1 . Some beaches are perfect for relaxing, while others offer activities like hiking and water sports. Visit these beautiful beaches for an unforgettable vacation.
Cannon Beach
If your perfect beach vacation spot features postcard-worthy scenery and peace, look no further than Cannon Beach. In this Pacific Northwest town, you can even build a fire on the beach to relax beside while watching the sun set. When you need a break from the beach, grab a bike and head downtown to explore its art galleries, shops and restaurants.
Horseshoe Bay Beach
For a one-of-a-kind beach experience, head to Horseshoe Bay Beach on Bermuda’s South Shore. Known for its pink sand, this beach is a popular destination for families looking to play in the calm blue-green waters and build blush-colored sandcastles. Adventure seekers can also take part in the self-guided island bicycle tour or engage in exciting water sports.
Mohegan Bluffs
This beach is famous for its natural beauty. Upon arrival, pause to admire your surroundings and learn about its ties to the native people, their ancient traditions, and connection to the land, adding depth to your beach experience. Then, take the 141 steps down to the sand to sunbathe. After that, climb back up to visit the Southeast Light for an up-close view of its 18th-century lighthouse.
South Beach
This tropical district on Florida’s Atlantic Coast is world-renowned for its powdery white sand. Although technically part of the Miami Beach area, South Beach stands out due to its Art Deco architecture seen in everything from the beachfront lifeguard towers to the high-rise buildings along the famed Ocean Drive.
1. What similarity do Cannon Beach and Horseshoe Bay Beach share?A.The chance to cycle around. | B.Their lively artistic scene. |
C.The unique water sports. | D.Their distinctive sand color. |
A.Those seeking water sports. | B.Fans of modern lighthouses. |
C.Those interested in local culture. | D.Enthusiasts of mountain climbing. |
A.Its beach sand. | B.Its architectural style. |
C.Its ocean drive. | D.Its high-rise buildings. |
2 . The British coastline has a wild beauty in the colder months but still offers incredible wildlife, views and fresh air. Our guide looks at the best beaches to visit in the UK in the winter months.
Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex
If you’re visiting Brighton or Eastbourne, a winter walk along Cuckmere Haven beach and through Seven Sisters Country Park is a must. Here, brisk sea breezes refresh your mind and amazing beach and ocean provide the perfect setting for an open-air yoga session.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire
Robin Hood’s Bay is a hidden bit of history, with its raw cliffs, red-roofed cottages and unusual architecture. The beach itself is one of the UK’s best spots for fossil-hunting. Perfect to visit in the winter, you can enjoy a walk along the cliffs or beach to take in the historical village.
Embleton Bay, Northumberland
A beautiful long stretch of beach overlooked by the impressive ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton Bay is a perfect winter beach. On a clear cold morning the ruins can be seen perfectly from the beach and beach itself backs onto dunes (沙丘), famous for flowers, grasses and birds.
Charmouth, Dorset
There are few family pleasures as simple or as satisfying as finding fossils on the beach. It’s an outdoor experience perfect for children of all ages. There’s no better place to indulge a passion for fossils than the Jurassic coastline of Dorset and Devon. Now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s made up of 95 miles and 185 million years of prehistoric life.
1. Which beach best suits people who pursue a mind and body practice?A.Cuckmere Haven. | B.Robin Hood’s Bay. |
C.Embleton Bay. | D.Charmouth. |
A.They have beautiful cliffs. | B.They have historical villages. |
C.They are good fossil-hunting spots. | D.They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
A.A biography. | B.A travel brochure. |
C.An academic article. | D.An exhibition guide. |
3 . Las Vegas can offer a lot more than you expect. Here are the best guided tours to help visitors make the most of their Sin City getaway.
Big Bus Las Vegas—Open Top Night Tour
Admire the glittering lights down town on this evening double-decker bus tour. Along the drive, you’ll pass well-known buildings before hopping off to enjoy the free light shows on Fremont Street. Tour-takers praise the guides for their informative, friendly account.
Passengers can board the buses at the LINQ Promenade starting at 7 p. m. each evening.
