旅游观光类 知识点题库

    The four theme parks below offer the most thrilling(刺激的)rides and attractions in the world.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

    Located(坐落)in Virginia, USA, this theme paprk has some of the highest-rated thrill rides in the world. The park's famous roller coasters include Apollo's Chariot, Alpengeist, Griffon, the Loch Ness Monster and Verbolten. The park also has thrilling water rides, rides for kids, other rides, shows, tours, animal exhibits and more. Divided into nine areas representing European countries, the park has won an award for the quality of its food.

Everland

    One of the world's most popular theme parks, Everland is located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do province, South Korea. The park has 40 thrill rides, including a world-famous wooden roller coaster, and many other attractions such as an hunting ride, a zoo, indoor and outdoor water parks, shows and more.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

    This Lancashire amusement park is one of the most visited theme parks in the United Kingdom. Among the park's 125 rides and attractions are the tallest and faster roller coaster in the U. K., a classic wooden roller coaster, a steel tower ride, the biggest indoor dark ride in the world, a host of rides for kids and more.

PortAventura World

    Located on Spain's Costa Daurada, this park is divided into six themed areas. Five areas represent different locations including Polynesia, Mexico, the American West, China and the Mediterrancan. The sixth and newest area has a Sesame Street theme. The park has many rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

    Shakespeare's Birthplace and Exhibition

    Henley Street, Strafford-Upon-Auon   Tel: 01789 204016

    Shakespeare's Birthplace Was the childhood home of William Shakespeare. Take a step back in time and see what life was like for the young Shakespeare growing up in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The house has been exactly furnished, and includes both original and copy items similar to those which would have been there in the house when Shakespeare was a boy. Beautiful painted cloths hang on the walls, brightly colored fabrics fill the rooms and his father's glove workshop has been recreated. At the back of the house is a beautiful garden containing many plants，herbs and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare's plays.

    The neighboring exhibition shows Shakespeare's life and focuses on many rare local items connected with him, as well as a copy of the first edition of his collected plays published in 1623.

    Limited disabled access

    Many restaurants close to Shakespeare's Birthplace

    Town center parking

    Gift shop

    Allow at least 45 minutes to visit the house and the exhibition

    An Italian company has created the world's first underwater farm. The station named Nemo's Garden consists of five biospheres(生物圈) fixed to the bottom of the sea off the coast of Savona, Italy. They're being used to grow strawberries, beans, garlic, and lettuce.

    “The main target of this project is to create other sources of plant production in areas where environmental conditions make it difficult to grow crops through traditional farming, including lack of fresh water, fertile soil, and extreme temperature changes,'' said project spokesperson Luca Gamberini.

    The five biospheres, currently floating between depths of 18 and 36 feet, are constantly watched by Ocean Reef Group —— a diving equipment company——from a control center on dry land. According to various news reports, the plants are watered by drips of water on the inner walls of the biospheres. With a constant temperature of 79 degrees day and night, and humidity(湿度) at around 83 percent, the conditions are ideal for plants to grow well. The high amount of carbon dioxide also encourages growth.

    Ocean Reef president Sergio Gamberini said he came up with the idea of growing plants underwater during a summer vacation in Italy. In his own words, he wanted to do something that's different and to show the beauty of the ocean. After two years of failed attempts, they finally were able to get these five biospheres working. Their success may lay the foundation for a new form of crop production that can be done without harming the environment.

    In fact, the biosphere seems to be attracting wildlife. Octopuses(章鱼) and endangered seahorses are taking shelter under the structure, while crabs(螃蟹) are climbing up the anchors and into the greenhouses. None of the creatures have damaged the plants so far. “It's so kind of science-fiction to see these two different forms of life interact,” Gamberini said.

    The four theme parks below offer the most thrilling(刺激的)rides and attractions in the world.

    Busch Gardens Williamsburg

    Located(坐落)in Virginia, USA, this theme paprk has some of the highest-rated thrill rides in the world. The park's famous roller coasters include Apollo's Chariot, Alpengeist, Griffon, the Loch Ness Monster and Verbolten. The park also has thrilling water rides, rides for kids, other rides, shows, tours, animal exhibits and more. Divided into nine areas representing European countries, the park has won an award for the quality of its food.

