1 . New York City has many remarkable parks and open spaces that are perfect for hanging out in warm weather. Here are four of our favorite places to take a scenic walk, plus where to eat nearby.
Louis Valentino, Jr. Park
Don’t let all of the factories fool you — Louis Valentino, Jr. Park has the best view of the Statue of Liberty. When you get hungry, stop by Red Hook Lobster Pound for mayo-coated lobster (龙虾). Sit at one of the cafe’s first come, first served outdoor tables, or eat on the waterfront.
Riverside Park
Stretching 4 miles from 72nd to 158th St, Riverside Park is perfect for hanging out along the Hudson River, enjoying beautiful views of New Jersey. If walking the whole way isn’t your thing, there’s a bike path too. Daily Provisions offers fantastic sandwich choices, like juicy chicken and smoked bacon.
Central Park
There are many reasons to walk through Central Park this spring: historic landmarks, great bird watching spots, and hanging out with friends. And while these are enjoyable activities, they’re even better with a pastrami sandwich from Pastrami Queen.
Ridgewood Reservoir
At Ridgewood Reservoir, you’ll find an easy hiking spot with a peaceful nature preserve and skyline views of Manhattan. After hiking, head to Rolo’s for various sandwich options. It has outdoor tables but no heaters, so you can take everything to go if it’s too cold out.
1. What is the best spot for enjoying views of the Statue of Liberty?A.Louis Valentino, Jr. Park. | B.Ridgewood Reservoir. |
C.Riverside Park. | D.Central Park. |
A.It features a bike path for leisurely rides. |
B.It provides various sandwich options at Rolo’s. |
C.It is known for its iconic status and historic landmarks. |
D.It provides a scenic walk with options for bird watching. |
A.An online cooking advertisement. |
B.A local New York City travel guide. |
C.The lifestyle section of a local newspaper. |
D.An official tourism design for New York City. |
2 . Forget about “military-style ravel” during which people tend to visit as many places as possible in the least amount of time. A more relaxing and leisurely alternative, such as “Citywalk”, is becoming the norm among urban youngsters.
Unlike military-style travel, Citywalk is about wandering around a city on foot, feeling the atmosphere and finding unusual things that even a resident of the city might not have noticed before. It can be a special event where people start a journey led by tour guides or simply explore the streets.
Such walks generally avoid famous scenic spots and shopping centers, and take you to places where you can have real interactions with the local people, eat at small but authentic restaurants, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.
Citywalkers have shared their carefully planned routes on social media platforms, generating thousands of followers. Their posts usually include the duration of the walk, and interesting places and restaurants along the way. Some posts are more like a food tour.
Nan Xi, who recently moved from Beijing to Shanghai, said “I think Shanghai is a city perfect for Citywalk. There are big trees along the streets and shops selling different products, which is ideal for couples and friends to walk together and take photos.”
After several Citywalk experiences, she signed up for a two-and-a-half-hour Citywalk priced at 88 yuan per person. A tour guide narrated the history of the buildings and streets along the way. “If it were me walking alone, I would simply find the streets artistic, but the tour that day helped me gain a better understanding of how Western culture blends in with the local culture in Shanghai.” she said. Another surprising benefit of the walk was that she has made friends with two of her fellow walkers.
Lin Yi, a manager for an online platform for self-guided tours, thought Citywalk can help travelers learn about local culture and live as local people do, feeling the vibes of a city. “People who participate in Citywalks usually have similar tastes, and can have in-depth discussions with each other,” he said.
1. What is the main difference between military-style travel and Citywalk?A.The transport. | B.The cost. | C.The purpose. | D.The destination. |
A.Because it is a perfect place to run shops. |
B.Because it provides great experiences in many ways. |
C.Because there are great things to do at weekends. |
D.Because ideal couples and friends often gather there. |
A.She thought it well worth a try. |
B.She went on the tour without company. |
C.She wouldn’t have found the artistic streets by herself. |
D.She knew how Western culture differed from the local culture in Shanghai. |
A.Citywalk is a new trend in urban tourism. |
B.Citywalk can help travelers make new friends. |
C.Military-style travel is becoming more popular. |
D.Travelers choose Citywalk over military style to follow suit. |
3 . Floating Markets in Bangkok, Thailand
One might feel as though they are entering a different world upon visiting a Thai floating market. While some countries in Asia have their own floating markets, none compare to Thailand’s, and the special experience is one you cannot miss while visiting the country.
Long-tail boats, ancient and traditional houses, and shouting vendors (商贩) are the major elements of floating markets in Bangkok. They are excellent options for experiencing the unusual culture and life of Thailand. Here are the top 8 floating markets in Bangkok, where you can experience the chaotic and charming atmosphere.