Cowboy Trail Rides—Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride
When you need a break from the city life, put on a cowboy hat and boots for a sunset trail ride through Red Rock Canyon. On the ride, you’ll follow a guide through the picturesque desert landscape, watching for wildlife. Travelers warn that it can get chilly on the ride, so they advise wearing warm layers.
Trail Rides are offered Tuesday through Sunday.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters—Grand Celebration Tour
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters’ Grand Celebration tour offers bird’s-eye views of sought-after sights, like Eagle Point and Lake Mead. The tour also includes a Champagne picnic. The pilots and staff earn praise for their friendliness and professionalism.
There are several daily departure options.
Secret Food Tours—Las Vegas Strip
Every day Secret Food Tours take groups of 10 participants to five-star restaurants on the Strip to sample a variety of cooking delights, including pizza, chocolates and lobster. During the walking tour, highly praised guides teach tourgoers about the city’s food and culture. Travelers say the food on the tour is plentiful and tasty, but they warn that you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Tickets include all food tastings.
1. What can visitors do during the Open Top Night Tour?A.Admire paid light shows. |
B.Enjoy an evening double decker bus tour. |
C.Board buses on Fremont Street. |
D.Explore well-known buildings. |
A.Visitors can try a horseback ride. |
B.Visitors can enjoy views from high in the air. |
C.Visitors can have some food to taste. |
D.Visitors can learn about the history of Las Vegas. |
A.Secret Food Tours—Las Vegas Strip |
B.Big Bus Las Vegas—Open Top Night Tour |
C.Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters—Grand Celebration Tour |
D.Cowboy Trail Rides—Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride |
4 . What is sustainable travel? Traveling sustainably means being aware of the impact of tourism on the environment and following good practices to reduce the negative effects. Planet Earth has limited resources and mass tourism puts their existence at risk.
Let’s find out a few easy ways to travel in an eco-friendly way.
Stay in eco-friendly accommodations.
From renewable energy production to bio-architecture, eco-friendly accommodations focus on preserving the environment and have positive environmental effects.
Take public transportation.
Interaction with locals is one of the most rewarding things about sustainable travel and preserves traditions passed down from generation to generation. It is essential to respect traditions as they form the identity of the local community and create a sense of unity among people.
Say NO to single-use plastics.
Saying NO to single-use plastics reduces pollution. The production of plastics uses fossil fuels(化石燃料) and therefore releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
A.However, this is not all. |
B.Buy from and support local businesses. |
C.Respect the culture of local communities. |
D.Therefore, sustainable travel is a way to preserve nature. |
E.Traveling slow allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way. |
F.This practice helps reduce air pollution and improve traffic flow. |
G.In addition, numerous plastics end up in oceans every year, threatening sea life. |
5 . It should come as no surprise that England has some of the world’s most interesting attractions for literature lovers.
BathIn England’s West County, not far from the border with Wales, the beautiful Georgian town of Bath is a must- visit for fans. Some of the country’s most celebrated authors have lived here, including Mary Shelley. However, the town’s best-known former resident is Jane Austen, who spent five miserable yeas in the town. The Jane Austen Centre and its Regency Tea Room are among Bath’s most-visited attractions, and there is a 10-day festival held every September that honors the writer and her works.
LondonLondon has long been a favorite setting for English storytellers, and the capital city has appeared in countless stories and novels over the years. Sherlock Holmes had a flat on Baker Street in his crime-solving days. Charles Dickens is perhaps the best-known author of the lot, and there are dozens of Dickensian London tours available to literature lovers. Fleet Street makes an appearance in The Pickwick Papers and A Tale of Two Cities. Oliver Twist fans might remember that the Artful Dodger tricks young Oliver to reach Fagin’s den, located in Saffron Hill in Camden.
Stratford-upon-AvonThe birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon, has built an entire tourism industry around the Bard. Many of Shakespeare’s plays are set in faraway destinations such as Greece, Italy, Denmark and a make-believe island in the middle of the ocean. There are still plenty of attractions that fans won’t want to miss.
1. What takes place every September in Bath?A.A movie show. | B.A book exhibition. |
C.A festival to honor Jane Austen. | D.A tour to celebrate Mary Shelley’s birthday. |
A.Wales. | B.London. |
C.Bath. | D.Stratford-upon-Avon. |
A.Novel publishers. | B.Film producers. | C.History researchers. | D.Literature fans. |
6 . Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with its delicious food and big luxury (奢侈的) shopping malls. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the city without stretching your wallet. With good planning, you can enjoy many things in Hong Kong for free.
1. Go gallery hopping and marvel at beautiful artworks.Hong Kong is home to plenty of independent art galleries that exhibit works from various artists around the world. While galleries are spread across the city, we argue that the best place to go gallery hopping is around Central and Sheung Wan.
2. Get up-close with nature at one of the scenic hiking routes.Hong Kong is filled with thick greenery, mountains, and amazing natural landscapes. So, go hiking at any of the scenic routes the city has. For hiking beginners, the Peak trail is among the easiest and in the end, you’ll be treated to epic views of Victoria Harbour.
3. Step back in time at the traditional villagesHong Kong’s traditional villages have been serving as a time machine to showcase Hong Kong’s past. Among the best-reserved villages is Tsang Tai Uk. The original brick, timber, and granite materials are still well-maintained within the walls.
1. Who may find the Peak trail most appealing?A.Science fans. | B.Outdoor lovers. |
C.Water sports followers. | D.Gallery goers. |
A.Central and Sheung Wan | B.The Peak trail |
C.Tsang Tai UK | D.Dragon’s Back |
A.Travelers lacking experience. |
B.Travelers on a tight budget. |
C.Travelers into remote areas. |
D.Travelers seeking local cuisine. |
7 . What to taste in Kuala Lumpur 2024
Great restaurants in Kuala Lumpur offer a genuine global dining experience. Whether you are looking to enjoy hearty comfort food or some local delicacies (佳肴), the city’s dining scene satisfies all comers.
Cantaloupe
Situated about 20 minutes from downtown Malacca, it is a home-based eatery (餐馆) with about 10 tables manned by four operators. Unlike most restaurants, food is self-service here, with dishes placed on catering pans for customers to choose from. It serves traditional Malaysian dishes with distinct Chinese influences. You will find rice dumplings and chicken rendang among the offerings. It has two branches in the city. Their dishes sell out fast, so it’d be best to head there before lunch time.
Mum’s Place
Nothing brings more comfort than mom’s cooking. With recipes inspired by the owners’ mother, this restaurant brings you Nyonya dishes that are genuinely Malaysian. Lying in the district of Damansara Perdana, Mum’s Place is a neighbourhood restaurant with its main customers from residents nearby. Some of the best dishes include cencaru fish; devil curry chicken and beef rendang.
YumYum Restaurant
Situated in the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel, Yum Yum Restaurant is among the locals’ many favourite spots to dine at. It offers an interesting Nyonya and Thai food with Chinese influences that make them stand out. The classic dishes include sambal petai prawns, assam fish head and Yum Yum egg. It can get crowded here, so it’d be best to head there early or call ahead for reservations.
Troika Sky Dining
Offering fine dining, the amazing Troika Sky Dining undoubtedly stands out from the pack. Set on the 23rd floor of Tower B of The Troika, it goes without saying that the cloud-skimming views here are something else entirely. The food is what helps it stand out. It serves award-winning French, Italian, Greek, and Spanish food and adventurous menu of high-end pizzas and pasta.
1. What’s unique about Cantaloupe?A.It is a cafeteria. | B.It is a hotel-based eatery. |
C.It has a branch in the city. | D.It requires reservations in advance. |
A.Cantaloupe and Mum’s Palace. |
B.Cantaloupe and YumYum Restaurant. |
C.Mum’s Place and Troika Sky Dining. |
D.YumYum Restaurant and Troika Sky Dining. |
A.Help serve food. | B.Win an award. |
C.Play adventurous games. | D.Enjoy breathtaking views. |
8 . Hidden Gems: Underrated National Parks Worth Exploring
Many travelers flock to popular national parks like Yellowstone for their family vacations or adventurous getaways. However, there are some lesser-known gems that often go unnoticed despite their remarkable beauty and attractions.