    Everland

    One of the world's most popular theme parks, Everland is located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do province, South Korea. The park has 40 thrill rides, including a world-famous wooden roller coaster, and many other attractions such as an hunting ride, a zoo, indoor and outdoor water parks, shows and more.

    Blackpool Pleasure Beach

    This Lancashire amusement park is one of the most visited theme parks in the United Kingdom. Among the park's 125 rides and attractions are the tallest and faster roller coaster in the U. K., a classic wooden roller coaster, a steel tower ride, the biggest indoor dark ride in the world, a host of rides for kids and more.

    PortAventura World

    Located on Spain's Costa Daurada, this park is divided into six themed areas. Five areas represent different locations including Polynesia, Mexico, the American West, China and the Mediterrancan. The sixth and newest area has a Sesame Street theme. The park has many rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

    Six million people visit Grand Canyon in the US every year. For the purpose of helping project Grand Canyon for your fellow visitors and future generations, please follow the guidelines below.

    Camping

    To protect the park, camping is allowed only within permitted campgrounds. Permits are required for overnight camping at the North Rim. Advance booking can be received by mail. Please write: Information Center, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.

    Fires

    Because of the extreme fire danger, campfires are not allowed except at Mather and Desert View campgrounds. Collection of firewood is not allowed either.

    Hiking（远足）

    Please stay on permitted paths. Otherwise you may destroy desert plants. Pack out what you pack in, so you leave no signs of your visit. It is important to keep in mind that you are in a national park where wildlife exists.

    Weather

    The weather at Grand Canyon can change very quickly. With so much rock, lightning(闪电) causes a particular danger during sudden summer storms These storms also frequently bring floods inside valleys, a danger to hikers. Watch the skies and check daily weather reports.

    Wildlife

    Do not feed park wildlife. There have been a few cases at Grand Canyon National Park where deer(鹿) were purposely shot because there are plastic bags that left them sick and weak. Hungry deer car be danger and have kicked and bitten visitors at Grand Canyon. Some other animals will also beg and bite. For your own safety and the well-being of the animals, please do not feed wildlife, no matter how gentle they may appear.

    Liverpool, my hometown, is a special city. It is so unique that in 2004 it became a World Heritage（遗产）Site.

    I recently returned to my home city and my first stop was at a museum on the River Mersey. Blanketed in mist（薄雾），Victorian architecture rose from the banks of the river, responded to the sounds of sea-birds, and appeared unbelievably charming. When I headed toward the centre, I found myself surrounded by buildings that mirror the best palaces of Europe. It is not hard to imagine why, on first seeing the city, most visitors would be overpowered by the beauty of the noble buildings, which are solid signs of Liverpool's history.

    As if to stress its cultural role, Liverpool has more museums and galleries than most cities in Britain. At Walker Art Gallery, I was told that it has the best collections of Victorian paintings in the world, and is the home of modern art in the north of England. However, culture is more than galleries. Liverpool offers many music events. As Britain's No. 1 music city, it has the biggest city music festival in Europe, and its musicians are famous all over the world. Liverpool is also well-known for its football and other sports events. Every year, the Mersey River Festival attracts thousands of visitors, making the city a place of wonder.

    As you would expect from such a city, there are restaurants serving food from around the world. When my trip was about to complete, I chose to rest my legs in Liverpool's famous Philharmonic pub（酒馆）. It is a monument to perfection, and a heritage attraction itself.

    Being a World Heritage Site, my home city is certainly a place of “outstanding universal value”. It is a treasure house with plenty of secrets for the world to explore.

阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。

    Actually, long-distance bicycle camping is one of the most pleasurable activities I have ever experienced.

