1. Why do a lot of letters come to the Italian city on Valentine's Day? 2. Why is it important to see the right bird on Valentine's Day? 3. What message can be sent with the flowers? 4. Why do some people give St Valentine's presents to their pets? 5. What is a different way to celebrate February 14? 6. How did the holiday get its name? 7. Why did a traditional St Valentine's box of sweets have the form of a heart? A. Tourism has become a popular activity. Indeed, nowadays people travel more, and further, than they used to. The main reasons for tourism are: recreation, leisure and business. When travelling for recreation, people want to escape their stressful daily routine and to relax. Beach holidays are an example of such tourism. Business trips involve going to a distant place in order to settle business issues. B. Whether on a business trip or on a honeymoon, people want to explore the place they are in. They go on excursions, try new activities like diving or mountain climbing and learn about the historical background of the place and its cultural peculiarities. Sometimes they find out amazing facts about people and places and about themselves too! In fact, when people travel, they broaden their horizons. C. A new branch of tourism is ecotourism. It involves visiting relatively untouched places in remote areas. Ecotourism is often misinterpreted as any form of tourism involving wildlife - but it's completely different from jungle tourism or safari. Eco-tourists are against disturbing the environment; even taking photos is not recommended. Take only memories and leave only footprints is a very popular slogan for them. D. By educational tourism, most people mean different versions of Learn and Travel Programmes for students. But it's not only for the young and brave. Lots of training and educational programmes for adults are offered in different corners of the world. Retired people participate in these programmes too. They gladly enroll on overseas courses ranging from gardening and design to computer skills and programming. E. If possible, consider means of transport other than the plane. Rapidly increasing numbers of flights have put the environment in danger. Planes pollute the air, which results in global warming. In fact, tourism is not harmless fun as many may think: new airports and tourist infrastructure, pollution and crowds of noisy tourists make wild animals migrate, which may decrease their population or even make them extinct. F. With all its benefits, travelling is still a very expensive activity and may not fit every budget. To reduce the costs, avoid travelling in high season when flight tickets and hotels are overpriced. Remember that, along with expensive destinations, there are less prestigious but even more

1. A lot of letters come to the Italian city on Valentine's Day because it is believed to be the city where St. Valentine, the patron saint of love and marriage, lived. People send letters to this city with love messages and requests for blessings on their relationships, hoping that their love will be reciprocated or strengthened. 2. It is important to see the right bird on Valentine's Day because in some cultures, seeing a certain bird on this day is considered a sign of good luck in love. For example, in some regions, spotting a dove or a pair of doves on Valentine's Day symbolizes peace and love in a relationship. This tradition is rooted in folklore and superstition surrounding birds as messengers of love. 3. The message sent with flowers on Valentine's Day often depends on the type and color of the flowers chosen. For example, red roses traditionally signify love and passion, while pink roses convey admiration and appreciation. A bouquet of mixed flowers can send a message of friendship and joy, while a single white rose can symbolize purity and new beginnings. Different flowers carry different meanings and emotions, allowing people to express their feelings through a thoughtful floral arrangement. 4. Some people give St. Valentine's presents to their pets as a way of showing love and affection to their beloved animals. Pets are often considered part of the family, and sharing the joy of Valentine's Day with them can strengthen the bond between the owner and the pet. It also reflects the idea of unconditional love and companionship that pets provide to their owners. 5. A different way to celebrate February 14, aside from the traditional romantic gestures, is to focus on self-love and self-care. Valentine's Day can be a day to treat yourself to something special, practice self-care routines, or spend quality time alone doing things that bring you happiness and relaxation. This alternative approach celebrates self-love and emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself emotionally and physically. 6. The holiday of Valentine's Day got its name from St. Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in ancient Rome. St. Valentine was known for performing secret marriages for soldiers against the emperor's orders and for his acts of kindness and love. Over time, he became associated with love and romance, leading to the celebration of Valentine's Day as a day of love and affection. 7. A traditional St. Valentine's box of sweets often has the form of a heart as a symbol of love and emotion. The heart shape has long been associated with love and passion in various cultures and traditions. By giving sweets in the shape of a heart on Valentine's Day, people express their affection and care for their loved ones, creating a sweet and romantic gesture to mark the celebration of love. **Note:** The text above provides explanations and cultural insights related to Valentine's Day and the associated traditions and symbols. If you require further details or have specific questions regarding any of the mentioned points, feel free to ask for more information.