1 . Parks around the world
Hyde Park, London, England
There are many parks in London. Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, which covers over 350 acres. There are paths for people on bicycles and there are often open - air concerts held in the park.
Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
In this park, designed by Antony Gaudi, there are different houses in different colours. There are also things like a colourful dragon. At the top of the park is a terraced area where you can get a wonderful view of the city of Barcelona and the sea.
Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a city near the sea and mountains. There is beautiful Stanley Park in the city centre, covering an area of one thousand acres. It is the largest park in North America. There are First Nations totem poles (图腾柱) in the park.
Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan
Ueno Park is an old park in the city of Tokyo and there are hundreds of beautiful cherry trees. In April and May every year, the trees are pink or white.
Chapultepec Park, Mexico City, Mexico
This is the largest urban park in Latin America. It's a very important green space in this big city. Containing nine museums, a zoo, an amusement park, and a variety of green recreational spaces, Chapultepec Park is an invaluable place for the city residents and its visitors.
1. What can visitors do in Park Güell ?A.Enjoy cherry trees. | B.Feed animals. | C.See the sea. | D.Ride bicycles. |
A.London. | B.Barcelona. | C.Vancouver. | D.Mexico. |
A.Chapultepec Park. | B.Ueno Park. | C.Stanley Park. | D.Hyde Park. |
2 . Europe is the perfect place for a holiday. Every corner of the continent is bursting with history, culture and sights. The countries are so very close to one another, and yet so completely different.
Sweden
Sweden is a brilliant destination for a campervan (露营车) holiday, with hundreds of well-appointed camping sites suitable for vehicles. Head north to Lapland in the Arctic Circle and you’ll find true wildernesses where you can truly get close to nature. Head here between June and mid-July and you’ll be able to take in the midnight sunshine. If you’re looking for great nightlife, head to Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmo.
Germany
There are massive industrial cities, rolling plains, towering mountains, deep forests and long, sparkling rivers. It’s not just what’s to see that makes Germany so great, but the ease of seeing everything. All these wonderful locations are all linked by one of the world’s best road systems.
Scotland
Scotland has something for everyone: cities with rich nightlife, incredible scenery, wonderful lochs and medieval (中世纪的) castles. If you want to get away from it all, then the Highlands are one of the least populated areas in the whole of Europe. Hikers will love the Cairngorms – the largest national park in the UK.
Spain
Spain’s famous for its beach holidays, but it offers so much more than that. With a lovely climate, rich history, excellent architecture, delicious cuisine and friendly locals, Spain has long been a favoured destination for holiday.
1. What is the purpose of this text?A.To explain why the attractions in Europe are world-famous. |
B.To show the rich history and culture of the European countries. |
C.To tell about the differences between the European countries. |
D.To introduce some great European holiday destinations. |
A.Beautiful scenery. | B.Midnight sunshine. |
C.Medieval castles. | D.Great nightlife. |
A.Sweden. | B.Germany. | C.Scotland. | D.Spain. |
3 . Creative Vacation Travel Ideas
Couch Surfing
Those who are bohemians(豪放的人) at heart can travel the world and make new friends using the couch-surfing system. Couch-surfing networking sites allow travelers to research and connect with people in cities around the world who offer up their couch or guest room to strangers. Staying with the people is free of charge, though you will be expected to pay for your own food and entertainment. Most hosts will accommodate a pair of travelers, and the system is safer for inexperienced couch surfers.
Roaming African Hotel
The Shongololo Express is best described as a cruise(邮轮) on land. A fleet of air-conditioned, luxury trains transport travelers through Africa from south to north. The Express stops at prearranged locations of interests, similar to a cruise ship stopping at a port, and allows travelers a chance to get out and explore with the security of a group behind them. Meals and drinks are served on the trains, and there are common areas for socializing.
Underground Motel
Go under Down Under with a stay in the White Cliffs Underground Motel in New South Wales, Australia. The 30 guest rooms called dugouts are carved from supportive soft sandstone and ventilated(通风) with drilled vertical passages. The temperature is naturally regulated year round for a comfortable stay. The hotel includes an on-site restaurant. Guests may even request a personal tour of dugouts local citizens have built for their own homes.
