Going Solo Is the Way to Go!

　　How do you usually travel? Do you go with a close friend or a group of friends? Do you join a tour group? Do you travel with your family? 　　Have you ever imagined “going solo”? In the mid 1990s, it was estimated that 9 million Americans were planning a summer vacation alone. Since then, the number of solo travelers has increased.
　　You may think that traveling alone would be scary or boring. Well, according to people who do it, that’s not exactly true. Solo travelers often have positive experiences: they make new friends, get to know themselves better, and can make their own schedule.
　　There are many different things you can do on a vacation alone. Some solo travelers use the time to learn or practice a sport such as golf, mountain climbing, or scuba diving. Others go and stay on a ranch and learn how to ride a horse. You can pretend to be a cowboy or cowgirl for a day!
　　You may not believe this, but some travelers like to study on their vacation. They even go to “vacation college” at a university or join a research team as a volunteer worker. It’s hard but satisfying work. You can “play scientist” for a week or two while you help someone with their project.
　　For solo travelers of different ages and genders, there are many travel options. There are tours for women only and for people over the age of 60. And, of course, there are trips for singles who are looking for romance. One company offers trips that focus on fine dining—there is time for sightseeing during the day and for sharing a delicious meal with new friends at night.
　　The next time you take a trip somewhere, why don’t you consider going solo?
　　Bon voyage!
Task 1（任务1）

1. What do you think the author is writing about?
　 a. The advantages of traveling alone.
　 b. Some memories of traveling alone.
　 c. The expense of traveling alone.
2. What topics does the author mention about solo travel?
　 a. The cost of solo travel.
　 b. The dangers of traveling alone.
　 c. Study vacations.
　 d. Using your vacation to learn a sport.
　 e. Packing for a trip alone.
　 f. Options for solo travelers.
3. Look at the topics you chose in 2. For each item, give examples from the reading.
　 a. Study vacations：

　 b. Using your vacation to learn a sport:

　 c. Options for solo travelers: