1 . A new study in the journal of Tourism Analysis shows frequent travelers are happier with their lives than people who don’t travel at all.
Chun-Chu Chen, an assistant professor at Washington State University, conducted a survey to find out why some individuals travel more frequently than others and whether or not travel and tourism experiences have a lasting effect on happiness and wellness.
The results of his analysis show individuals who pay more attention to tourism-related information and frequently discuss their travel plans with friends are more likely to go on regular vacations than those who aren’t constantly thinking about their next trip. Additionally, participants in the survey who reported regularly traveling at least 75 miles away from home also reported being about 7% happier when asked about their overall well-being than those who reported traveling very rarely or not at all.
“While things like work, family life and friends play a bigger role in overall reports of well-being. The accumulation (积累) of travel experiences’ does appear to have a small yet noticeable effect on self-reported life satisfaction,” Chen said.
Participants in the study were asked about the importance of travel in their lives, how much time they spent looking into and planning future vacations, and how many trips they went on over a year. They were also asked about their life satisfaction. Out of the 500 survey participants, a little over half reported going on more than four pleasurable trips a year. Only 7% of respondents did not take any vacations.
As travel restrictions (限制) due to COVID-19 pandemic begin to relax in the future, the research could have important effects on both tourists and the tourism industry. Based on the results of the study, Chen said travel companies, resorts and even airlines, could launch social media campaigns, such as creating signs about the scientific benefits of vacation, to spark people’s interest in discussing their opinions about travel.
1. What is the benefit of frequent travelling according to the study?A.Getting more tourism information. | B.Making more friends. |
C.Bettering tourism industry. | D.Improving one’s well-being. |
A.Why the professor carried out the study. |
B.How the participants felt about the survey. |
C.What the participants were interviewed about. |
D.What the participants panned to do in the future. |
A.Tourism industry should improve their service. |
B.The results of the study will benefit tourism industry. |
C.COVID-19 pandemic will be more serious in the future. |
D.People will live a happier life after COVID-19 pandemic. |
A.Travel more and be happier | B.Make good use of travelling |
C.Prepare for the tourism development | D.Make travel plans with friends |
2 . Top Silk Road Attractions
Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑)
Type: History Museums, Historic Sites
Recommended Length of Visit: 3 hours
As the eighth wonder of the ancient world, it has a history of more than 2, 200 years. Oriental mummies (东方木乃伊) wait for you to discover their mystery.
Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟)
Type: Buddhism, Historic Sites
Recommended Length of Visit: 3 hours
Considered as the eastern Louvre Museum, Mogao Grottoes is a glorious treasure of ancient Buddhist cave art. The history of Mogao Grottoes can be traced back to the “Five Hu — 16Kingdoms” period (AD 304-439).
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔)
Type: Culture & History, Buddhism
Recommended Length of Visit: 2 hours
For hundreds of years, this great pagoda has always been the symbol of Xi’an. It is famous for the great traveler Xuanzang of Tang Dynasty who traveled from China to India to learn the Buddhism and got back to China with many precious Buddhist scriptures (佛经).
Qinghai Lake
Type: Lake
Recommended Length of Visit: 5 hours
Known as the largest inland lake, as well as the largest salt water lake in China, it is the most visited and famous attraction in Qinghai Province. Here, you not only enjoy the fantastic natural beauty, but also experience the amazing culture here.
Please click here to add the attraction to your favorite list. Let us plan a private Silk Road Tour for you!
1. What do Mogao Grottoes and Big Wild Goose Pagoda have in common?A.Both contain ancient Buddhist cave art. |
B.Both are related to history and Buddhism. |
C.Both are known as the symbol of Xi’an. |
D.Both were constructed during the Tang Dynasty. |
A.Terracotta Warriors. | B.Mogao Grottoes. |
C.Big Wild Goose Pagoda. | D.Qinghai Lake. |
A.A novel. | B.A storybook. |
C.A website. | D.A magazine. |
3 . A couple has completed a tiring 4,500-mile bike ride around Europe in the shape of an enormous bicycle, in a creative attempt to promote sustainable travel.