Adventure Vacations
Adventure vacations are travel ideas that suit travelers who want to truly interact with the environment. The National Geographic compiles lists of the best adventure vacations around the world and also helps travelers book the vacations. You don't have to leave the country to have an adventure. The Florida Everglades, Glacier National Park in Montana, The Grand Canyon and The Gila Wilderness in Nevada are adventure vacations to suit the young and the young at heart.
1. What is one of the advantages of Couch Surfing?A.Couch surfers can travel the world on the Internet. |
B.Travelers need to share guest room with strangers. |
C.Hosts will charge the guests nothing for accommodation. |
D.The system is fit for those who have less travel experience. |
A.The hotels offer free meal service to travelers. |
B.Travelers are provided comfortable guest rooms. |
C.Security staff accompanies travelers when getting out. |
D.Guests have common areas for social events on the trip. |
A.Couch Surfing. | B.Roaming African Hotel. |
C.Underground Motel. | D.Adventure Vacations. |
4 . The Best National Parks to Visit in Winter
While most parks tend to draw families in the summer and fall, there are also ideal spots for adventurous winter trips.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The country’s oldest and best-known national park takes on an almost otherworldly atmosphere in winter: the air filled with rolling steam, the strong colors of hot springs, the surrounding white landscapes, let alone the impressive wildlife during this time, like bison, wolves, and playful red foxes. Just book a guided hiking tour to get a ranger’s perspective on the park and local people.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
With its giant red rocks and unique trees, you’ll feel like stepping onto a foreign planet as you spend hours hiking the Panorama Loop or Maze Loop. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, featuring virtually zero light pollution and the country’s best views of a starry sky.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
A significantly lower number of visitors in winter means you can take in unblocked views of the South Rim, and get to see the rare beauty of the Grand Canyon dusted with snow. For those adventurous and daring, it is recommended to hike the Bright Angel Trail and take the chance to see the canyon’s wintertime wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and bald eagles.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
Surprise! Not all wintertime national park trips need to involve snow. Virgin Islands National Park is most famous for its white-sand beaches. You can also hike inland to visit old sugar plantations, or venture out to the water to swim along with sea turtles and manta rays. You will definitely enjoy a different winter here.
1. Which park will one choose if he/she is interested in stars?A.Yellowstone National Park. | B.Joshua Tree National Park. |
C.Grand Canyon National Park. | D.Virgin Islands National Park. |
A.We can have a poor view of the South Rim there. | B.It lies in an area with rolling steam and hot springs. |
C.There is a slight decline in visitor numbers in winter. | D.The Bright Angel Trail is challenging in cold weather. |
A.Hiking. | B.Skiing. | C.Swimming. | D.Hunting. |
5 . 4 Hotels That Will Make Your Life Easier
For the business traveler who is all about efficiency: Check out these hotels that will get you in and out with a minimum of trouble.
When you are pressed for time on a business trip, nothing can infuriate you more than a slow hotel check-in process. On your next trip, try these hotels that offer a speedier check-in process.
1. Yotel New York
The self-service kiosks (售货亭) at this high-tech New York hotel work just like the ones you’d see at an airport. There are just five-steps to register and obtain your card key. There is even a robotic luggage bellboy. You tap in the number of bags you are carrying and sizes, then wait for a robot arm to swing down and store your luggage in a locker (say, for a day trip). This also speeds up the check-in process if the first thing you need to do, like me, is heading to a series of meetings
2. Marriott Detroit Airport
Another option for business travelers in a hurry: Marriott is rolling out its mobile check-in app to 325 hotels this year, including the Marriott Detroit Airport hotel (I’ve tested the app itself but not for a real visit quite yet). Here is the basic idea: you download the iPhone or Android app. The night before, you can “check-in” virtually. When you arrive, you get an alert that the room is ready and your key, which is already tied to your reservation, is waiting for you at the desk.
3. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
I happened to stay at this hotel recently and liked how fast the kiosk check-in works. Like the Yotel, the kiosk asks you to insert your credit card, similar to an airport terminal. The whole process took about three minutes, when I left, I was equally impressed-with the fast check-out. An agent meets you in the lobby with an ipad and asks for an email to use for a receipt. The big advantage: you never have to wait in line.
