Taking off Travel blog

We’re nearly half way through the year and many of us have already experienced unseasonal summer like temperatures. (I’m not complaining, are you?) Here are some of the holidays and observances coming up in June.

June 1 – Tomorrow is the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. It’s also near the end of Hurricane Preparedness Week. It never hurts to be prepared, so check out our previous posts on Traveling To The Hurricane Belt? and Cruising During Hurricane Season.

June 2 – If you happen to be traveling to the UK at the start of June be prepared for royal fever as Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee – 60 years on the throne. Brits are getting an extended long weekend from June 2-5 and there will be lots of street parties.

June 5 – World Environment Day. Similar to Earth Day, this United Nations observance highlights the environment. This year’s theme is the green economy.

June 14 – Flag Day, marking the adoption of the US Flag. It’s a state holiday in Pennsylvania, but nowhere else. However, you can expect parades and lots of flags flying.

June 17 – Father’s Day, when it’s Dad’s turn to be in the spotlight. He may not get as many flowers as Moms do, but it’s still a very special family celebration.

June 19 – Juneteenth. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the US, though it was first observed in 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Texas was the first to make Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980 and now 41 states mark the day either as a holiday or an observance.

June 20 – First day of summer. It’s the start of the summer solstice – the longest day of the year.

Other June Observances

• Migraine Awareness Month
• LGBT Pride Month
• African-American Music Appreciation Month

What are you looking forward to in June?

Planning a trip this summer? Check out Park Ride Fly USA’s latestdiscount airport parking coupon for big savings on off airport parking.

It’s another April holiday but only for a few. While Bostonians know today as Marathon Monday, for other residents of Massachusetts and Maine, the third Monday in April is Patriot’s Day – a state holiday. Here are some interesting facts about Patriot’s Day.

1. Patriot’s Day commemorates the events that led eventually to American independence. The celebrations last throughout the weekend.
2. Massachusetts, Maine and much of the Eastern United States were British colonies until the late 18th century.
3. Maine was once part of Massachusetts.
4. Lexington and Concord were the locations for early battles in the American War of Independence.
5. The American Revolution started on April 19, 1775.
6. The American War of Independence or American Revolution was once known as the American Revolutionary War.
7. Although this date is officially listed as a holiday in Tennessee, it is not a public holiday there.
8. Although Patriot’s Day is a public holiday in those states, it is not a federal holiday.
9. Many people celebrate the day by re-enacting the historical battles that started the war. These take place at Lexington Green and the Old North Bridge.
10. One important feature of the re-enactment is a ride retracing the route of Paul Revere and William Dawes when they warned that the British were coming.
11. In Wisconsin, where the date is not a holiday, there is special education in schools about these events on April 19.
12. Patriots Day has been observed since the 18th century. In addition to battle re-enactments, flag raising and costume parades form part of the celebrations.

Looking for Patriot’s Day celebrations? Here’s a list of events planned for Patriot’s Day 2012.

Don’t forget about our airport parking coupon if when you fly into Massachusetts or Maine for Patriot’s Day.

Image: mcritz/Flickr