1 . From the gardens of Iceland to the mountains of Nepal, here are four places to celebrate abundance and beauty in the natural world.
Keukenhof Gardens, the Netherlands
The Netherlands produces nearly 90% of the world's tulips, making it the unique destination for a wonderful spring experience. Cycle along the 25-mile Flower Route, where flower fields paint the countryside in bright colors. Travelers can also visit Keukenhof Gardens 16 miles southwest of Amsterdam. Considered the world's largest flower garden, Keukenhof features seven million flowering tulips from March to May.
Umm Qais, Jordan
Despite being 75% desert, Jordan's northern highlands burst with brightly colored flowers from March to May. Take a self-guided hike on one of the several ancient trails starting from the ruins of Umm Qais or hire a local guide who can offer cultural and historical context and help you identify wildflowers along the way, including Jordan's endangered national flower, the black iris.
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Travelers can find a wealth of plant species in North Carolina's mountains—the most in any similarly sized area in North America. The best known may be the pink and purple rhododendrons that blanket the Blue Ridge Mountains in summer.
Numerous hiking trails leading to the amazing sights are just 30 miles from downtown Asheville. In June, travelers can take the hour-long drive from Asheville to Bakersville to enjoy the North Carolina Rhododendron Festival.
Ghorepani Poon Hill, Nepal
Travelling along the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in spring offers breathtaking views of the country's iconic rhododendrons. March or April gives travelers the rhododendrons in full bloom, but November gives drier weather. Go with local Sherpa guides and cooks—it's part of the experience.
1. What is probably the best time to see the tulips in Keukenhof Gardens?A.February. | B.April. | C.June. | D.November. |
A.Jordan. | B.America. | C.Nepal. | D.The Netherlands. |
A.They are surrounded by deserts. | B.They have the most plant species. |
C.They offer unique ancient ruins. | D.They are known for the same flower. |
2 . Are you looking for inspiration for your next travel destination? Lonely Planet has published its yearly list of top places to go. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or value, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Top City: NairobiNairobi, the Kenyan capital, was chosen for its unique music and dance culture, and impressive local food. Nairobi National Park is a must-see, where visitors can see over 400 species wandering the open grass plains while high buildings twinkle on the horizon.
Top Country: MongoliaMongolia is loved for its wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and unique food. The Mongolian government has announced 2023 through 2025as the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” easing entry conditions for international travelers and improving public facilities, including a new $650 million airport.
Top Sustainable (可持续发展的) Travel Destination: SpainThe publisher also recommended Spain for the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy, to develop off-season travel, and to bring tourism to new destinations, such as the port city of Valencia, easing pressures on hot spots such as Barcelona.
Top Best-Value Location: The American MidwestThe American Midwest, including the cities of Chicago and Detroit, is also on the list, as it offers a high-quality travel experience at a reasonable cost. Visitors can enjoy excellent services and facilities without having to spend too much money.
Top Beach Destination: DonegalDonegal, Ireland’s most northwestern county, has the country’s longest coastline and over 100 beaches, where visitors can enjoy the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
1. What do Nairobi and Mongolia have in common?A.Tasty food. | B.Diverse culture. | C.Breathtaking views. | D.Wide-open Spaces. |
A.It improves public facilities for international travelers. |
B.It provides sustainable travel destinations for visitors. |
C.It has the world’s longest coastline and plenty of beaches. |
D.It offers a high-quality travel experience at a reasonable cost. |
A.Architecture. | B.Environment. | C.Tourism. | D.Publishing. |
3 . The advantages of solo (独自) travel
● One benefit of solo travel is that it forces you to become independent, make decisions, and step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis — something you wouldn’t necessarily do if you weren’t traveling alone.
When you travel solo, you have nobody to rely on but yourself, and that pushes you to learn how to function in the world.
●
● One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is how easy it is to meet people on the road. All you need to do is wander into a hotel room and within minutes, someone will strike up a conversation with you.
● Solo travel can be helpful for your mental state, too. Solo travel builds confidence as you travel through an unfamiliar city, chat with strangers and figure out how to get from one place to another.
● Another item in the “pro” column for solo travel is that it can be a time for reflection and can help bring peace to your mind.
