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Great July 4th Holiday Travel Destinations – Happy Birthday U.S.A!

June 19, 2012 No Comments

July 4th holiday travel plans?  Historically, the July 4th holiday is the start date of the summer vacation rush.  Time to visit National Parks, go see the biggest ball of twine, and dream of long, lazy summer days and cool summer nights.

I’m taking some inspiration directly from the history books. Since the United States will celebrate its 236th birthday, what better way to party but in some of the most historic places in the United States?

Boston, Massachusetts, where the American Revolution embers were lit was the site of the Boston Tea Party, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and Bunker Hill.  There are a ton of things to do in Boston from museums, to monuments, to the Freedom Trail – a 2.5 mile brick lined route through 16 significant historical Boston sites.  After a day of site-seeing, head on over to the 30th annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.  There’s no better way to celebrate the nation’s birthday than where it all began, viewing fireworks and listening to the 1812 Overture as played by the Boston Pops.

Washington D.C.  This would be a spectacular place to go and celebrate the United State’s birthday.  Tour all the landmarks, visit the White House, and feel the energy that emits from the excitement of Washington alone.  While there, attend the ultimate July 4th parade, the National Independence Day Parade.  There really is no better place to celebrate our nation’s independence than our capital.

If traveling to to the east coast isn’t in your plans, how about a trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. With four of the country’s most revered presidents as a backdrop to a spectacular fireworks display, you can bet a sense of pride will fill your chest.

In the mood for a foot-stomping, dancing, roaring good time for the 4th?  Look no further than New Orleans, LA. They know how to throw a party here, and and the July 4th celebration is just as elaborate as Mardi Gras.  The main event during  July 4th is the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza.  Tugboats and barges battle it out for the best fireworks show in the Delta.

Miami, Florida kicks off its July 4th celebrating with a swearing in ceremony for the country’s newest naturalized citizens.  Music, great food, and fun fill the streets of Miami and the surrounding area until dark when the fireworks begin.

Las Vegas, Nevada was recently poled as one of the cheapest vacation destinations.  With a ton of July 4th parties, and shows, you won’t miss the fireworks.  However, if you really want to catch some amazing pyrotechnics The Five Station Casinos’ properties will host the July 4th fireworks show.

Once you have decided where you might want to travel for July 4th, then comes the planning.  ParkSleepFly.com can assist you with planning your accommodations on both ends of your trip.  If you have an early morning flight, stay the night before at an airport hotel.  You will get a great night’s sleep, parking for your vehicle and a shuttle ride to your departure terminal.  All for one low price.  In fact, the cost of the park sleep and fly package alone may be less than parking at the airport!

We also have airport hotels at your destination, as well.  you get a great room at  a great price.  You even get shuttle service from the airport.  If you are meeting family, what a better way NOT to sleep on that lumpy couch in the den.  Book your hotel room and just smile and politely decline the offer of sleeping in the tent out in the backyard.

 

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Cinco De Mayo! The U.S. Holiday that isn’t.

April 30, 2012 No Comments

Cinco de Mayo – a day here in the United States that we tip the margarita glass to our south of the border neighbor, Mexico.  However, did you know that this holiday isn’t universally celebrated in Mexico?  It is regionally celebrated in the state of Puebla, as El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (The day of the Battle of Puebla).  It commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces on May 5, 1862.  It’s NOT (as some Americans believe) the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day.  That day is actually September 16.

However, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture with many parades, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and delicious food.  The observations in the United States began primarily by the Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the Civil War.  Upon hearing of the victory in Puebla, the Mexican miners in the gold country of California were so happy that they fired off rifle shots, fireworks, sang patriotic songs, etc.  Since then, Cinco de Mayo was celebrated continually in the United States, specifically California, and not as much in Mexico.

The holiday didn’t gain much popularity outside of California until the 1940s when the Chicano movement started to rise.  It continued to gain popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, but really gained acceptance in the 1980s when beer marketers began to promote Cinco de Mayo as a holiday.

Now, there are hundreds of celebrations ranging from huge music festivals to smaller observations.  Some of the best, and most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations are where the highest concentration of Mexican people live.  One of the very best is located in Denver, Colorado.  The festival, which lasts for two days attracts over 400,000 people and is full of Mexican music with regional, salsa, Christian, Tex-Mex, and ranchero.

Chicago, Illinois puts on a great celebration.  The festival includes a 5 mile race, the Cinco de Miler, music, food booths, cultural information, and a recently added “Cinco de Snoots” where pets and their owners can both partake the festivities.  There’s a huge listing for all the events for Chicago’s celebration here.

In San Francisco, CA, the Mission district goes all in for its celebration.  Cultural activities, Lucha Libre wrestlers, and a Mission Dolores tour top the list of things to do.

But, where better to celebrate Cinco de Mayo but in  Texas? Along the infamous San Antonio Riverwalk, Luminaria 2012 has been added which honors San Antonio’s artist communities. Be prepared for Mariachis, Tejano and Conjunto music plus cultural dances and food at the historic Market Square.  In San Marcos, TX, located in the Hill Country,  hosts the 38th annual festival known for its parade, Little Miss and Miss Cinco de Mayo pageants, music, and Folklorico dancers. There is also the state-wide Menudo Cook-Off which features a soup of tripe, hominy and chili which is cooked for hours and thought by many to be the elusive hangover cure!

Whether you are traveling to Cinco De Mayo festivities, or celebrating closer to home, choose ParkSleepFly.com for the start of your next adventure.  You can opt to stay the night before (or after) your flight.  You’ll receive airport parking for the duration of your trip, transportation to and from the airport terminal, as well as a night’s stay at an airport hotel.  You’ll arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready for the fiesta. After all, haven’t you always wanted to play the castanets in a Mariachi band?