美國文化習俗精粹 第6期:Travel 美國旅遊風尚
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.
夏天到了，生活很愜意。對很多美國人來說，這是個旅遊的季節，爲什麼？因爲學校放假，因爲天氣很好，但最重要的是，休個假是我們所應得的。美國人休假時經常會去他們最喜歡的渡假地點。
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.
縱觀整個歷史，美國人一直是個遷移的民族。早期的移民者必須長途跋涉才能抵達新大陸，他們一到達就沿着東岸定居，但卻不滿於長居那地，冒險家和商人旅行至未知的西部地區。稍後，移民者也向西遷移去開發這些新地區。由於向西遷移，美國人最後佔據了整塊新大陸——從大西洋到太平洋。即使到今天，美國人似乎仍然無法在一地久居。根據研究，美國人平均每五年要搬一次家。
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.
除了搬家的習慣以外，美國人也很習慣旅行。有些人每天上下班得做長距離的通勤，工作上甚至經常需要因公旅行。大部分的公司每年會提供年假給員工，人們通常會利用這段時間去旅行。有些人去遠一點的別州拜訪朋友或親戚，有些則在週末有個經濟的小假期，並住在花費不高的旅館裏。品味較昂貴的人選擇豪華的渡假地點和飯店；絕佳的戶外露營則吸引冒險型的人。有些人開着旅行車出遊，以舒適的方式露營；有些人則睡帳篷嘗試野外生活。
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.
大部分美國人比較喜歡在國內旅遊，爲什麼呢？其中一個原因是，國內旅遊比國外旅遊便宜，也沒有語言不通的問題。但除此原因以外，佔地極廣的美國國土提供了許多能吸引遊客的地點。愛好大自然的人可以到海灘、山上、峽谷、湖泊和很多大自然奇景地區遊覽。大城市也提供給遊客們很多都市型態的娛樂。現代高速公路、鐵路和飛機使得在美國旅行很容易。
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.
很多美國假期非常特別，和參與此種假期的人一樣特別。全家出遊時通常會將孩子考慮在內，有愈來愈多「適合全家出遊」的渡假地點爲孩子提供特別的活動。對歷史有興趣的人會找一些著名的歷史據點和博物館。有環保意識的人喜歡「環保假期」，這樣的旅行使他們能近距離觀察動植物，並且不會擾亂了大自然敏感的生態平衡。有些人覺得海上旅遊能使心情放鬆並感到清爽，有些人則到水邊釣魚、滑水或泛舟。膽子大的人到亞洲和非洲去探險狩獵作長途旅行，享受一輩子難得一次的刺激。
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.
美國人不是世上唯一愛旅行的人。國際企業、大衆傳播與噴射機創造了一個環遊世界者的世紀。全世界的人都喜歡到海外旅遊，不管住在那裏，人們都喜歡去造訪自己國家內風景優美的地區。不過好動的本性使美國人變成今天的模樣：成爲愛遷移的人。在美國，幾乎每個人都有旅遊的經驗。