Accompanied by their dog Zola, David Smith, 35, and Arianna Saraghi, 40, rode through seven countries to create the striking image, motivated by their desire to raise awareness about climate change. After completing their 7237-kilometer journey earlier this week, the pair said they had narrowly beaten the Guinness World Record for the largest GPS drawing made by any mode of transport.
They are also, unsurprisingly, confident that they have traced the biggest ever GPS bicycle, estimating that theirs is roughly 600 miles wide. “Being able to see it on^ the map is mainly a relief,” Ms Saraghi said after recounting the problems they had along the way.
They initially set off in the summer of 2019, armed with a computer-designed route which they had followed to avoid cycling through Paris’Charles de Gaulle Airport. However, they were forced to stop after Ms Saraghi sustained a knee injury.
The Anglo-Italian couple tried again that winter, before giving up because it was too cold to camp. The Covid-19 pandemic then delayed the trip’s completion by another two years. “We had so many obstacles. When we started this time we were thinking—what can go wrong this time? We felt we had let people down by not completing it, and our life felt kind of stuck. So we’re very happy,” Ms Saraghi said.
The pair said they want people who see the GPS image to consider cycling shorter journeys rather than choosing to drive. “Cycling is cheaper, it’s healthy, it’s fun, and it’s often pretty fast. Please give it a second and consider if there is an alternative to the car- there may not be, but often there is,” Mr Smith told The Independent. The 35-year-old added that they also hope politicians, who come across their GPS bicycle are motivated to improve cycling infrastructure (基础设施) to encourage the public to travel sustainably where possible.
1. What was the purpose of the couple’s bike ride?A.To enjoy a journey with their dog. |
B.To encourage green travel on bikes. |
C.To give warnings on climate change. |
D.To create a striking means of transport. |
A.Long and comfortable. | B.Creative and inspiring. |
C.Relaxing and relieving. | D.Challenging and profitable. |
A.They successfully improved public facilities. |
B.They let people down due to many obstacles. |
C.They realized the dream of changing their life. |
D.They finally meet the expectation of the public. |
A.In many cases cycling can be an alternative to driving. |
B.The GPS bicycle can inspire people to give up driving. |
C.Better urban infrastructure prevents sustainable travel. |
D.Cycling is cheaper, funnier and faster than driving a car. |
Opening hours: November-February: 09:00-18:30; March-October: 09:00-20:00.
Admission: 9.50 Euros. Save 20% with the Barcelona Card.
Disabled Access: No.
This building used to be called Casa Mila but nowadays it’s more commonly known as La Pedrera. It is made of bricks and has colorful tiles (瓷砖).
Barcelona FC Museum (1032,763 visits / year)
Opening hours: 6th April - 4th October: (Monday to Saturday) 10:00-20:00; the rest of the year: 10:00 to 18:30.
Admission: 8.50 Euros for entry to the museum and 17 Euros for a guided tour.
Disabled Access: Yes.
When you buy your ticket, you have two choices. You can buy a ticket for the museum to see the football stadium or you can buy a dual (双的) ticket for 15 Euros where you get to see the museum and the scenes at the club.
Miró Museum (518,869 visits / year)
Opening hours: Check the website for details as they vary depending on the time of the year.
Admission: 8 Euros. Save 20% with the Barcelona Card.
Disabled Access: Yes.
This museum has a wide range of Miró’s work dating back as far as 1914. This artwork collection not only includes his paintings but also a good selection of sculptures.
Picasso Museum (887,958 visits / year)
Opening hours: Check the website for details as they vary depending on the time of the year.
Admission: 9 Euros for main exhibition - extra for special showings. Save 50% with the Barcelona Card.
Disabled Access: Yes.