A.It’s sink-or-swim time! |
B.You’ll get to know yourself better than you ever have before. |
C.Solo travel is something everyone should try at some point in their lives. |
D.Your social skills will be improved by meeting people and talking more. |
E.Another benefit to solo travel is not having to compromise on your travels. |
F.When traveling solo, you’re much more approachable than when you’re in a group. |
G.Not having someone to share all those amazing experiences with can lead to depression. |
4 . With so many options for short, beautiful walks in Queenstown, you are truly spoiled for choice. Here’s a list of local picks that will help you discover the best walks around Queenstown, a walkers’ paradise, for every age and ability.
Tiki Trail
For one of the best views of Queenstown and a decent workout, climb the Tiki Trail up to the Skyline Gondola building. Starting at the base of the Gondola, the Tiki Trail winds its way steeply through trees towards the lookout at the top.
Choose to hike back to Queenstown. Or if the climb has gotten the better of you, sit back, relax and catch a ride in the Skyline Gondola.
Queenstown Gardens
The Queenstown Gardens Trail is a wheelchair-accessible trail just a few minutes from central Queenstown. The flat, easy track has spectacular views of Lake Whakatipu, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak and the manicured gardens are beautiful year-round.
You could spend hours here exploring the rose gardens or playing disc golf. If you’re tight on time, the loop around the shore of Lake Whakatipu takes less than an hour to complete.
Arrow River Trail
Starting in historic Arrowtown, a walk along the Arrow River Trail is a must-do for any visitor to Queenstown.
The track will have you filling your camera memory, especially in autumn due to the explosion of colours on the trees. From here, you can cross the bridge and walk back along the riverside or go back the way you came. Back in Arrowtown, it’s lovely to walk along the river and amongst the trees before rejoining Arrowtown’s quaint streets to admire the café culture, discover the region’s history or grab a pint in the sunshine.
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond will greet you from the moment you arrive in town. Not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, this demanding climb is a full-day mission with a spectacular reward.
Walkers aiming for the summit should be fully equipped and allow six to eight hours, depending on the conditions. Be prepared for snow and ice above the bush line from April to November.
1. Which place is a better choice for the disabled?A.Tiki Trail. | B.Arrow River Trail. |
C.Queenstown Gardens. | D.Ben Lomond Track. |
A.Appreciate the rose fragrance. | B.Experience demanding climb. |
C.Have a bird-eye view of Queenstown. | D.Learn about the local history. |
A.To compare things. | B.To inform readers. |
C.To uncover the unseen. | D.To warn readers. |
5 . Four of the Best Autumn Walks in Britain
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London
It houses the widest variety of living plants of any botanic garden (植物园) on the planet, including around 14,000 trees. Every autumn, its woodland delivers an extraordinary view of bright red and yellow as leaves of various trees begin to change. Join a guided trees tour and learn how different trees are dealing with the changing seasons.
Brechfa Forest, Abergorlech
Brechfa Forest covers some 16,000 acres in Carmarthenshire, Wales, making it easy for walkers to enjoy themselves in woodlands transformed (改变) by autumn’s finest colours. Follow the Gorlech Walk, which tracks the river Gorlech and passes Californian redwoods that become a mix of red and purple in November. After your walk, drive to Carmarthen, one of the oldest towns in Wales, for lunch.
Batsford Arboretum, Cotswolds
More than 1,300 different trees and bamboos are showcased at Batsford Arboretum, near the picture-perfect town of Moreton-in-Marsh. This private garden covers 60 acres, providing outstanding colours between late October and November. Highlights include its large areas of leaf shades ranging from red to purple. Pre-booking tickets during autumn is recommended to avoid a large number of visitors.
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
There are over 3,800 acres of parkland to explore at Clumber Park, a beautiful place featuring Sherwood Forest that shows different and changing colours in autumn. With over 20 miles of trails (小径), there’s plenty of ground to cover, so consider bringing your bike. Keep an eye out for the park’s birds, which is a main attraction for birdwatchers.
