1 . The cost of living in countries like the US, Britain, Australia or France has skyrocketed in recent years. However, if you’re willing to leave your country and explore life in other areas, there are many countries boasting an extremely cheap and low cost of living. Check out the following countries when planning your next move.
Ecuador
Ecuador is similar to the United States in many ways, and as a result has become a popular American getaway. They even use the US Dollar for their currency. In this country, it’s cheaper to eat out every day than cook for yourself on a budget in the US. You can even buy a building for around $ 50, 000 and hire someone to look after it while you’re away.
Mexico
Although the country is known for its poverty ridden streets, there $are many wealthier areas that provide every facility you might need. You can live off a mere $ 700 to $ 800 a month in Mexico, and this includes rent for a nice place, facilities, food, and any sightseeing.
Argentina
Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years. It has great restaurants, a rich history, and many places to explore. Not to mention, it’s not very expensive to live here. A decent sized home can cost around $ 139, 000, which is relatively cheap in relation to homes in the United States.
Vietnam
Vietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years. There are many million-dollar luxury homes by the beach, but you can find a modest flat or a small home for around $ 25,000 to $ 50,000 if you search in the right areas.
1. In which country is the US Dollar used for its currency?| A．Argentina. | B．Mexico. |
| C．Ecuador. | D．Vietnam. |
| A．About $ 7,000. | B．About $ 8,000. |
| C．About $ 8,800. | D．About $ 12,000. |
| A．They have great restaurants. |
| B．The cost of living is expensive. |
| C．The middle-sized homes cost around $ 139,000. |
| D．Tourists enjoy travelling in the two countries. |
2 . Holidays
Holiday News Vacancies(空位) now and in the school holidays at a country hotel in Devon. This comfortable, friendly home-from-home lies near the beautiful quiet countryside, but just a drive away from the sea. The food is simple but good. Children and pets are welcome. Reduced prices for low season. |
The Snowdonia Centre The Snowdonia Centre for young mountain climbers has a mountain climbing lesson. The beginners’ costs are ￡57 for a week, including food and rooms. Equipment is included except walking shoes, which can be hired at a low cost. You must be in good health and prepared to go through a period of body exercises. This could be the beginning of a lifetime of mountain climbing adventure. |
The World Sea Trip of a Lifetime Our World Sea Trip of 2008 will be unlike any holiday you have ever been on before. Instead of one hotel after another, with all its packing and unpacking, waiting and traveling, you just go to bed in one country and wake up in another. On board the ship, you will be well taken care of. Every meal will be first-class and every cabin like your home. During the trip, you can rest on deck(甲板), enjoy yourself in the games rooms and in the evening dance to our musical team and watch our wonderful play. You will visit all the places most people only dream about — from Acapulco and Hawaii to Tokoy and Hong Kong. For a few thousand pounds, all you’ve ever hoped for can be yours. |
| A．Choose the holiday in Devon. | B．Go to the Snowdonia Centre. |
| C．Join the World Sea Trip of 2008. | D．Visit Acapulco and Hawaii. |
| A．It provides chances of family gatherings. | B．It provides customers with good food. |
| C．It offers a sports lesson. | D．It offers comfortable rooms. |
| A．You can have free meals on deck every day. |
| B．You can sleep on a ship and tour many places. |
| C．You will have chances to watch and act in a play. |
| D．You have to do your own packing and unpacking. |
3 . Tours in Guizhou Province
Huangguoshu Waterfall Tour
Running: May 1st through November 10th
This tour transports you to one of Guizhou Province's most fantastic attractions, the largest waterfall in China? Here you can enjoy the magnificent waterfall and large cave landscape. Then we will take you to have a free taste of local food.
Departing from Guiyang: 7:30 am and 8:30 am
Duration (时长):7 hours
Price: 250 yuan
Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village Tour
Running: April 6th through October 23nd
This attractive tour takes you to the most special Miao village scenes of Guizhou. Enjoy the unique multi-stories turret 角楼)as you go through the traditional wooden houses town. Elegant Miao dresses are provided for you to lake beautiful photos, and you can participate in their festivities if you are lucky enough.
Departing from Guiyang: 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Duration: 1.5 days
Advance preservations required.
Qianling Mountain Park Tour
Running: March 1st through December 30th
This tour goes through the whole mountain on its way to Hongfu Temple which is quite famous in the southern pan of China. Here you can enjoy the history) of the famous temple and the delicious vegetarian food (素食)offered.
Departing from the hotel: 8:00 am and 9:00 am.
Duration: 3 hours
Price: 40 yuan
Site of the Zunyi Conference Tour
Running: January 10th through December 31st
Join us for a history tour of China through the historical district. Enjoy the special design and construction of the site as you get into the historical spirit of the conference.
Departing from Guiyang: 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Available upon request
1. Which tour do you need to book in advance?| A．Huangguoshu Waterfall Tour. |
| B．Qianling Mountain Park Tour. |
| C．Site of the Zunyi Conference Tour. |
| D．Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village Tour. |
| A．Learn about Chinese history. | B．Enjoy the beautiful site. |
| C．Attend the important meeting. | D．Join in the special design. |
| A．A science magazine. | B．A travel journal. |
| C．A teacher's handbook. | D．A personal diary. |
4 . There are more Starbucks special drinks than you could ever dream of, and we're talking about the items that maybe aren't offered at your local shop but are offered at one of the other approximately 30，000 locations around the world. Depending on what country you are in, the menu may look a little different, so if you're planning a trip anytime soon, check out what fun drinks you may find!
