In the past, people used to travel to foreign countries because they thought they would be different in many ways — the buildings, the food, the national dresses and so on. At present, however, one large city is similar (相似的) to another. They all have their Hilton or Sheraton Hotels everywhere. They all have their McDonald's, their KFCs and their Pizza Huts. Office buildings look the same everywhere, and most city centres are full of office buildings. And of course, people are driving the same brands (品牌) of Japanese or European cars.
Then why is the foreign travel more popular nowadays? What do tourists hope to experience in a foreign country that they cannot experience at home? The answer could be that people are very interested in the past. It is a nation's history and cultures that attract the tourists most. Most people travel overseas to find out what foreign countries' history and cultures used to be like, not what they are like today. Tourists visit different kinds of museums so that they can learn their history and cultures.
Every country also has its own beautiful places for tourists to visit. Their own special views would certainly attract tourists from other countries.
Finally, another attraction is its people. The culture of a country is not just its old buildings, its works of art or beautiful places, but also the people who live in it. This is why a country such as Thailand attracts millions of people. The tourists come mainly because of the friendliness of the people there. It is why the Pacific islands are also so popular. The friendly, smiling people make visitors feel welcome.
| What is the foreign travel for? | In the past | People traveledto see buildings, food and dresses which were not the same asof their own countries. |
| At present | However, one large city isanother. People travel to foreign countries to learn their history and cultures. People learn about foreign countries bytheir museums. Their special views also attract tourists from other countries. The culture of one country means a lot, not just its old buildings, its works of art, beautiful places, but also its. The friendliness of the people makes visitors feel welcome. |
