WAYS OF HOLIDAY-MAKING

Modern life is impossible without travelling. To begin with most of us in big cities travel every day to our schools, offices and factories. For some people it is quite a trek to get from home to work. They go by underground or they take a taxi. From time to time we have to go to another city or country on business. Then after a year's work people go on holiday and they do not like to spend it at home.

Millions of people all over the world spend their holidays travel­ling. They may go abroad to see other countries and continents, modern cities and the ruins of ancient towns, they travel to enjoy picturesque places or just for a change of scene. It is always interesting to dis­cover new things, to see different ways of life, exotic locations, to meet local cuisine, to try different food, to listen to different musical rhythms.

Those who live in the country like to go to a big city and spend their time visiting museums and art galleries, looking at shop windows and dining at exotic restaurants, coming across some shops. City dwellers usually like a quiet holiday by the sea or in the mountains, with nothing to do but walk and bathe and lie in the sun.

If you are tired of your usual holiday routine, there are many things you can do to vary it, to plan a special holiday. Some take a certain amount of physical energy, but think of the good it will do you.

People say there's nothing to compare with a camping holiday. Per­sonally I think it's only for the young, who love the outdoors and look for action and adventure, and will make them appreciate home comforts. Be prepared for damp, mosquitoes, beetles and cow dung, which is never noticed until the following morning. This sort of holiday teaches the young how to survive, and strange enough they seem to enjoy it, finding great pleasure in making bonfires and cooking barbecues.

Bicycle holidays are an excellent way of taking exercise. Bear in mind that you are not a professional, and don't try to do more than thirty or forty miles a day. Keep to side roads wherever possible, and don't over­tire yourself.

A walking holiday, in good weather with a pleasant companion or two, will do you more good than any other. Select your shoes carefully. Your shoulder bag should contain a change of everything. Don’t forget the necessities: toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, a small first-aid kit, easy-to-clean clothes, maps and guide books.

The seaside is good for most people, but definitely bad for some. Take the sun and the sea gradually, and don't stay on the beach for too long. In fact, short holidays taken often probably do you more good than an an­nual long one. After the first week or two, you begin to get bored, sun­burnt, and lazy. It's a good idea to have a hobby or interest at the sea­side. Take a skin diving mask and see how many sorts of fish you can find. Walk along the beach collecting shells or interesting pebbles. On this sort of holiday you should be thoroughly relaxed, and soak in the sun and sea air, catching the glimpse of something unusual. There is nothing better for giving you vitality and energy to keep you going through the winter.

A winter holiday is probably even better for you than a summer one.

You need it more at that time of year. Once you learn to ski, you can go on doing to a very advanced age, as long as you don't do it too strenuously and break a leg. If this happens it will take a long time to heal and you may never be able to ski again.

There are many other things to do besides skiing. Skating is amusing, and not all that difficult to learn. You can walk on snowshoes, and the mountains are particularly lovely when you get away from the crowded ski slopes.

It is even easier to sunburn in the snow than on the beach, so be care­ful, but do get some sun - it will keep you healthier for the rest of the winter.

4. Find statements in the text you agree /disagree with.