The museum has arranged Picasso’s paintings in chronological (按年代排列的) order from his early days to his final works. Arranging the paintings in this way gives you an attractive insight into the development of Picasso thinking over time and shows how he developed the distinguishing designs that he is famous for today.
1. What do we know about the tourist attractions above?A.Barcelona FC Museum doesn’t accept the disabled. |
B.La Pedrera is well-known for its colorful material. |
C.Picasso Museum will attract painting fans. |
D.Miró Museum was built in 1914. |
A.25.5 Euros | B.32 Euros | C.34 Euros | D.42.5 Euros |
A.They are famous for their architectural style. |
B.They are available for the disabled people. |
C.Their opening hours are changeable in different seasons. |
D.Tourists have a discount of 20% with the Barcelona Card. |
5 . San Francisco Fire Engine Tours
Back to the Fifties Tour
Running: August 16th through August 31st
This tour transports you back in time to one of San Francisco’s most fantastic periods, the 1950s! Enjoy fun history as we take you through San Francisco for a free taste of ice cream.
Departing form the Cannery: 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $90
San Francisco Winery Tour
Running: February 1st through April 30th
This delicious tour goes through the city on its way to Treasure Island where we will stop at the famous Winery SF. Here you can enjoy 4 pours of some of the best wine San Francisco has to offer. (Included in tickets price)
Departing from the Cannery: Tell time upon request.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $90
Spooky Halloween Tour
Running: October 10th through October 31st
Join us for a ride through the historical Presidio district. Authentic fire gear (服装) is provided for your warmth as our entertainers take you to some of the most thrilling parts of San Francisco.
Departing from the Cannery: 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: Available upon request
Holiday Lights Tour
Running: December 6th through December 23nd
This attractive tour takes you to some of San Franciso’s most cheerful holiday scenes. Authentic fire gear is provided for your warmth as you get into the holiday spirit.
Advance reservations required.
Departing from the Cannery: 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: Available upon request
1. Which of the tours is available in March?A.Back to the Fifties Tour. | B.Spooky Halloween Tour. |
C.San Francisco Winery Tour. | D.Holiday Lights Tour. |
A.Go to Treasure Island. | B.Visit the Presidio district |
C.Enjoy the holiday scenes. | D.Have free ice cream. |
A.Take some drinks. | B.Make reservations in advance. |
C.Wear warm clothes. | D.Set off early in the morning. |
6 . Four of London’s Best Theatres
London is considered the best place in the world for its theatre. There’s nothing we like better than dressing up for a great evening out at the West End.
National Theatre
Officially opened in 1963,he National Theatre is the largest public theatre in London. It shows 25 big productions a year, with many smaller performances(演出)and festivals.The Olivier
Theatre -its main stage-is a beautiful hall modelled on the ancient Greek theatre of Epidaurus.
Box office: 020 3989 5455
Adelphi Theatre
The Adelphi Theatre opened its doors in December 1930 and is one of London’s famous West End theatres. Located in the centre of the Strand, it’s a specialist( 专家)in musical theatre showing performances such as Kinky Boots,Chicago, Sweeney Todd and Evita.
Box office: 020 7087 7966
The Old Vic
This theatre in Waterloo is one of London’s most successful. For over 200 years, it has been known as a centrepiece of the London theatre for local people, receiving many personnel(职员) that went on to form the National Theatre. The theatre went through a complete refurbishment(翻新)in 2003.
Box office: 0844 871 7628
Savoy Theatre
The Savoy dates back to 1881 as a theatre for the production of a number of Gilbert and Sullivan shows. Recent productions include classics such as The Joy of Text and Pretty Woman.
Box office: 0844 871 7687
1. What do we know about the National Theatre?A.It set an example for the Old Vic. |
B.Its main stage was rebuilt in 2003. |
C.It is the largest outdoor theatre in London. |
D.Its main stage is in the style of ancient Greece. |
A.020 3989 5455. | B.020 7087 7966. | C.0844 871 7628. | D.0844 871 7687. |
A.National Theatre. | B.Adelphi Theatre | C.The Old Vic. | D.Savoy Theatre. |
7 . Endangered Wildlife of Malaysian Borneo
May 2023—4 days
Register now at tours@ neuscientist. com and we will contact you soon with full tour information.
