scenery?

A．The Great Windy Road.	B．Udaipr City Tour.
C．The Karakoram Highway.	D．Route of the Hiawatha.

2. What can you do on the Udaipur city tour?

A．Go to Venice.	B．Feed wild animals.
C．Visit cultural relics.	D．Enjoy modern architectures.

3. What’s special about the Karakoram Highway?

A．It is a totally undeveloped route.	B．It goes along an abandoned railway.
C．It owns the longest tunnel in the world.	D．It lies higher than other international roads.