Japan—Sakura Blossom Cream Latte
The drink is currently only available in Japan. Sakura, which means cherry blossom, is considered to be a symbol of regeneration and simplicity. It is the national flower of Japan, and Starbucks typically only has the drink available in the springtime.
The drink itself is just pink, with sakura sauce, cherry blossom milk jelly, and strawberry sauce or jelly used to create the pink color. The drinks also come in special cherry blossom－themed cups.
Vietnam—Dolce Misto
Starbucks created the Dolce Misto specifically for the Vietnamese market. “It's designed to bring Vietnamese customers a new flavor and respect for traditional Vietnamese coffee，” said the general director of Starbucks Vietnam on its release in 2015.
Dolce Misto is reportedly one of the strongest drinks in any Starbucks throughout the world. If sweet and strong is how you like your coffee and you live in Vietnam, this is the perfect Monday-afternoon pick-me-up for you.
Chile—Lemon Bar Frappuccino
Meant to be the perfect sweet-and-sour summer drink, Starbucks Chile offered a Lemon Bar Frappuccino for the summer of 2018. With the combination of vanilla bean and lemonade topped with caramel sugar and whipped cream, the drink was relatively well received, though some were disappointed there was no coffee in it. It's still unknown whether Starbucks will be bringing the limited edition drink back to Chile or anywhere for the summer of 2019.
1. When is Sakura Blossom Cream Latte accessible to customers in Japan?| A．October. | B．July. | C．December. | D．April. |
| A．It is available throughout the world. |
| B．It helps open the Vietnamese market. |
| C．It is a refreshing strong drink for customers. |
| D．It is a traditional Vietnamese coffee drink. |
| A．It offers sweet－and－sour taste. |
| B．It is a Starbucks drink without coffee. |
| C．It is one of the limited drinks in Chile. |
| D．It is uncertain whether Starbucks will bring it back. |
5 . Los Angeles is always a popular holiday destination. To fully enjoy your travel there, you should know its food, weather, and also traffic. While driving in L. A. is similar to that in other areas, there are a few specific rules to note.
HOV lanes (车道)
On many L. A. freeways, one or more lanes at the far left are used as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. They usually have limited access and you can only enter or exit where there is a break in the double yellow line. Most HOV lanes require a minimum of two people in the car; some require three. Vehicles towing trailers (拖车) are NOT allowed in the HOV lane, regardless of how many people are in them.
Toll (收费) lanes
On certain freeways, the HOV lanes are double-purposed as toll lanes for people driving alone who have a FasTrak, an electronic toll collection system. Therefore, you also have to have one in that lane as a HOV, which is inconvenient if you’re just visiting. FasTrak is in effect on parts of the 110 freeway between the 405 and 10 freeways, and on parts of the 10 freeway east of Downtown L. A.
Cell phones
It is against the law to talk on a cell phone while driving without using a hands-free device. Holding a cell phone to your ear while driving will land you with a ticket.
Alcohol
Driving under the influence is taken seriously in L.A. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, but you can be charged with lower levels if they show you can’t function normally. Placing an opened bottle of alcohol in the passenger area while driving (or sitting) is illegal. Any opened container of alcohol has to be transported in the trunk.
1. What do you know about HOV lanes?| A．They encourage people to share cars. |
| B．They are on the far right of freeways. |
| C．They are intended for larger vehicles. |
| D．They allow cars to enter over the double yellow line. |
| A．Driving on the 110 freeway with a FasTrak. |
| B．Putting the cell phone in the car while driving. |
| C．Riding with an opened bottle of alcohol in back seats. |
| D．Going below the blood alcohol limit of 0. 08%. |
| A．A traffic law. | B．A road map. |
| C．A guidebook. | D．A report. |
| A．Their friend Jane. | B．A weekend trip. | C．A radio programme. |
7 . With the summer holiday just around the corner, it seems like everybody is busy planning their vacations. Here are some tips that can help you enjoy your holiday without emptying your pocket.
Travel off-season
Go to your desired destination while the demand is low and take advantage of huge discounts. During the peak season, the hotel and flight prices increase quickly, and you’ll likely spend more of your vacation time standing in line due to the rush of tourists.
Websites can help you find discount hotel rooms. Look for places that do not charge extra for children if they use the existing bedding. Stay with the locals. If you and your family are going to stay for a longer period, renting a small apartment is a good choice.
Eat like a local
Why eat at big chain restaurants when you can experience something new? Planning your meals is another way to reduce your travel costs. During your family trip, try new food where the locals eat.
Don’t hesitate to bargain
Tourist-heavy places are known for overcharging for just about everything. Clothes, travel goodies, souvenirs, etc are very expensive at these places. For this reason, you shouldn’t feel ashamed to ask for bargains.
Choose local transportation
As a tourist, avoid taking taxis whenever possible, since they are expensive.
| A．Save on hotels. |
| B．Surf the Internet while traveling. |
| C．Therefore, avoid buying anything there. |
| D．So it’s best to find out when the off-season starts. |
| E．This will not only save money, but offer you a new and different experience. |
| F．Bargain hard to get the best price. |
| G．Instead, take buses, railways or subways. which are always cheaper. |
