夏天是美国人旅游的好季节

　　It's summertime， and the livin' is easy. For many Americans， this is the season to travel. Why? Because school is out. Because the weather is great. And most of all， because we all deserve a break. When Americans take a break， they often head for their favorite vacation spot.

　　Throughout their history， Americans have been people on the move. The early immigrants had to travel to get to the New World. Once they arrived， they settled along the East Coast. But they weren't content to stay there. Explorers and traders journeyed to the unknown western territories. Later， settlers moved west to develop these new areas. As a result of this westward migration， Americans eventually occupied the whole continent-from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Even today， Americans seem unable to stay put. Research says that the average American moves every five years.

　　Besides their habit of changing addresses， Americans are used to traveling. Some people make long-distance commutes to work daily. Their jobs may even require them to take frequent business trips. Most companies provide an annual vacation for their employees， and people often use that time to travel. Some people just visit friends or relatives in distant states. Others go on low-budget weekend excursions and stay in economy motels. Those with more expensive tastes choose luxurious resorts and hotels. Camping out in the great outdoors appeals to adventurous types. Some travel in recreational vehicles (RVs) to camp out in comfort， while others "rough it" by sleeping in tents.

　　Most Americans prefer to travel within their nation's borders. Why? For one thing， it's cheaper than traveling abroad， and there's no language problem. But besides that， the vast American territory offers numerous tourist attractions. Nature lovers can enjoy beaches， mountains， canyons， lakes and a wealth of natural wonders. Major cities offer visitors a multitude of urban delights. The convenience of modern freeways， railways and airplanes makes travel in America as easy as pie.

　　Many American vacations are as unique as the people who take them. Families often plan their trips with the kids in mind. More and more "family friendly" vacation resorts offer special programs for children. History buffs seek out famous historical sites and museums. Environmentalists prefer "green vacations." These trips allow them to observe flora and fauna up-close without disturbing the sensitive balance of nature. Some people find sea cruises relaxing and refreshing. Others hit the water to go fishing， skiing or white-water rafting. Daring souls get the thrill of a lifetime on trekking expeditions and safaris in remote places from Africa to Asia.

　　Americans aren't the only people in the world who travel. International business， mass communication and jet airplanes have created a world of globetrotters. People all over the world enjoy going abroad to travel. And no matter where they live， people enjoy visiting scenic spots in their own country. But being on the go makes Americans what they are： people on the move. In America， almost every-body is a tourist sometime.

　　夏天到了，生活很惬意。对很多美国人来说，这是个旅游的季节，为什么?因为学校放假，因为天气很好，但最重要的是，休个假是我们所应得的。美国人休假时经常会去他们最喜欢的渡假地点。

　　纵观整个历史，美国人一直是个迁移的民族。早期的移民者必须长途跋涉才能抵达新大陆，他们一到达就沿着东岸定居，但却不满于长居那地，冒险家和商人旅行至未知的西部地区。稍后，移民者也向西迁移去开发这些新地区。由于向西迁移，美国人最后占据了整块新大陆——从大西洋到太平洋。即使到今天，美国人似乎仍然无法在一地久居。根据研究，美国人平均每五年要搬一次家。

　　除了搬家的习惯以外，美国人也很习惯旅行。有些人每天上下班得做长距离的通勤，工作上甚至经常需要因公旅行。大部分的公司每年会提供年假给员工，人们通常会利用这段时间去旅行。有些人去远一点的别州拜访朋友或亲戚，有些则在周末有个经济的小假期，并住在花费不高的旅馆里。品味较昂贵的人选择豪华的渡假地点和饭店;绝佳的户外露营则吸引冒险型的人。有些人开着旅行车出游，以舒适的方式露营;有些人则睡帐篷尝试野外生活。

　　大部分美国人比较喜欢在国内旅游，为什么呢?其中一个原因是，国内旅游比国外旅游便宜，也没有语言不通的问题。但除此原因以外，占地极广的美国国土提供了许多能吸引游客的地点。爱好大自然的人可以到海滩、山上、峡谷、湖泊和很多大自然奇景地区游览。大城市也提供给游客们很多都市型态的娱乐。现代高速公路、铁路和飞机使得在美国旅行很容易。

　　很多美国假期非常特别，和参与此种假期的人一样特别。全家出游时通常会将孩子考虑在内，有愈来愈多「适合全家出游」的渡假地点为孩子提供特别的活动。对历史有兴趣的人会找一些著名的历史据点和博物馆。有环保意识的人喜欢「环保假期」，这样的旅行使他们能近距离观察动植物，并且不会扰乱了大自然敏感的生态平衡。有些人觉得海上旅游能使心情放松并感到清爽，有些人则到水边钓鱼、滑水或泛舟。胆子大的人到亚洲和非洲去探险狩猎作长途旅行，享受一辈子难得一次的刺激。

　　美国人不是世上唯一爱旅行的人。国际企业、大众传播与喷射机创造了一个环游世界者的世纪。全世界的人都喜欢到海外旅游，不管住在那里，人们都喜欢去造访自己国家内风景优美的地区。不过好动的本性使美国人变成今天的模样：成为爱迁移的人。在美国，几乎每个人都有旅游的经验。