Isle Royale National Park
Nestled in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale requires a bit of effort to reach, but the journey is rewarded with breathtaking scenery. Accessible only by daily ferries, this park sees far fewer visitors compared to larger destinations like Yellowstone. Hikers are treated to sightings of wildlife such as wolves along the park’s picturesque trails.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Situated 68 miles southwest of the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas is a secluded (偏僻的) island park accessible only by boat or plane. Despite its small size, it boasts rich history, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. At its center stands Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Covering over 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest in the entire U.S. park system. Remote and largely undeveloped, this park challenges visitors with limited access—only two roads lead into it. However, those who venture here are rewarded with a profound connection to nature unparalleled elsewhere.
Big Bend National Park
For travelers seeking a truly rugged (崎岖的) experience, Big Bend National Park is a must-visit destination. Renowned for its whitewater rafting, camping, and hiking opportunities, this park can be excessively hot during the summer months, deterring many tourists.
These hidden gems offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, making them worthy contenders for any adventurer's bucket list.
1. Why does Isle Royale National Park receive fewer visitors?A.It is located in a remote area and is difficult to reach. |
B.It lacks wildlife and natural landscapes. |
C.It has no historical or cultural significance. |
D.Its climate is extremely hot. |
A.Its white sand beaches. | B.Its ancient ruins. |
C.Its abundant marine life and coral reefs. | D.Its mountainous landscapes. |
A.Isle Royale National Park | B.Dry Tortugas National Park |
C.Big Bend National Park | D.Wrangell-St. Elias National Park |
9 . Would you take a trip if you couldn’t use your cellphone? A new tour company called Off the Grid is asking travellers to put their cellphones away and not even use them for photos. The company founder, Zach Beattie, is developing his business, using money he saved from a tech job at a mapping company. He’s hired guides for every trip but will help lead the first few himself.
The first trip is to Lisbon, Portugal, in July. It takes 7 to 10 days, with small groups of up to 16 people. Prices range from $1,500 to $1,650, including accommodations, meals and ground transportation. The plan includes at least three excursions (远足) and two social events, with an emphasis on unique experiences over bucket-list sightseeing. The tour also includes surfing lessons, yoga on the beach, a day of sailing and dinner with a local family.
“When you’re somewhere new, there’s a lot to see and a lot of cool and interesting people to meet,” Beattie said. “Your phone can distract (使分心) you.” The phone ban won’t be enforced quite as strictly as it seems at first glance. “We want it to be voluntary,” he said. “We’re not collecting phones and throwing them in a locked trunk. It’s held by you, but put in your pocket, and you state your intentions for the week, whether that’s checking your social media once or twice a day or a total blackout.”
Tour-goers also get a “dumbphone” without Internet access that’s loaded with numbers for group leaders and other participants, both for emergencies and to promote socializing. Participants may bring regular cameras, but Beattie is hiring a photographer for each tour so there will be plenty of photos to remember the trip. Once the trip is over, participants will have access to those photos for use in social media posts.
1. What can be learned about Zach Beattie?A.He set up his business at his own expense. |
B.He is always guiding every trip personally. |
C.He forbids tourists to take along cellphones. |
D.He used to earn his living in a tour company. |
A.The trip features sightseeing. |
B.Participants live in homestays. |
C.Air ticket is covered in the cost. |
D.Tourists experience water sports. |
A.Lock their phones in a trunk. |
B.Post their photos on social media. |
C.Free themselves from their phones. |
D.Shift their focus onto dumbphones. |
A.Take photos. | B.Access the Internet. |
C.Record the trip. | D.Contact group members. |
1. When did the museum reopen?
A.In 2004. | B.In 2008. | C.In 2012. |
A.“World View”. | B.“Moving Arena”. | C.“Life on Earth”. |
A.The interactive exhibit. | B.The periodical shows. | C.The expert talks. |