Day 1: Arrive into Sepilok
Welcome to Borneo! You will be met upon arrival at Sandakan airport and then go to Sepilok Nature Resort. In the evening, your guest expert and guide Charles Ryan will give a talk on the trip ahead and then you can enjoy a welcome meal together. After dinner, head out for a night walk in the thick rainforest to search for wildlife(野生动物)active at night.
Day 2: Sepilok Orangutang Rehabilitation Centre
Start early for a pre-breakfast birdwatching walk. Return to the lodge for breakfast and walk the short distance from the resort to the Sepilok Orangutang Rehabilitation Centre. In the afternoon,head out to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. In the evening, Charles will give talks about the day’s finds. He will also help you improve your skills to take pictures.
Day 3: River Safaris and Sustainable Farming
There will be an early wakeup call today for coffee and tea, before searching for wildlife. You will finish at the village of Abai for breakfast at one of the houses. Afterwards, visit a forest restoration site, see the effect that it has on wildlife and have an opportunity to plant some trees.After returning by boat to the lodge for lunch, we will take another river trip in search of more wildlife.
Day 4: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
After breakfast, leave for the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you will be given a private tour of the centre by the founder of the centre, Dr Wong. The sun bear is the smallest bear species(物种) in the world. Afterwards,go to an early lunch at San Da Gen Kopitiam. At night, you can walk to search for some wild animals in the forest.
1. What can visitors do early on the second day?A.Enjoy a welcome meal. | B.Watch wild birds. |
C.Make coffee by themselves. | D.Learn to plant trees. |
A.Visitors have to take an early lunch. | B.Visitors search for wild animals at night. |
C.Visitors watch the world’s smallest bear. | D.Visitors wake up early for coffee and tea. |
A.Day 1. | B.Day 2. | C.Day 3. | D.Day 4. |
8 . Mass transportation revised the social and economic fabric of the American city in three fundamental ways. It activated physical expansion, it sorted out people and land uses, and it accelerated the instability of urban life. By opening vast areas of unoccupied land for residential expansion, the omnibuses (公共汽车), horse railways, trains, and electric trolleys pulled settled regions outward two to four times more distant form city centers than they were in the premodern era. In 1850, for example, the borders of Boston lay scarcely two miles from the old business district; by the turn of the century they extended ten miles. Now those who could afford it could live far from the old city center and still go there for work, shopping, and entertainment. The new accessibility of land around almost every major city sparked an explosion of real estate development and fueled what we now know as urban sprawl. Between 1890 and 1920, for example, some 250,000 new residential lots were recorded within the borders of Chicago, most of them located in distant areas. Over the same period, another 550,000 were plotted outside the city limits but within the metropolitan (都市) arca. Anxious to take advantage of these areas, real estate developers added 800,000 potential building sites to the Chicago region in just thirty years — lots that could have housed five to six million people.
Of course, many were never occupied; there was always a huge surplus of subdivided, but vacant, land around Chicago and other cities. These excesses underscore a feature of residential expansion related to the growth of mass transportation: urban sprawl was essentially unplanned. It was carried out by thousands of small investors who paid little attention to coordinated land use or to future land users. Those who purchased and prepared land for residential purposes, particularly land near or outside city borders did so to create demand as much as to respond to it. Chicago is a typical example of this process. Real estate subdivision there proceeded much faster than population growth.