1. What can you do at Royal Botanic Gardens?A.Admire Sherwood Forest. | B.Join a guided trees tour. |
C.Enjoy Moreton-in-Marsh. | D.Have lunch in an old town. |
A.Ride a bike with friends. | B.Walk along a 20-mile trail. |
C.Book a ticket in advance. | D.Set off early in the morning. |
A.Clumber Park. | B.Brechfa Forest. |
C.Batsford Arboretum. | D.Royal Botanic Gardens. |
6 . With the approaching of New Year, more and more visitors will come to China. Don’t know where you should go? Here are some places recommended for you.
Shanghai Expo Culture Park
The Shanghai Expo Culture Park will soon open its northern section to the public, in which the major attractions include a traditional garden that is similar in design to Shanghai’s famous Yuyuan Garden and a 400-meter avenue exhibiting the history of the area, while in the southern section lies a grand theater.
Macao Tower AJ Hackett Bungee Jump
The Macao Tower, 338 meters tall, is the world’s 10th highest tower, with a variety of activities, such as eating and entertainment. One of the activities which enjoy good fame is the bungee jump. The AJ Hackett Macao Tower Bungee Jump is 233 meters high, making it a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial (商业的) bungee jump in the world. Raise your arms and off you go!
Harbin’s Frozen World
For those who have never been to Harbin, there is an almost endless list of things to do. At Harbin Ice—Snow World, you can not only see the world—famous ice architecture, but also have great fun! You can have hotpot at the restaurants which are made of ice, enjoying the product of both ice and fire, go down the world’s longest ice slide (滑梯) and join in the popular Ice and Snow Electronic Music Festival to welcome 2024.
The winter is cold and the night is long, so why not go to the theatre? Harbin was listed by the United Nations as a “music city” in 2010. Harbin Grand Theater is where artistic souls defrost (化霜) a little to share their love of art.
1. Where should visitors go if they want to do extreme sports?A.Shanghai Expo Culture Park. | B.The Macao Tower. |
C.Shangha’s Yuyuan Garden. | D.Harbin Ice—Snow World. |
A.Attend a famous music festival. | B.Play with both ice and fire. |
C.Turn water into instant ice. | D.Learn to make ice architecture. |
A.They have a high tower. | B.They have a long ice slide. |
C.They have a grand theater. | D.They have traditional architecture. |
7 . Feel like a family day trip outside London? Here are some of the best choices.
Harry Potter Studio
The Harry Potter Studio tour is one of the easiest day trips from London. Just read the directions on the website where you buy tickets and follow the crowds from the train to the bus. It is a unique experience. A walk through the studio allows families to appreciate every little detail that was put into the production of the Harry Potter movies from the costumes to the sets. Visitors can view the Potions Classroom, board the Hogwarts’ Express, and walk through the Dursley’s house.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the UK. It is surrounded by a river and gardens, making it a relaxing and peaceful place. Leeds Castle is open for self-guided tours, and there are kid-friendly shows. Leeds Castle has a wonderfully-designed maze (迷宫), which has a surprise at the center that will appeal to all ages, not just children looking for a place to play. Leeds Castle also has a big playground, one part of which is set aside for small kids while the other inspires teenagers in an old game of hide-and-seek.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is used by the current British royal family. This makes it the longest-occupied palace in Europe. Afraid that your young children might feel dull? Don’t worry. There is a kids’ audio tour available as well as an activity that features crafts (手工艺), coloring and dress-up for little ones. And in the summer months, parents will be happy to know that there is a place to get an ice cream for their kids centrally located in the castle complex (建筑群).
1. What can visitors do on the Harry Potter Studio tour?A.Buy some costumes. |
B.Ride on a special train. |
C.See Harry Potter movies. |
D.Study in the Potions Classroom. |
A.Visitors must go on a tour with a guide. |
B.The gardens are meant for hide-and-seek. |
C.Kids can have a fun time on the playground. |
D.The maze is especially popular among grown-ups. |
A.Tiresome. | B.Comfortable. |
C.Adventurous. | D.Interesting. |
8 . Travelling is a great way to interact with a culture which might be completely different from your own.
When you travel, you expose yourself to different people.
Travelling is the realization of home.
A.It was a really interesting discussion. |
B.Travelling will make you a really good storyteller. |
C.Travelling could enrich your awareness of the world.' |
D.They may have a completely different outlook on life. |
E.We realize how much we miss our hometown when we travel. |
F.Travelling might just convince you to move to another country. |
G.Being away from home, we miss our friends and our family very much. |