Study this example conversation:

When we talk about a period of time that continues from the past until now, we use the present perfect (have been / have travelled etc.). Here, Dave and Jane are talking about the places Jane has visited in her life, which is a period that continues until now.

• Have you ever eaten caviar?
• We've never had a car.
• 'Have you read Hamlet?'  'No, I haven't read any of Shakespeare's plays.'
• Susan really loves that film. She's seen it eight times!
• What a boring film! It's the most boring film I've ever seen.

• I've never been to China. Have you been there?

In the following examples too, the speakers are talking about a period that continues until now (recently / in the last few days / so far / since breakfast etc.):

In the same way we use the present perfect with today / this evening / this year etc. when these periods are not finished at the time of speaking (see also Unit 14B):

We say: It's the (first) time something has happened. For example: