2 . The following small European villages will provide you with a chance to experience the beauty of nature and a sense of adventure, from climbing a mountain to taking a dive in the ocean.

Deià, Spain

Hidden between the towering Tramuntana Mountain and the blue Mediterranean, the village’s natural beauty inspires not just writers and painters, but adventure-seekers, too. From this peaceful village, cyclists can ride across this mountainous but bike-friendly region. After working up a sweat, they can go to the best beach, Cala Deià, in Spain. Its waters are perfect for giving the tired muscles a break with a relaxing dive.

Mürren, Switzerland

In Mürren, the fun starts before you arrive. This beautiful Swiss village sits on a Bernese Oberland mountain shelf so high that travelers must arrive by cable car. Like many mountain resort towns these days, Mürren offers year-round activities. Besides downhill skiing in winter, brave climbers can enjoy themselves from June to October, with or without a guide.

San Gimignano, Italy

In the Middle Age, wealthy families of this hill town went on a tower-building competition. At one point there were more than 70 towers, some of which were nearly 200 feet in height. Initially built as defenses in wars with neighboring villages, the towers became symbols of wealth and fame. Today, the village draws both history and wine lovers. Visitors can enjoy the famous white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, at the tasting centers which overlook the surrounding grape hills.

Chipping Campden, England

Arguably the loveliest village in England, Chipping Campden isn’t just a photographer’s dream. It is also known for the annual Olympic Games in summer, a 400-year tradition that copies the Greek Olympics. It includes horseracing, coursing, jumping, backswords and country dancing. But the highlight is the wrestling that thankfully has never caught on anywhere else.

4 . Exploring Wildlife Conservation in Kenya

Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at the airport in Nairobi, where our staff will be on hand to drive you to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel

Day 2: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

A charter flight (包机) brings us to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a 62,000-acre grassland on the north of Mount Kenya. Considered a model in the conservation field, this healthy wildlife habitat is home to a number of rare species, including the giraffe, the Grevy’s zebra, and African wild dogs. Lewa and the neighboring Borana Conservancy also harbor roughly 15 percent of Kenya’s entire rhino population.

Accommodation: Elewana Lewa Safari Camp

Day 3: Amboseli National Park

Fly by private charter to Amboseli National Park, where vast grasslands are irrigated by underground runoff streams from Mount Kilimanjaro. These landscapes provide a habitat for hundreds of elephants, making the park one of the best places in Africa to spot these large creatures. The travel begins on the drive to Tortilis Camp, set within view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation: Tortilis Camp

Day 4: Masai Mara National Reserve

At first light, head out to track the animals that crossed the area during the night. This area has one of the highest concentrations of large predators (捕食性动物) in all of Africa. Then watch large groups of hippos in the Mara River and crocodiles sunbathing on the shore.

Accommodation: Kichwa Tembo Camp

6 . Explore China’s Ancient Water Towns

Nanxun

This water town typically draws smaller crowds. The architecture is a unique mix of traditional Chinese and Western styles. As you walk along the ancient canals, you’re likely to see locals playing cards or having tea outdoors. The town dates back to the Chunyou Period of the Song Dynasty, between the years of 1241 to 1252. Today, it’s considered to be the best destination for weddings.

Tongli

Tongli is considered a mini Venice, with nearly every building on or by a canal. The town itself is composed of seven small islands, separated by 15 canals and joined by more than 40 bridges—plus, five lakes surround the town itself. Tongli is more than 1,000 years old, and the oldest bridge in the town dates back to the Song Dynasty, which began in the year 960. Visitors here should check out the wedding museum, which has antique Chinese wedding clothes and items on display.

Zhouzhuang

This is the most famous and most commercialized ancient water town in China. The architecture here dates back more than 900 years, with about 60 original brick archways and 100 original courtyards. More recently, a tower called Quanfu Temple was built in 1987. Climb to the top to get the best view of the ancient town. Or for a more authentic experience, visit Chengxu Taoist Temple, which was built between 1086 and 1093. It’s one of the most famous Taoist temples in the area.

Xitang

Xitang separates itself from other water towns with sheltered waterside streets, allowing locals and guests to comfortably walk alongside the canals even during the rainy season. Thanks to a less commercial atmosphere, visitors will be rewarded with opportunities that aren’t likely to be found in other water towns-like fishing with locals on the canals and having dinner on a boat. Xitang is truly ancient, dating back to the Warring States Period of 476 BC to 221 BC.

8 . Borneo is home to some of the most extraordinary wildlife. Several years ago, I decided to go there for a visit. A local person offered to be my guide, which was a great bonus for me.

One day, my guide turned off the smooth road and took me across a ________ hillside instead. We picked our way carefully when ________, a Rafflesia (大王花) popped into my view among those stones. Oh, dear! More than ________, I bent down and put my nose practically inside the flower’s core.

________, to my surprise, it was only one of the ________ during the trip.

As I ________ the end of my trip, there was still something I had yet to see. We planned to ________ most feared creature there, the saltwater crocodile, which can grow to a ________ of 6 meters or more. When we shone a flashlight towards the muddy shore, little sounds ________ in the darkness as if something unseen underwater had broken the ________ Taking a second look, we spotted two greedy ________ just above the water line. As we drew near, it ________ and we saw clearly it was a crocodile. With great caution, we neared it and finally could ________ its true dimensions. It was a baby-no more than 0. 6 meter long. Aha, whatever, I could now report to the ________ back home, who had never been to Borneo, that I had ________ a hungry crocodile in the wild and lived to tell the tale.

The world out there is so fascinating. Don’t let work run your life. Why not step outdoors and enjoy the wonders nature offers to you?

9 . Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is by far the largest city in the country. Here, you’ll find a multitude of tourist attractions to please even the pickiest of travelers. For ideas on the best places to visit in this magical city, read our list of the top attractions in Copenhagen.

Tivoli Gardens

It’s impossible to miss the grand entrance of the famous Tivoli amusement park and pleasure gardens dating from 1843 at Vesterbrogade. Here, visitors are welcomed through a dramatic archway and you will also find more than 20 attractions including a roller coaster, roundabouts, halls of mirrors, puppets and other entertainment facilities for your family of all ages. No matter what time of year you visit, Tivoli feels festive. At Christmas, Tivoli becomes an extravagantly decorated wonderland. The park is famous worldwide and appears in many movies.

National Museum of Denmark

An easy 10-minute walk from Tivoli along Vestergade brings you to the National Museum, a must-see attraction for anyone with an interest in Danish history and culture. It was established in 1807 and has been the biggest cultural and historic museum in this country. Some impressive runic stones are on display here, and the Danish history collection includes a sun chariot, antiquities and coins. You’ll also find collections from other interesting areas including Asia, Africa and Oceania, as well as the culture of the Indians.

Christiansborg Palace

On the tiny island of Slotsholmen is the Danish seat of government and an attraction that should top any visitor’s agenda. Christiansborg boasts more than 800 years of history and today, the palace is home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. In addition, several parts are still used by the Royal House, although thankfully, much is open to the public. Opening hours for each section of the palace can vary since they are in use, so be sure to reserve ahead if you are interested in a specific area.

The Round Tower

The Round Tower is a 36-meter-high structure built as an observatory in 1642. It now also houses a small collection connected with the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. A particular treat is the platform. From the top are magnificent views over the city. A new attraction is the glass floor hovering 25 meters above the ground where you can peer down into the castle’s core.

10 . The Best Kid-Friendly Spots in Dallas

Chicken Scratch

ADDRESS:2303 Pittman St. Dallas

Chicken Scratch is everyone’s idea of a good time. Crucially, there’s plenty of space for kids to run around and play while the adults relax with a drink. Bands often play free music all year around, and dogs are welcome. The all-natural fresh fruit ice cream really hits the spot in summer and be sure not to miss it then.

Celebration Restaurant

ADDRESS: 4503 W Lovers Ln. Dallas

PHONE: +1 214-351-5681

For a taste of healthy, delicious home-style cooking, there’s no better family-friendly spot than Celebration Restaurant. Open since 1971, Dallas’s “original farm-to-table restaurant” is quite the property, with a full-service bar and a big yard. Parents can choose a fresh fish or grass-fed steak; kids will love the grilled cheese and meat or vegetable options.

Klyde Warren Park

ADDRESS:2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. Dallas

PHONE: +1 214-716-4500

For those whose kids are fond of running around, Klyde Warren Park is the best—this 5.2-acre urban park has a wonderful Children’s Park and huge lawns(草地), plus daily educational programming for kids. Several food trucks line the streets, with plenty of kid-friendly food like pizza and ice cream. Find a table, or spread out a blanket on the lawn; you can either bring food with you or order food at the food trucks.

Truck Yard

ADDRESS: 5624 Sears St. Dallas

PHONE: +1 469-500-0139

Complete with a tree-house, daily food trucks, and live music, Truck Yard is a must-have food & play experience. There’s plenty of room for kids to run around, and plenty of food options. The Truck Yard is billed as a “come-as-you-are beer garden and adult playground”. Don’t forget to check their calendar to see what trucks and live entertainment will be there on the day you visit.