Four great mini adventures in the UK

Known – with a large pinch of salt and bundles of imagination – as the UK’s Galapagos, this small island off the coast of Devon has an abundance of wildlife to discover. The cliffs are home to scores of birds from puffins to kittiwake, razorbills and guillemots, the grassland harbours the Lundy pony and sika deer and the sea grey seals. It’s these aquatic mammals that offer the most memorable encounters. Renowned for getting up close and personal with snorkellers, they often rub human visitors with their noses (despite rules stating people should keep a distance!).

Nestled in the Elan Valley – an area dotted with reservoirs and woodland and known by very few – is a little bothy called Lluest Cwmbach. Recently refurbished by the volunteer-run and donation-funded Mountain Bothies Association (MBA), it offers a basic shelter from the elements comprising of sleeping platforms, a solid fuel tove(bring your own fuel), and even an outside toilet (a luxury for a bothy). As it’s far from the nearest towns and villages and their light pollution, it offers some of the best stargazing in Wales. Not bad for nothing – though note they are not bookable, so space is never guaranteed. Free, though joining the MBA (£25 a year) helps with the upkeep of these wonderful buildings, mountainbothies.org.uk

From the Mid Glamorgan town of Merthyr Tydfil a whole host of mountain bike routes lay in wait for the brave. There’s just one catch – the big Brecon peaks. For hard-core bikers that’s not an issue but for those new to muddy trails it can be off-putting. But Adventure Cycling Wales has the answer: let them worry about the ascent. They transport bike and rider to the top of the most epic routes and it is all downhill from there. From £35 including bike hire and lift to route start, adventurecyclingwales.co.uk

Built for the canoe slalom at London 2012, Lee Valley White Water Centre, just 17 miles from central London, now also offers mere mortals the chance to take to the rapids. With everything on offer from tasters of the full-on foaming course to tubing and family fun, it provides an adrenaline-packed day trip from the capital. Tasters from £25pp, must be 14+, gowhitewater.co.uk

We know that there is nothing worse than finding yourself caught in a strange place, disconnected from your loved ones. Here are a variety of travel tips that will help make your journey a safe and enjoyable one.

Plan ahead. There is no way to fully plan for the unexpected, but you can be prepared for it.【小题1】 If traveling on public transportation, make sure you know the route and the stops. Have a well-charged cell phone with you, or take a Mobile Power Pack. You can often save time and money by planning ahead.

Inform family/ friends of your travel plans. Make sure you have someone you can contact in case of emergency. If someone is meeting you at your destination, make sure they know exactly when your lane/ bus / train arrives.

【小题2】 Do you routinely take medicine? Are you traveling with a baby who needs milk powder? These are examples of things to carry with you at all times. If travel is delayed, it doesn't help YOU if these items are part of your checked baggage.

Take identification. It is important to have photo identification with you when you travel. Identification is required when purchasing bus and train tickets. 【小题3】

Check on prohibited items in advance. Visit the Transportation Security Agency's website (TSA) to check on what items are prohibited. 【小题4】 Better to leave it at home, since you will have to surrender (交出) the item in order to get through airport security.

Protect your money. Instead of carrying a lot of cash with you, use your card to pay. 【小题5】 Take some cash just in case, but don’t put all your cash in one place. Put some money in jackets, pockets and different bags. In case your wallet gets lost or stolen, you still have cash in other places.

The West Potomac Park in Washington, DC, lies just west of the National Mall. It is home to some of Washington’s most iconic (标志性) sites. But the park’s most famous attraction? Cherry blossoms.

Thousands of cherry trees bloom around the waters of the Tidal Basin (潮汐湖), which reflect the trees’ images. The basin was created in the late1800s to prevent the Potomac River from flooding. The original cherry trees were a gift from Japan. On March 26, 1912, more than 3, 000 cherry trees arrived in Washington. Most were planted around the Tidal Basin. But cherry trees were also planted near the Washington Monument and the White House.

Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the U. S. National Park Service, which maintains the West Potomac Park, helps protect the cherry trees. “This wonderful gift is over 100 years old now and, if you will, the gift keeps on giving. You can enjoy its beauty every year”.

The cherry blossoms also serve as a symbol of the beginning of springtime. Every year, Washington celebrates the arrival of spring with a two - week Cherry Blossom Festival. More than 1.5 million people from around the world visit the nation’s capital during the festival. They all hope to see the cherry trees at their “peak (高峰) bloom”,which lasts several days each year. Experts begin making peak bloom predictions in February. Visitors make their travel plans to Washington based on these predictions. Last year, officials correctly predicted the peak bloom six weeks in advance. But this year, unpredictable weather in March in Washington has made guessing it difficult. “Peak bloom” dates have changed many times.

The cherry blossoms have also become a worldwide symbol of Washington itself. BoWen moved to Washington from China seven years ago. He comes to the Cherry Blossom Festival. “It’s so famous. Everywhere you can see Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival, on like Twitter and Instagram.”