1. With which of the following subjects is the passage mainly concerned?A.Types of mass transportation. |
B.Instability of urban life. |
C.How supply and demand determine land use. |
D.The effect of mass transportation on urban expansion. |
A.To demonstrate positive and negative effects of growth. |
B.To use cities with and without mass transportation as examples. |
C.To show mass transportation changed many cities. |
D.To contrast their rate of growth. |
A.It was expensive. |
B.It happened too slowly. |
C.It was unplanned. |
D.It created a demand for public transportation. |
A.that is large. |
B.that is used as a model for land development. |
C.where the development of land exceeded population growth. |
D.with an excellent mass transportation system. |
9 . From the modern London Eye to the historic Tower of London, below are London’s most visited tourist attractions. Many of London’s top attractions are free, making them affordable places to learn about some culture. Whether you prefer history or modern art, you’ll find it at one of these must-visit spots.
British Museum
The world-famous British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times, from around the world. The most interesting and exciting parts include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and the mummies in the Ancient Egypt collection. These exhibitions require tickets.
National Gallery
The greatest and most beautiful building of Trafalgar Square, London’s National Gallery is a vast space filled with Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. In this impressive art gallery you can find works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs. These exhibitions require tickets.
Coca-Cola London Eye
The Coca-Cola London Eye is a major feature of London’s skyline. It has some of London’s best views from its 32 capsules, each weighing 10 tons and holding up to 25 people. Climb aboard for a breathtaking experience, with an unforgettable view of more than 55 of London’s most famous landmarks—all in just 30 minutes!
Madame Tussauds
At Madame Tussauds, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Lady Gaga you’ll meet influential figures from show business, sport, politics and even royalty. Strike a pose with Usain Bolt, get close to One Direction or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
1. What do the British Museum and the National Gallery have in common?A.Both exhibit modern and contemporary art. | B.Both exhibitions require tickets. |
C.Both have vast spaces and special shapes. | D.Both are on the banks of the Thames. |
A.the National Gallery | B.the British Museum |
C.the Coca-Cola London Eye | D.the Tate Modern |
A.see figures of many influential people | B.enjoy Shakespeare’s works |
C.watch Lady Gaga’s performance | D.talk to some famous people |
10 . A factory tour this summer! Here are some great ones to consider.
The Jelly Belly Bean Company
Fairfield, CA
730-6668988
At this working factory, guests can watch the process of making this famous candy. Have lunch at the Visitor Center Cafe, where you can order a jelly bean-shaped pizza or hamburger! There’s no entrance ticket for the 40-minute walking tour. Tours are given most days from 9: 00 am to 4: 00 pm, but come during a weekday to see the candy making in process.
Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat Museum
Louisville KY
342-821-3320
See how each bat (球棒) is carefully produced at this family-favorite factory tour. Tour visitors leave with a specially designed bat souvenir and personalized bats can be ordered when you arrive and picked up before you leave. Adult tickets are $9. Child tickets are $4. Ages five and under are free. It opens at 9: 00 am Mondays through Saturdays. Check the website for specific days and times.
E-One Fire Truck Factory
Ocala, FL
342-861-3654
Take this walking tour of a plant in Florida and see for yourself the technology and skill required to build these emergency vehicles. Tours are offered Monday to Friday, at 9: 00 am and 11: 00 am. Prices are S8 for adults and S6 for children. Kids under 6 are not permitted on the tour for safety reasons. Reservations are required for all tours.
Crayola Crayon Company
Easton, PA
342-871-3534
No, this isn’t the actual place where the waxy (似蜡的) rainbows are made. But it’s an even-better visitor center where families can’t only see the process of making colored crayons (彩色蜡笔), but can explore and use the wide variety of Crayola art tools and products. Kids can use the latest Crayola products to create masterpieces on site. The visitor center is open most days from 9: 30 am to 3: 00 pm. The online timetable shows special hours, themes, and daily activities.
1. How much would a five-year-old boy and his parents pay for their visit to Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat Museum?A.$22. | B.$13. | C.$17. | D.$18. |
A.Make rainbows. | B.Purchase crayon souvenirs. |
C.Know how the crayons are made. | D.Produce crayons with their own hands. |
A.Diet, sports, vehicle and art. | B.Politics, economics, science and culture. |
C.History, literature, education and custom. | D.Health, invention, astronomy and car. |