4. Radisson: LaCrosse
The Radisson is trying to make the kiosk process even faster. At a few selected hotels like the Radisson Lacrosse in Wisconsin, you use a mobile app to register and then receive a barcode by email or text. When you get the kiosk, you scan the barcode to get your key without any other steps required. It’s super fast. You can find this new check-in system at the Radisson hotels in Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Phoenix as well.
1. What does “infuriate” mean in the first paragraph?A.interest | B.anger | C.trouble | D.mislead |
A.Yotel New York and Marriott Detroit Airport |
B.Hyatt Regency Minneapolis and Radisson: Lacrosse |
C.Marriott Detroit Airport and Hyatt Regency Minneapolis |
D.Marriott Detroit Airport and Radisson: Lacrosse |
A.Yotel New York |
B.Hyatt Regency Minneapolis |
C.Radisson: Lacrosse |
D.Marriott Detroit Airport |
A.At Yotel New York, a robot will help you with all the check-in process |
B.With its check-in app, you may enter your room in Marriott without a key |
C.Hyatt Regency Minneapolis is close to an airport terminal. |
D.The barcode you receive from Radisson contributes to the fast check-in |
6 . There are three things you can watch forever: Instagram feeds, YouTube videos and water. Among them, water is definitely something no one argues about, and there are many unusual water attractions that you can find around the world.
Bangkok Floating Markets
There are many floating markets where goods are sold from boats. While modern markets are more popular, floating markets still are a huge attraction for local tourism. Any visitors can purchase local foods and traditional handcrafted (手工的) souvenirs. Bargaining is a part of experience. So, start low and get the price you are ready to pay.
Bregenzer Festspiele
The Bregenz Festival is held every year from July to August in Vorarlberg. It has the world’s largest stage on the water. The performances are different every year but they are usually united by one theme. The decorations are very impressive and are worth seeing.
Marina Bay Stadium
This stadium was built as a temporary solution while Singapore National Stadium was rebuilt. The stadium was used for the opening and closing ceremonies during 2010 Summer Youth Olympics. It was a floating platform where the Formula One Grand Prix event was successfully held.
Archipelago Cinema
Archipelago Cinema is probably one of the world’s most scenic open-air cinemas that floats in the middle of a lake. The cinema was designed by German architect Ole Scheeren, who built it using techniques popular among local people. This cinema stage was built specially for the film festival Film on the Rocks Yao Noi.
1. What is special about Bangkok Floating Markets?A.Local foods are free to taste. |
B.Visitors can make boats by themselves. |
C.Bargaining for a good price is an experience. |
D.Performances on water are impressive to see. |
A.Archipelago Cinema. | B.Marina Bay Stadium. |
C.Bregenzer Festspiele. | D.Bangkok Floating Markets. |
A.They both hold ceremonies every year. |
B.They both used local building techniques. |
C.They were both built for a special purpose. |
D.They both provide visitors with sports events. |
7 . Some interesting places in Barcelona
Barcelona is now Europe’s sixth most visited city. If you’ve never visited it before, a plan to go there is worth making because there’s so much to see. The following will definitely leave a deep impression on the first-timers in Barcelona.
Grab a fresh snack at La Boqueria Market
Barcelona’s biggest market is found right in the middle of the famous La Rambla. Its central location means that it’s always packed with people, so prepare to push your way through the stands! The selection and quality of ingredients are excellent. Grab a milk shake and get lost in the crowds.
Look down on the city from the majestic Park Guell
The mosaic-covered buildings of Park Guell have come to be the postcard photo of Barcelona! The park itself is remarkably beautiful and has one of the best views of the whole city. The best way to reach Park Guell from the city centre is to take Bus 24 from Placa Catalunya. Some areas of the park are free, while the best pats require you to buy a ticket.
Appreciate 4,000 original Picassos at the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum in Barcelona showcases one of the most extensive Picasso collections in the world, with a particular highlight on much of his early work. Picasso spent his adolescent years in Barcelona, and it is the place where he developed his artistic training. The Museum is located in the heart of the Old Town, in the very streets where the young Picasso lived his Barcelona life.