    I generally sleep poorly at night, but in the woods on a tour, I sleep like a baby, falling asleep with the music of insects. In the morning, I am awakened by the cheeps of birds. I eat a snack before getting up, and then I quickly pack my sleeping bag, air mattress (垫), tent, and other things and get on with my road. I'm slower in the morning, having less speed but a greater desire to stop at pleasant spots and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Traveling by bike allows me to stop anywhere, such as grasslands, lakes, woods, and scenic spots. Near lunch, I find a small grocery and buy some bread, sandwiches and fruit. Then I will find a town park or other shady spots to wait out the high mid-day sun. In the afternoon, my speeds are higher, and I spend less time on stops. In the late afternoon, I start riding more slowly, and I start thinking about where I will stop. I finally find a place in the early evening, cook a simple meal and have a rest. As it starts to get dark, I put up my tent, crawl in and fall asleep.

    There are exciting times and difficult times as well. Visiting strange or famous places and accomplishing goals are always exciting to me. I meet and talk with interesting people along the way, sometimes other traveling cyclists. Appreciating beautiful views, meeting wild animals, and traveling up and down hills also. On the other hand, I may run into a rainy or hot spell(一段时间), have to repair my bike, or just find myself in a bad mood. The problems are infrequent and are easy to deal with. The pleasures remain in my mind for years.

阅读短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。

    Camping wild is a wonderful way to experience the natural world and, at its best, it makes little environmental influence. But with increasing numbers of people wanting to escape into the wilderness, it is becoming more and more important to camp unobtrusively（不引人注意地）and leave no mark.

    Wild camping is not permitted in many places, particularly in crowded lowland Britain. Wherever you are, find out about organizations responsible for managing wild spaces, and contact them to find out their policy on camping and shelter building. For example, it is fine to camp wild in remote parts of Scotland, but in England you must ask the landowner's permission, except in natural parks.

    Camping is about having relaxation, sleeping outdoors, experiencing bad weather, and making do without modern conveniences. A busy, fully-equipped campsite（野营地）seems to go against this, so seek out smaller, more remote places with easy access to open spaces and perhaps beaches. Better still, find a campsite with no road access: walking in makes a real adventure.

    Finding the right spot to camp is the first step to guaranteeing a good night's sleep. Choose a campsite with privacy and minimum（最小化的） influence on others and the environment. Try to use an area where people have obviously camped before rather than creating a new spot. When camping in woodland, avoid standing dead trees, which may fall on a windy night. Avoid animal runs and caves, and possible homes of biting insects. Make sure you have most protection on the windward side. If you make a fire, do so downwind of your shelter. Always consider what influence you might have on the natural world. Avoid damaging plants. A good campsite is found, not made—changing it should be unnecessary.

Where Is Spring Break

    Where is Spring Break going to be? The options are endless. Do you want to get your blood pumping from thrilling travels? Look no further! These tours and destinations will keep you on your toes all week long.

    Panama: This underrated destination is a little-known secret of the most travelers! Through this tour you'll get to hike, snorkel (浮潜) and explore all the best sights this beautiful country has to offer! Eight days tours for $ 250 / day.

    Canada: This diverse country is full of options. Explore the East of Canada and visit cities such as Montreal, Quebec or Toronto. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the Western part of the country with a Canadian Rockies Tour. During this twelve days tour you will hike a glacier to beautiful scenery and wander through postcard-worthy villages. Tours to Canada for $200 / day.

    Iceland: Check off one of the seven wonders of the world with a tour of the Northern Lights and Golden Circle. Spend seven days full of adventure like hiking glaciers, snowshoeing through Thingvellir National Park, relaxing in the Geysir Hot Springs and of course experiencing the glory of the Northern Lights! Seven days tours for $ 300 / day.

    South Africa: Discover the diverse culture and wildlife that makes up South Africa. Your tour plan includes a journey along the coast known as “Rainbow Nation.” Here you will enjoy beautiful scenery, a hunting travel through Addo Elephant National Park and the wildlife in Tsitsikarnma National Park. Nine days tours for $230 / day.

    The Terracotta Army Museum is one of the must-visit attractions for all travelers to China. The attraction is located in Xi'an, in west China's Shanxi Province.

