1 . Nobody likes waiting in long lines at amusement parks, especially when you are with babies. Disneyland or Disney World are known for their splendid rides, attractions and large crowds as well. The familiar result is that many guests have spent a lot of time just waiting in lines while visiting the theme parks, which annoys the majority.

Until recently, both parks made use of the FastPass system to keep guests moving. On certain rides, park-goers could obtain a ticket that allowed them to come back within a specific time window. At that point, they would wait on a special line for seating. As explained in a recent YouTube share, the system worked similarly to a real queue. Instead of waiting in line, guests could continue to explore the park and, most importantly for Disney, spend more money at shops and restaurants.

While the FastPass system became popular, usage ended during the recent pandemic（流行病）. With both the California and Florida theme parks operating at reduced visiting number, the space taken up by FastPass kiosks（售货亭）was instead used for socially distanced lines.

In its place, Disney has developed a new planning tool called Disney Genie. The online app, which became available in Disney World in October, allows guests to create a path for their visit. By using park data that's updated throughout the day, the app will help guests plan out their visit so that they can hit the rides and attractions that they want to in the most convenient way. Guests using the app pay an extra fee and get the option to book the next available time to ride select attractions.

3 . 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.

8 . As intros to backpacking go, this might be pushing it. At noon on a brilliant Tuesday in March, my 12-year-old son Kai and I are a mile and a half into a four-day, 27-mile walk through the Grand Canyon—his first backpacking trip—when he asks, “Are we almost to camp?, Um, no. Camp, at Hermit Creek, is seven miles and nearly 2,500 feet below, that will take us several more hours.

We are here largely because of a birthday note Kai wrote to me two years ago in which he declared, “You used to be a wild 10-year-old like me and now you’re a wild 53-year-old. We can do so many things together! I am excited for when I’m old enough for the Grand Canyon.”

There are, I suppose, dads who could resist that, just as there are fathers who would plan an experience-appropriate trip for their sons. I am neither, so here we are. Never mind that; aside from simply being 12, Kai has done almost nothing to physically prepare for this. Or that I haven’t backpacked for 13 years.

We go down a poorly maintained path off the canyon with twisty trees and twining bushes. Gradually the view broadens, the landscape in Vishnu fascinates Kai greatly. “This place is amazing,” he says. Nightfall in the canyon can be magical. Darkness surrounds us, pressed by cool air. Hearing the sound of a waterfall, we lie down to take in the stars. Twice I suggest we turn in. “Not yet,” Kai says. “This is too unbelievable.”

Wednesday, we travel three miles to Monument Creek, and hike a mile and 1,000 feet down to the Colorado River. The next morning a t 7:30 when we march out, I’m optimistic, and Kai sets a quick pace. Friday, we rise before dawn and are the first ones out of camp; for an hour we have the Bright Angel Trail and its soaring (高耸的) scenery to ourselves.

In that birthday card, Kai had also written, “Even when you’re 100, you will always be wild.” Nice. If I’m lucky enough to make it there, it looks like I’ll have company.

9 . How to Enjoy Your Holiday Alone

Spending a holiday alone can actually be more enjoyable than hanging out with other people.    1    . There are a few things you can do on your own to make your holiday season special this year.

Stay in your pajamas (睡衣) all day. If planning to spend the day at home, you don't need to bother with real pants. Put on your softest sweatpants or your comfortable robe and wander around the house while staying comfortable.

Sleep in. It's your holiday!     2    . You can enjoy the extra rest and return to your normal life feeling refreshed and energized.

    3    . Speaking of sleep, why not catch up on it in the afternoon? When the entire day is yours, you can use it how you please. If you're feeling tired, take a quick rest in your bed or on your couch.

You could also try doing simple yoga. Even 15 minutes can help you feel relaxed and centered.    4    .

Reach out to family and friends. If you want to see your loved ones but you can't be there in person, a quick phone call or a video chat will probably help.    5    . And then spend some time talking about your holiday traditions, even if you can't be together in person.

10 . Whether you’re travelling to the islands or the mountains of Thailand, you’re likely to spend at least one night in its capital city on the way. Bangkok might be noisy and polluted but it’s also an exciting city with plenty of things to see and do. Why not make it a longer stay?

Where to stay

The Khao San Road was a famous traveller spot even before Leonardo di Caprio’s character in the film The Beach stayed there. But it’s noisy, not very pretty and not very Thai. For something more authentic, Phra Kanong offers an alternative place to stay, with its fantastic street markets where everyday Bangkok people eat, work and live. It’s not as convenient for the main tourist sites, but it has a Skytrain station so you can be at the Grand Palace in 20 minutes.

How to get around

Bangkok’s traffic can be a nightmare. Sure, you can easily take a taxi – if you want to spend hours stuck in traffic jams – but there are two much better ways to get around the city. To explore the temples and historical sites, catch an express boat river taxi or a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya river and the canals. For the modern part of the city, the Skytrain is a fast, cheap way to travel from the river to the shopping malls and nightlife of Sukhumvit, and the famous Chatuchak street market.

Where to eat

The simple answer is: everywhere! Thai street food is among the best in the world, and for around $5 you can eat a filling and delicious meal. Some food stands have little plastic seats where you can sit and eat and they cook the same dish over and over, like fried chicken on rice or Pad Thai noodles. Head for Chinatown – Yaowarat Street – and choose whatever looks most interesting from the many excellent Chinese and Thai restaurants and food stands.