Name | Distance from Downtown Bangkok | Open Times | Features |
Damnoen Saduak | 80 km (50 mi) | Every day from 7 a. m. to 5 p. m | Long-tail boat cruises, remote villages, plantations |
Amphawa | 90 km (55mi) | 11 a. m. to 9.30 p. m., Friday to Sunday | Thai food, little wooden houses, temples |
Wat Sai | 23 km (14 mi) | 8 a. m.-6 p. m., Tuesday-Saturday | A mixture of Chinese culture and Thai culture |
Taling Chan | 12 km (7 mi) | 8 a. m.-6 p. m., Saturday-Sunday | Temples, massages (按摩) on boats, foot massages under trees |
Bangkhla | 100km (60 mi) | 8 a. m.-6 p. m., Saturday-Sunday | Remote countryside, charm, biking |
Bang Nam Pheung | 20 km (12 mi) | 8: 30 a. m.-5p. m., Saturday-Sunday | Fruit, food, a nature sanctuary (避难所) |
Bang Phli | 38 km (24 mi) | 11 a. m.-5:30 p. m., Tuesday-Saturday | Oldest, historical buildings, temples |
Khlong Lat Mayom | 21 km (13 mi) | 7 a. m.-5p. m., Saturday—Sunday | Food, fruit, boat noodles |
1. Which floating market only opens on weekends with the shortest opening hours?
A.Taling Chan. | B.Bang Phli. |
C.Bang Nam Pheung. | D.Khlong Lat Mayom. |
A.Delicious Thai food. | B.Numerous temple buildings. |
C.Various massage services. | D.The traditional countryside life. |
A.It is influenced by Chinese cultural elements. |
B.Its number of open days in a week is the largest. |
C.It is the centre of cultural exchange around the world. |
D.It is a must-see tourist destination for Chinese tourists. |
4 . It’s time to put your worries aside and pack your bags for some of the top most relaxing places for holidays for 2024.
KosRelaxing holidays in Kos are all about blending soft sand beaches, sparkling water, lush green interiors, and history hunting. The coast is perfect for long leisurely walks on the beach, sunbathing in the Greek sunshine, and wallowing in the warm water. History buffs are in for a treat with some of the best historic architecture in Greece. Kos is home to abundant Roman ruins and a 15th-century castle that is ideal for an afternoon of exploring.
LanzaroteThe vast untouched landscape has made Lanzarote one of the most popular holiday destinations because it is truly somewhere you can relax in peace, with nothing but soft sandy beaches and the ideal water for first-time ocean swimmers. Family holidays to Lanzarote are as accommodating as parents could wish for, offering a host of fantastic family-friendly fun for all ages.
CorfuAs the greenest of the Greek islands, you’re in for a treat with over two million olive trees, rolling green hills, and pine forests that blanket the island in emerald beauty. Finding the perfect mix of history hunting, nature exploration, and relaxation is all within reach on a luxury Corfu holiday. The old towns, harbours, and traditional hostels will have you relax and enjoy the best of the Greek islands in no time.
RovinjFor a cultural holiday filled with exquisite architecture, national parks with untouched natural wonders, and long stretches of coastline, look no further than holidays in Rovinj. Located in the north of Croatia, Rovinj offers some of the best opportunities to explore the unique and moving culture. The town is home to narrow cobbled streets overlooking the ocean, with shops, galleries, and restaurants dotted throughout, bringing you the best of Croatia.
1. What can visitors do at Kos?A.Visit art galleries. | B.Enjoy family-friendly fun. |
C.Walk in national parks. | D.Admire historic architecture. |
A.Kos. | B.Lanzarote. |
C.Corfu. | D.Rovinj. |
A.They all have sea view. |
B.They all have old castles. |
C.They all belong to the same country. |
D.They all have untouched landscape. |
5 . Bright and early on the morning of our first full day in Antarctica, L’ Austral’s Captain Fabien’s voice woke us up as it came through a loudspeaker. If we looked outside right now, he said, we’d see a beautiful sea of icebergs in the golden sunlight. My sister and I jumped out of bed, staring in amazement as we sailed past giant pieces of ice. In the distance, we spotted a group of humpback whales feeding on smaller fishes. Next door, my parents were also waking up to the sights of a new day in Antarctica. Over breakfast, my sister and I excitedly told them about the whales we saw from our room that morning.
You might not immediately think of “family vacation” when talking about a trip to Antarctica, but tour companies like Adventures by Disney are changing that. The company offers guided group trips to destinations across all seven continents in the world.
Our adventure started when we flew to Buenos Aires and explored the beautiful Argentine capital for a day. After leaving Buenos Aires, we flew to Ushuaia on an Adventures by Disney plane. Then, it was the journey toward the Drake Passage. After a speedy Drake Passage crossing, we reached Antarctica early, adding a half day to our scheduled four days on and around the continent.
To those unfamiliar with Adventures by Disney, the fact that you can experience Antarctica — the most distant, extreme continent — with Disney might be surprising. During the trip, there were thoughtful acts, from stamped postcards to send from an Antarctica post office to a champagne (香槟) party on our final stop of the journey; Adventures by Disney truly thought of everything for us. Antarctica is a life-changing destination packed with experiences that can’t be copied. We experienced seasickness when travelling across the Drake Passage, hiked up ice hills alongside lovely animals, and had a taste of champagne. And honestly, it’s going to be hard for the next family trip we may take to compete.
1. How did the author and her sister feel when sailing past the icebergs?A.Frightened. | B.Confused. | C.Surprised. | D.Embarrassed. |
A.They flew to Ushuaia. |
B.They toured around Buenos Aires. |
C.They passed through the Drake Passage. |
D.They hiked up ice hills alongside lovely animals. |
A.The author might feel bad when crossing the Drake Passage. |
B.The author was the most impressed by the champagne party. |
C.The author believes that their next travel will be more thrilling. |
D.The author thought an Antarctica post office should be established. |
A.Exploring Antarctica — A Place with Various Animals |
B.An Antarctic Adventure for Scientific Research |
C.A Comfortable Travel Experience |
D.A Family’s Journey to Antarctica |
6 . Insider Flight Tips for Your Journey
Anyone can book a trip, but not everyone can plan an ultimate adventure that is affordable, accommodating and fun. At www. tripinsiders. org, we aim to provide you with the best insider secrets in the travel business. And on this website, we also offer a state-of-the-art travel comparison tool to make planning easier than ever. Here are some insider tips that we'd like to share with you about flights.
Look for Glitch (小故障) Fares
Online booking systems for airfare don’t come without a pricing mistake every once in a while. Follow deal-minded travel sites and blogs to learn about pricing mistakes that work in your favor. This is the most useful if you live near a major airport and have a flexible schedule.
Consider Alternate Airports
Some major cities have more than one airport, so make sure to check them all for the cheapest fares. For example, if you’re planning to visit the Bay Area of California, check for rates in both San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport.
Cross the Border by Land
Domestic flights are often cheaper than international ones, so if you live near a border and want to fly to a neighboring country, you can save by crossing the border by land and then catching a domestic flight. For example, Toronto residents may save by crossing the American border into Buffalo and then flying to another American city.
Use a Digital Luggage Scale
There’s nothing more frustrating than learning that your bag is too heavy to fly or that it’ll cost you extra when you arrive at the airport. Digital luggage scales are great for making sure that you’re not going over the baggage limit with your new souvenirs.
1. What is the main purpose of www.tripinsiders.org ?A.To recommend travel websites. | B.To fund the travel business. |
C.To advertise a travel agency. | D.To uncover travel business secrets. |
A.Selecting airports. | B.Flying the border. |
C.Carrying more baggage. | D.Having a fixed schedule. |
A.They cover all aspects of a trip. | B.They help travelers save money. |
C.They merely apply to businessmen. | D.They are only for Toronto residents. |
7 . How to choose a hiking trail (路径)
If you’re a keen hiker, chances are you have your favorite trails mostly because they’ re easy to reach and fit into your schedule. If you desire to set foot in hiking in depth, this guide may walk you through the steps of how to choose a hiking trail to your next great adventure.
Know what’s going to be underfoot.
For hikers, a thundering waterfull falling over a cliff can be a breathtaking climax to a forest hike.
A.Master your hiking equipment |
B.Even if they are worth visiting |
C.Check the total distance involved |
D.But if there’s a waymark you’re hoping to see |
E.It helps you decide between hiking shoes or boots |
F.Although not all hikes lead to a fantastic viewpoint |
G.Don’t rush into the journey without the investigations above |
8 . Four Powerful US National Parks
Glacier
Montana
The Crown of the Continent is a playground of peaks, lakes, hiking paths and, of course, glaciers. Twenty-five of the original 150 remain, and scientists warn they may begone by 2030. Don’t miss Going-to-the-Sun Road, with a stop at Logan Pass to stretch your legs on the 2. 8-mile Hidden Lake Overlook Trail.