    What's special?

    The terracotta Army is the buried army of Qin Shi Huang, an ancient Chinese emperor. These ancient sculptures were built and buried over two thousand years ago near the city of Xi'an. They were discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well looking for underground water. Over a thousand terracotta warriors and horses have been uncovered since then. Each warrior is made of clay (泥土). They are around two meters tall. The sculptures are so detailed that it is possible to guess the age, rank and personality of each one. None of the soldiers are the same.

    The best time to visit

    The Terracotta Army is an indoor attraction, which is not likely to be affected by weather, so it can be visited all year round.

    As the Terracotta Army Museum is one of the must-visit attractions in China, it is crowded most of the time. We advise our customers to avoid the following periods when the museum is particularly crowded:

    National Day holiday(October 1-7), when it is fully packed.

    Labour Day holiday(May 1-3)

    Weather in winter is dry, cold and the least comfortable, and it's also the worst season for air quality, but it's also low season.

    Travel style: private, group or independent?

    A private tour means a lot of flexibility and you will be well taken care of by a private guide and driver. The museum is crowded most of the time, but our guides know how to escape the crowds, and help our customers to enjoy more in the museum. See our 3-Day Terracotta Warriors Private Tour.

Going with a group you won't get lost, but i lacks flexibility and personal service.

    Travelling on your own you may meet a lot of trouble, such as wasting time on finding a taxi or public bus to the attraction, lining up for tickets, reading maps, making sense of Chinese signs, etc.

    Why do so many tourists come to Easter Island? Because it has world-famous stone statues (雕像) . These statues, whose likenesses look like humans with huge stone cylinders（柱状物）balancing on their heads like hats, have tourists coming from all over the world. The tourists come to see these works of ancient art carved by the early inhabitants of the island. They come to see the mystery that has puzzled historians for decades.

    Easter Island is located in a remote part Of the South Pacific Ocean about 2,300 miles west of Chile. Easter Island covers just 45 square miles and its Polynesian name is Rapa Nui.

    On Easter Sunday 1722, a Dutch explorer named Jacob Roggeveen was the first European to see Easter Island. The early Polynesians carved the statues within the holes of the volcano (火山) using only stone tools. Then they moved these huge statues to various destinations throughout the island. These 600 statues range in height from 10 to 40 feet. Some of them weigh as much as 50 tons. How could the early Polynesians lift hundreds of heavy statues out of the volcano? How did they move them across the island to their various locations? All of these questions, as well as many others, remain unanswered.

    The early islanders probably worshiped (崇拜) these eyeless giants until sometime around 1670. In 1680, a war broke out between two groups of islanders. The victors（胜利者）of the war and ancestors of the present inhabitants, broke down many of the statues. In most cases, they broke the necks of the statues.

    Now 15 of the statues on Easter Island have been repaired to their original positions on their stone platforms. Even today, using modern tools and machinery, putting up such large statues and balancing cylinders on top of their heads presents a challenging task.

    Welcome to the Miami Planetarium

    School Groups: $10.00 per person

    One free teacher admission per 10 students.

    Group rates apply to groups 15 or more.

    Click HERE to make a reservation online today!

    The Miami Planetarium (天文馆|) opened its doors to the public on November 4, 1966 and has entertained and educated children of all ages about astronomy and the wonders of the night sky ever since. The Planetarium houses a 65-foot diameter domed (圆顶状的) projection screen with 231 seats. At the heart of the Planetarium is a SPITZ “Space Transit Planetarium” star projector (放映机)， which is capable of accurately reproducing the stars and planets as seen from anywhere on Earth at any time during the year. Shows daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Unlike any other in South Florida, the Planetarium is a unique setting for bringing the stars and planets indoors in animated (动画) live star shows and music-filled laser light shows.

    The Weintraub Observatory (天文台) houses two powerful telescopes. Observatory hours are from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Look though the telescope to view the planets, the four moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulate and double stars.

    Deposit (定金): A $75 deposit must be received 10 days prior to the visit date to guarantee your visit.

    Cancellation Policy: The museum requires 48 hours advance notice prior to any cancellation or other changes to a reservation. Without prior notification (通告) the original total will be expected upon arrival.

    Payment Policy: The balance of the admission fee is due upon arrival at the museum on your visit day.

    Upon Arrival: The leading teacher should check in at the box office with payment for the correct head count of students, and teachers. Visitors should remain on the bus until a museum interpreters show you around the museum.

Museum Etiquette (规矩): We ask that all groups remain together and orderly. Teachers are asked to help maintain order with their groups. We reserve the right to refuse service to any group or individual not obeying the museum policies.

    Bus Procedures: The museum will provide parking for buses in our parking lot. Upon arrival, bus drivers will be directed by the museum staff to the appropriate places to park. It is recommended that buses remain on the spots throughout the group's entire museum visit.

    For more information & reservations call: (305)646-4222.

    St Moritz, the showiest of Switzerland's Alpine resorts (旅游胜地), is no ordinary ski town. It's responsible for winter tourism as we know it today. It was a small band of English holidaymakers that changed Switzerland forever. In 1864 a bet took place between hotelier Johannes Badrutt and the vacationers on a damp September evening in St Moritz. As they sat around the fire at the Engadiner Kulm Hotel, concerned about returning to the foggy London winter, the Swiss manager saw a golden opportunity.

    “You holiday here in summer,” he challenged them over a bottle of red wine. “Why not enjoy the mountains year-round? Winter is so pleasant that on fine days you can even walk without a jacket.” Attracted by the promise of clean skies against a backdrop of towering peaks, the Englishmen were pleased to accept it; up until then, St Moritz had been a modest hiking destination in July and August. But if Badrutt's promise proved false, the hotelier would pay for their journey and winter-long stay. How could they lose?

    Come mid-December, the group of men returned to Switzerland. Towards the end of their week-long journey, sitting on a horse-pulled sledge and wrapped head-to-toe in furs, they went through the 2,284m Julier Pass in southeastern Switzerland. But by the time of their arrival in St Moritz, the skies had cleared, they were sweating abundantly, and Badrutt, jacketless and with his shirt sleeves rolled up, was there to greet them.

    Of course, Badrutt won the bet. Word quickly spread throughout Britain about St Moritz's distinctive climate—dry and sunny with a high degree of snow certainty. Year-round tourism landed the Alpine town of St Moritz.

    That Badrutt almost single-handedly marketed this undeveloped winter wonderland is a little unbelievable. The first tourist office in Switzerland had been established in the same year as the bet. Other resorts like the ones in Davos and Grindelwald were also popping up then. The story of St Moritz is, in some ways, also a tale of social transformation. But what Badrutt did made the Swiss mountains accessible in a way that no one else had done before, so his role as pioneer cannot be downplayed.

    People who like travelling have their reasons. They believe that travelling can help them expand their field of view, especially in the geographical and historical sense. They also think that touring will give them more chances to enjoy different kinds of food and experience new things that would never be brought by other activities. But those who dislike travelling also have some reasons.

    Travelling, in my opinion, does more good than harm. Most importantly, it broadens  (使扩大) our mind. We can get in touch with other civilizations (文明), cultures, customs and ideas.

    Through history, most people travelled because of necessity (必要性)—not for pleasure. People travelled just in order to remain alive. They searched for food to eat or places to live in. They sometimes ran away from enemies. This is not to say that no one ever travelled just for the fun of it. In ancient times, for example, rich Romans travelled all the way to Greece to take part in the Olympic Games, and festivals. Of course, some people decided to travel just out of curiosity (好奇心). They wanted to find out what it looked like beyond the horizon (地平线). Also business travel has been going on for centuries. Traders could not only make money but also learn to speak several languages and be introduced to different cultures.

    So, travelling does enrich our mind and draw new ideas to us. There is no doubt that we can get much from it.

    If you're looking for travel or holiday shop or online travel agent, look no further. Book a flight, holiday, city break, hotel or car rental from our excellent travel section.

