You probably considered skipping over this blog because you thought I was just going to lecture you on how to be a patriotic American this Independence Day.  Well, you’ll be glad you didn’t—because I have no intentions of doing that.

Instead, my mission with this blog will be to make you appear like the smartest, wittiest person at whatever Independence Day party (s) you go to.  Pretty rad, huh?  (I have no idea what that means, really).

Yes, in this blog you are going to learn all sorts of little known facts about Independence Day with which you can shock and awe your friends (or even make some new ones).  For example, did you know that:

• On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his beloved Abigail, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.  I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.” He got it wrong by two days.  He thought Independence Day would be celebrated on the day the Continental Congress signed the resolution of independence from England.  Rather, it has always been celebrated on the day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
• Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
• Calvin Coolidge, the Thirtieth President, was born on July 4^th, 1872, and thus was the only President to be born on Independence Day.
• Since 1916, Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City supposedly started as a way to settle a dispute among four immigrants as to who was the most patriotic.
• Held since 1785, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island is the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States
• Grilling up a hot dog or sausage for your July 4th barbecue this year?  Chances are better than 1 in 4 that it originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to 19.0 million hogs and pigs on March 1, 2011. This estimate represents more than one-fourth of the nation’s estimated total.

Well, that should get you through several barbeques this July 4^th.  After that, you are on your own.

Many of our Canadian readers will be heading to parades, fireworks, and outdoor celebrations this weekend in honor of Canada Day this Friday, July 1.

Canada Day marks the anniversary of Canada’s Constitution Act of 1867, which united Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada Province (now known as Ontario and Quebec) into a single country.  The Constitution Act provided Canada a substantial amount of independence, but it wasn’t until 1982 that Canada gained complete independence from the United Kingdom through the passage of the Canada Act.  It was that year that the holiday, which was formerly known as Dominion Day, was officially observed as Canada Day.

Wishing you all a safe and happy Canada Day!

Miles. Points. Credits. Name any industry and you’re bound to immediately think of countless loyalty programs associated with that sector. For the travel industry, all types of suppliers want you to enroll in their loyalty program not just because it can pay off for you, but because they want you to be motivated to pick their brand over the next one. When all other factors such as price match up, the brand you have a relationship with through a loyalty program will most likely win out. Who would want to turn down the opportunity to be rewarded for the travel you would do anyway?

Each program is different, most with a unique “currency” that enables you, the traveler, to rack up rewards, whether it is points to redeem at various retailers or miles to be used on your next trip. Most programs are free, while other exclusive programs charge an annual fee. If you have yet to attribute your name to a loyalty program in the travel industry, below are a few to consider. Keep in mind, your travel patterns and preferences will help determine what loyalty programs are best suited for you.

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AIR

Delta SkyMiles
Currency: Miles 

Delta SkyMiles celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year with more than 74 million members. Through SkyMiles, you earn miles based on how far you fly, not how many dollars you spend. Not only can you easily rack up miles, but as of January 1, 2011, these miles never expire. This new policy eliminating the mileage expiration sets this airline loyalty program apart from the rest!

www.delta.com/skymiles

Etihad Guest
Currency: Miles

Etihad Guest is the award-winning loyalty program for Etihad Airways. For the international traveler, this program is very appealing—it’s flexible, less restrictive and designed to meet the needs of all travelers. Etihad Guest members can enjoy instant rewards through the 1MileRemption feature, no blackout periods, anytime availability and Miles+Cash, which allows members to purchase flights with both miles and cash.

http://www.etihadguest.com/

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HOTEL

Carlson Hotels’ Club Carlson
Currency: Points

Carlson launched this new loyalty program only months ago, and it’s already impressing business and leisure travelers alike. Through Club Carlson, you can earn a faster free night without blackout dates at more than 1,000 participating hotels in nearly 80 countries and experience Elite Status after just 10 stays or 15 nights in a year. In addition, Club Carlson members can enjoy free Internet at all Radisson hotels worldwide and all Carlson hotels in North America.

http://www.clubcarlson.com/

InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards
Currency: Points

For six years running, IHG’s Priority Club Rewards program has been named the “Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World” by Global Traveler magazine. Readers participating in the survey cited the program’s flexibility, ease-of-use and wide variety of exclusive redemption options as appealing features. Through the Priority Club Rewards program, you can choose from 4,500 hotels worldwide, while also earning points or miles from more than 40 airlines, 10,000 restaurants and a wide selection of credit card partners. Where to start?

http://www.priorityclub.com/

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I am new to travel industry loyalty programs with only a few thousand miles to my name, but for you, Savvy Traveler readers, what’s the best deal you’ve taken advantage of using loyalty program points or miles? What are your favorite travel loyalty programs?

Ok, the weather is heating up and so is the competition for every deal you’re trying to land. Putting your best foot forward is key, even as travel budgets have gotten tight. So how do savvy business travelers get that fresh-as-a-daisy look even after a long flight arriving the day of the meeting? By grabbing a quick invigorating shower without ever leaving the airport grounds – that’s how.

For only $50, a fraction of the cost of a hotel room in most major U.S. cities, you can purchase a one day pass at many airline clubs that offer shower facilities.  American Airlines Admiral Clubs, Continental Presidents Clubs and Delta Sky Clubs, just to name a few, provide this service at many of their larger airport lounges.  You can purchase the one day pass on-line or directly from the clubs on the day of travel. You will also need a valid boarding pass (on any airline) as most clubs are within the secured area of the airport.

In Canada, Air Canada (AC) offers a one day option for their Maple Leaf Lounges if you are flying AC. The price of lounge entrance varies from $30-45 CAD depending on your fare type. You must purchase lounge access on-line up to 24 hours in advance of your flight. Lounge access may not be purchased at the airport.

For handy reference here’s a list of airports and the clubs that include showers. Check the airline website links below for specific club locations within each airport, hours of operation, additional amenities and other terms and conditions.

• Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (Delta Sky Club)
• Boston Logan International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club)
• Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club)
• Detroit Metro Airport (Delta Sky Club)
• Honolulu International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club)
• Houston Intercontinental Airport (Continental Presidents Club)
• Los Angeles International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club and Delta Sky Club)
• Miami International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club and Delta Sky Club)
• Montreal  Trudeau Airport (Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge)
• New York John F. Kennedy International (American Airlines Admiral Club and Delta Sky Club)
• New York/Newark Liberty Airport (Continental Presidents Club)
• Raleigh/Durham International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club)
• San Francisco International Airport (American Airlines Admiral Club)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge)
• Vancouver International Airport (Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge)

Air Canada

http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/maplelounges/access.html

American Airlines

http://www.aa.com/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/airportAmenities/AdmiralsLocations.jsp&v_locale=en_US&v_mobileUAFlag=AA

Continental Airlines

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/airport/lounge/locations/all.aspx

Delta Air Lines

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/airport_information/delta_sky_club/sky_club_locations/index.jsp

One of my favorite things about traveling is getting the opportunity to experience different cultures out on the road. Specifically, I love the unique foods that different regions have to offer.

I came across a great post on Fodor’s Travel Blog that details some specialties across different regions of the U.S. I thought the list was comprehensive, but might suggest one more addition. As a Minnesotan, I have to pay tribute to the Juicy Lucy!

What about you? Have you had any regional culinary discoveries? Or perhaps a hometown favorite?

Happy travels, and bon appetit!