Yosemite
California
Not only is Yosemite home to the world’s tallest granite monolith (花岗岩巨石), but also North America’s largest waterfall (Yosemite Falls). The park has many 3, 000-year-old giant sequoia trees, so it’s easy to see why this 1, 100-square-mile wilderness is Eden for nature lovers.
Grand Canyon
Arizona
The power of nature on display at the Grand Canyon both humbles and excites the park’s 5 million annual visitors. There are many heart-stopping overlooks on the South Rim, but don’t miss the descent (斜坡) into the mile-deep gorge (峡谷) for adventures on foot, by mule or in a white-water raft.
Denali
Alaska
Travel to this remote park, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2017, and mark two major items off your list: North America’s highest peak: 20, 310-foot Denali; and Alaska’s “big five”: moose, Dall sheep, caribou, wolves and grizzlies. See it all from the comfort of a bus tour, or explore 35. 5 miles of official hiking paths.
1. Which national park should you visit if you want to travel Going-to-the-Sun Road?A.Glacier. | B.Yosemite. | C.Grand Canyon. | D.Denali. |
A.Watch Alaska’s “big five”. | B.Explore the mile-deep gorge on foot. |
C.Hike on the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail. | D.Admire North America’s largest waterfall. |
A.In Montana. | B.In California. | C.In Arizona. | D.In Alaska. |
9 . Lonely Planet’s Top Places to Go in 2024
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. Let’s explore the top picks for travel destinations in 2024.
Top City: NairobiNairobi, the Kenyan capital, was chosen for its unique music and dance culture, and impressive local restaurants. Nairobi National Park, just a short drive out of the city’s central business district, is a must-see, where visitors can see over 400 species wandering the open grass plains while skyscrapers 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 2025 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” easing entry conditions for international travelers and improving public facilities, including a new $650 million airport.
Top Sustainable 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, such as old warehouses transformed into art studios, new eco-design hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants, without having to spend too much money.
1. What can people do in Nairobi National Park?A.See various wild animals. | B.Enjoy adventure activities. |
C.Taste local delicious dishes. | D.Appreciate musical performances. |
A.It is celebrating a special anniversary with various cultural events. |
B.It offers a unique blend of modern urban experiences and wilderness areas. |
C.It has implemented measures to protect natural habitats. |
D.It has simplified entry procedures and upgraded public services and infrastructure. |
A.Valencia, Spain. | B.The American Midwest. |
C.Donegal, Ireland. | D.Nairobi, Kenya. |
10 . Some people travel because they want to go to warm places for winter vacations or because they want to visit art museums in Europe. But other people travel simply because they have a passion for it.
Luisa Yu, a 79-year-old woman, fell in love with travel as a young girl in the province of Leyte in the Philippines when she watched movies. “I saw the beautiful scenery, the rivers and the mountains, and that fascinated me,” Yu said. “That’s why I always thought someday I would go to these places and travel.”
At 23, as an exchange student studying medical technologies in the US, Yu decided that she wanted to visit all of the countries in the world, but visa restrictions (限制) didn’t allow her to travel outside of the country.
It took Yu 15years to get her admission allowing her to travel internationally and there were times when she worked three jobs to save money to travel. She eventually took a part-time job as a travel agent, which gave her many more opportunities to travel to new places around the globe.
For the past 50 years, Yu has been visiting countries across the world, even some that are very difficult to get into. She has tried dog meat when she visited the DPRK, explored the beaches of Somalia, and even skydived in Dubai when she was 73. “Everyone said, ‘Don’t go to Somalia, that’s dangerous,’” Yu said. “If I want to go somewhere, nobody can stop me. I want to do everything.”
Yu achieved her goal to visit all of the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, in November 2023. To date, there have only been around 400 people who have set out to achieve this amazing cause.
Yu’s advice to people who love to travel is to just do it. “Don’t wait for anybody. If I keep on waiting, it will never happen, because the opportunity sometimes comes only once,” she said.
1. What inspired Luisa Yu’s passion for travel?A.The wonderful settings of the movies. | B.The desire to take a winter vacation abroad. |
C.The dream of visiting art museums in Europe. | D.The studying opportunities while taking trips. |
A.She searched for fortune through travel. | B.She longed to be a travel agent. |
C.She shot to fame by accident. | D.She was fond of challenges. |
A.Tough-minded and devoted. | B.Considerate and gifted. |
C.Humorous and knowledgeable. | D.Responsible and powerful. |
A.Meet Luisa Yu: One of 400 People Recognized by UN |
B.Follow Luisa Yu’s Example: Seeking Adventure on Traveling |
C.79-Year-Old Woman Has Traveled to 193 Countries Around the World |
D.Travel Agent Surprises the World with the Longest of Travel Experience |