    Hotelopia

    www.hotelpoia.co.uk

    Hotelopia offers both business and leisure travelers accommodation from budget to five star at reduced rates at over 9,000 properties in more than 500 destinations in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.

    Haven Holidays

    www.havenholidays.com

    Haven Holidays offer a range of UK fun-filled family holidays and have 34 great Parks in some of your favorite locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

    Direct Holidays

    www.directholidays.co.uk

    If you're looking for late holiday deals or cheap holidays, then Direct Holidays is an ideal choice. Discount deals direct from the tour operator, meaning there's no middleman, so you get the right holiday for less money.

    Responsible Travel

    www.responsibletravel.com

Responsible Travel handpicks inspiring holidays from all over the globe. It helps local people to earn a fairer income from tourism, supports local conservation and ensures that any negative environmental impacts are reduced.

    Virgin Holidays

    www.virginholidays.co.uk

    Virgin Holidays offer holidays to mainland USA, Canada, the Caribbean, the Far East, South Africa, the Middle East, Indian Ocean, Mauritius, New Zealand and Australia. They also have a well-established ski programme.

    Plan on traveling around the USA? There are a number of outstanding websites that can make your American dream come true.

    www.101usaholidays.co.uk

    This is the latest offering that features 101 holiday ideas to the USA. It's a diverse selection, ranging from touring in the footsteps of Martin Luther King to a golfing break in Arizona and a cycling and wine-tasting trip in California's Napa Valley. Narrow down what you're looking for—whether by price, region, theme and who will be traveling—and then just the photos of the relevant holidays remain on view. It's a really clever design.

    //byways.org

    The National Scenic Byways Program covers 150 memorable roads. Some are natural scenic routes, such as Route 1 along the California coast. Others focus on history (such as Route 66) or man-made attractions (the Las Vegas Strip). For each, you're provided with a map telling the route's length and how long is allowed.

    www.oyster.com

    This is the best website for reviews of hotels in US cities and tourist sites. There are photos of each hotel. Importantly, these are not promotional photos provided by the hotels, but more honest and revealing ones taken by inspectors. From the 243 hotels reviewed in New York, you can narrow down what you are looking for by locations, facilities and styles, or just pick out a selection of the best.

    //seaworldparks.com

    for the majority of people. So turn to long-established //seaworldparks.com, giving big discounts on tickets, hotel and dining at SeaWorld.

Tromso：the Arctic's most cosmopolitan（国际的）city

    Tromso is a cosmopolitan place defined by pubs, a lively music scene and an events calendar that includes everything from traditional native festivals to the Arctic's largest pride celebration.

Mild temperatures and a 2-month-long night

    Tromso, about 70, 000 permanent residents, has relatively mild temperatures, which might help explain Tromso's current popularity as an Arctic destination. Like other places in the Arctic, Tromso experiences polar night, during which the sun never rises above the horizon. Polar night does have several hours of dark during the“daytime”, even on the shortest day of the year.

A gateway to the Arctic

    Some people come here to cross"the Arctic"off their life list. For domestic tourists as well as international visitors, the attractions include the chance to go skiing in the mountains right outside the city. If you aren't a ski-jumping fan, the city also has some of the world's northernmost professional sports activities for you to take part in, including a soccer team that plays in Norway's top league. Snowshoeing, dogsledding and winter hiking are also on the agenda.

One of Europe's coolest music destinations

    There are regular traditional music concerts in the Tromso Cathedral. The weekend-long Insomnia Festival takes place here each October and the DJ Music Festival each November. Though it began as（and remains） an electronic music festival, other genres （流派）from Norway and Europe are also represented.

Wintertime events and festivals

    After the sun returns in January, Tromso hosts Sami Week to celebrate the region's native people. Films, reindeer racing and other cultural events are part of the activities. The Arctic Pride takes place each November in Tromso, calling itself the Northernmost Pride Festival in the world. It features lectures, shows, a parade, parties and concerts.