Take a tour of historic Camp Nou
The second biggest association football stadium in the world is home to one of the most historic clubs of all time. A tour at Camp Nou includes access to the Camp Nou Museum where you will be able to see 22 Liga and 4 Champions League trophies in the same room. Explore an area solely dedicated to Barcelona’s hero, Leo Messi.
1. What can you do at La Boqueria Market?A.Buy souvenirs for friends. | B.Enjoy freshly-made food. |
C.Meet the footballer, Messi. | D.Buy postcards in the market. |
A.Those who like beautiful scenery. | B.Those who like western paintings. |
C.Those who are interested in football. | D.Those eager to taste delicious food. |
A.To advertise for a grand park. | B.To attract more visitors to Barcelona. |
C.To introduce a famous artist Picasso. | D.To praise delicious snacks in Barcelona. |
8 . As well as hosting New Zealand’s largest and most populous city, the Auckland region features many attractive, diverse places.
Central Auckland
Central Auckland is a hub of urban delights set against beautiful coastal scenery. You can take a trip up the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. The adventurous can also try SkyJump-New Zealand’s highest base jump-or the incredible Sky Walk where you’ll walk around the outside of the Sky Tower for extraordinary sightseeing.
Rangitoto Island
Emerging unexpectedly from the sea some 600 years ago, Rangitoto, with its distinctive shape and superb location just off the coast, is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland volcanic field. The island is a favourite destination for hikers and day-trippers. Walk up to the top, and you can see the black lava caves on your way up and don’t forget to bring a torch to explore them with the kids.
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is a large island with a small population. For thousands of years, Bt has sheltered Auckland’s harbour from the continuous swells of the Pacific Ocean. The wilderness areas are home to several unique plant and bird species. Most amazingly, the community on the island is not using the public supplies of electricity, gas or water, but entirely relying on renewable solar power and collection of freshwater.
Waiheke Island
In landscape, lifestyle and experience, Waiheke is a world away. The three white sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic. If you’re a walker, explore the island’s tracks which wind along cliff tops and into cool native forests. At the eastern end of the island, a walkway leads you to a system of World War Il gun emplacements (炮台) and underground tunnels.
1. Which place does an extreme sports lover probably prefer?A.Central Auckland. | B.Rangitoto Island. |
C.Great Barrier Island. | D.Waiheke Island. |
A.Being located off the coast. | B.Being the least populated. |
C.Being home to endangered species. | D.Being energy self-sufficient. |
A.Black lava caves. | B.White sandy beaches. |
C.Hiking tracks. | D.War-related sites. |
9 . Do you feel a little bored with your daily work? How to relieve this kind of boredom? Actually, there are a wide range of exciting holidays waiting for you.
Trekking(徒步)tours
There are some trekking tours to some well-known places such as Machu Picchu or the Everest Base Camp Trek, as well as some nearer places to our home in the Highlands of Scotland. You don't need to be very sporty, just fairly fit. You'll have fun enjoying nature with a group of new friends. Some of the holidays include camping, so we'll transport the tents for you!
Polar expeditions
Take a journey to Antarctica or the northern Arctic;explore a land of wonderful wildlife. Our experts will explain everything about the two poles as you watch the penguins in Antarctica or whales and polar bears in the Arctic. There's no greater adventure than travelling to the ends of the earth.
Activity holidays
Our activity holidays are for people who love sports while enjoying natural beauty. We have a huge variety of water, snow or desert holidays. We'll take you diving in the Red Sea or white water rafting in Canada. If you prefer snow, you can try skiing or snowboarding in the Alps. For those who like warmer weather, we also have sand-boarding or camel safaris(游猎).
Cultural journeys
Our cultural journeys will help you discover ancient civilizations: India, Thailand, Egypt and many more. Visit temples, palaces and ancient ruins-just remember to bring your camera! Get to know local ways of life by exploring markets, trying foreign foods and meeting local people.
1. Which activity will you choose if you love taking adventures?A.Trekking tours. | B.Polar expeditions. | C.Activity holidays. | D.Cultural journeys. |
A.Egypt. | B.India. | C.Canada. | D.Thailand. |
A.Going camping. | B.Going skiing. | C.Enjoying nature. | D.Doing water sports. |
A new subway station in Moscow
According to Chen Zhuang, one of the designers, the style