    If you're planning on travelling, there are a few simple rules about how to make life easier both before and after your journey.

    First of all, always check and double-check departure (启程) time. It is amazing how few people really do this carefully. Once I arrived at the airport a few minutes after ten. My secretary had got the ticket for me and I thought she had said that the plane left at 10:50. When I arrived at the airport, the clerk at the departure desk told me that my flight was closed. Therefore, I had to wait three hours for the next one and missed an important meeting.

    The second rule is to remember that even in this age of credit cards, it is still important to have at least a little of the local currency (货币) with you when you arrive in a country. This can be necessary if you are flying to a place few tourists normally visit. A few years ago, I was sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I flew there from London via (经由) Dallas, with very little time to change planes in between. I arrived there at midnight and the bank at the airport was closed. The only way to get to my hotel was by taxi and because I had no dollars, I offered to pay in pounds instead. "Listen! I only take real money!" the driver said angrily. Luckily I was able to borrow a few dollars from a clerk at the hotel, but it was embarrassing (令人难堪的) .

    The third and last rule is to find out as much as you can about the weather at your destination before you leave. I feel sorry for some of my workmates who travel in heavy suits and raincoats in May, when it is still fairly cool in London or Manchester, to places like Athens, Rome or Madrid, where it is already beginning to get quite warm during the day.

Our guide was excellent! He walked us through all the local villages and took extra time at the end to enjoy a local dinner. He stayed with us longer than he was obliged (迫使) to and made this a fantastic experience.

Tour snapshot

Travel is all about the street food these days, and why not？It's fresh, fast, cheap and a great way to crack into the local scene. Join this Hanoi tour to source the best street eats from markets, food carts, street cafes and other hard-to-find-but-totally-worth-the-effort secret spots.

Highlights

Sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine just like the locals do—on the street

Stroll through hidden alleyways and bustling markets of Hanoi's charming old quarter

Learn more about Hanoi's unique food culture

Try local specialties with influences from French and Chinese cuisine

Take in a spectacular night view of Hoan Kiem lake from a secret cafe

Schedule details

Duration: 2.5 hours

Meeting point: Sacombank ATM Machine﹣No.1 Dong Xuan street (front entrance of Dong Xuan Market, Corner of Dong Xuan St with Cau Dong St)

Starting time: 5:00 PM

Ending point: Café Pho Co-11 Hang Gai St, Hoan Kiem

One summer my friend and I decided to go to Italy for a holiday and we decided to travel there without going through a travel agency. You know, you would be submerged (淹没) in crowds of tourists and lose lots of opportunities to get familiar with the country more closely. We started to think over our trip and managed to come up with a free tour of Italy.

The trip was not very long but it was still very impressive (印象深刻的). We look forward to going there again! Of course, we spent lots of time arranging (安排) the trip, but it was well worth it! Of course I was afraid that something would go wrong and I was especially anxious about my visa, but everything went quite smoothly in the end.

The most difficult part was getting a visa (签证) without an invitation. In the Italian consulate (领事馆), one must hand in some official papers proving that one has a hotel booked for oneself in order to get the visa. Then we had to solve the ticket problem. Airlines often sell cheap tickets and we bought ours far in advance. The next step was to book a hotel. We finally booked a hotel about 30km away from the heart of Rome and it was the perfect choice for our trip.

Every day we took a train that carried us to the heart of Rome. Our big house, which was surrounded by the forest, was a rare place for the fresh air and absolute silence, beautiful views, hospitable hosts, comfortable living conditions delighting us to no end. Besides this, we were very lucky that our mistress was a Russian. She gave us a lot of advice that was of great use. She told us what transport to choose and where the best places to go.

Don't be afraid to arrange your trip by yourself. It's not difficult! The only thing I'll say right now is that we really enjoyed traveling by ourselves. We walked with a map and a guide­book to wherever we wanted and we even met some of our fellow countrymen on the way just two or three times. So, if you're also planning a "single" trip, don't forget to take a Russian­Italian phrasebook as people in Italy prefer to speak in their native tongue.