Thursday, July 20, 2006

First Time Travel to the US

Your first trip to the US is not synonymous to being unprepared. You must know where to go and what to expect during the whole trip. May it be for leisure or for work reasons, being prepared and knowing what's in store may keep your stress levels to a minimum. A projection of calm and confidence may be your key to a no-hassle experience.

If you're the type who lives on an itinerary, then your US trip can get smoother with these tips from Immihelp.

Terrific Family Vacations

All work no play is not an easy life. Especially with family and friends, traveling around North America and beyond is a wonderful and exciting adventure.

WHAT'S BETTER than having a local to show you around when you're traveling? You get to discover hidden gems other tourists miss and get great tips on everything from where to find the best fried clams and chicken wings to how to find restaurants with babysitting services.

Think of Babycenter's survey results as your own personal guides to 50 great vacation spots — large and small — in the United States and beyond. They'll introduce you to places you may have never thought to visit — such as Pearland, TX, or Fort Madison, IA — and help you see popular spots like New York, Miami, and Chicago with a new eye.


Click on the links below to discover fun facts and new adventures in the U.S. and beyond!

The Northeast: Harbor cities and national heritage

The South: BBQ, beaches, and Dollywood

The Midwest/Rockies: Mountains, rivers, and Santa Claus

The Southwest: From sin city to sunny siestas

The West: Hollywood and coffee houses

International: Ancient adventures and paradise found

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

2006-2007 US Holidays and Popular Dates

Federal Legal Holidays 2006

• January 1, 2006: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 16, 2006: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 20, 2006: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 29, 2006: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2006: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 4, 2006: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 9, 2006: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 11, 2006: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 23, 2006: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2006: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Federal Legal Holidays 2007

• January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
• May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
• September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 11, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]

Extra federal legal holiday coming again in 2009 ...

January 20, 2009: Inauguration Day [after U.S. presidential election, held every 4 years]


Quick note regarding holidays listed above: the term (observed) means the day the holiday is celebrated. Usually the banks are closed, most government offices are closed, no mail delivery, stock market is closed, etc.; observed might not be the traditional or "real" date.

Be Aware if a federal legal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday ...
Most Federal, State, City, Postal and Bank employees take an extra day off work if a holiday falls on a saturday or sunday. When the holiday falls on sunday, they don't work on the following monday. When the holiday falls on saturday, they don't work on the preceding friday. This also means that usually on those days the banks are closed, most government offices are closed, no mail delivery, etc.


Additional Celebrated Dates, Holidays, Important Days

• February 2 [every year]: Groundhog Day
• February 12 [every year]: Lincoln's Birthday
• February 14 [every year]: St. Valentines Day
• February 22 [every year]: Washington's Birthday (traditional)
• March 17 [every year]: St. Patrick's Day
• April 1 [every year]: April Fool's Day
• April 14, 2006 [April 6, 2007]: Good Friday
• April 16, 2006 [April 8, 2007]: Easter Sunday
• April 22 [every year]: Earth Day
• April 26, 2006: Administrative Professionals Day (National Secretary's Day)
• May 5 [every year]: Cinco de Mayo
• May 14, 2006 [May 13, 2007]: Mother's Day [2nd sunday in May]
• May 20, 2006 [May 19, 2007]: Armed Forces Day [3rd saturday in May]
• June 14 [every year]: Flag Day
• June 18, 2006 [June 17, 2007]: Father's Day [3rd sunday in June]
• July 23, 2006 [July 22, 2007]: Parents' Day [4th Sunday in July]
• September 10, 2006 [Sept. 9, 2007]: Grandparents' Day [first sunday after Labor Day]
• September 16 [every year]: Stepfamily Day [reference page]
• September 17 [every year]: Citizenship Day
• Native American Day: 4th friday in September, celebrated (observed) many different days
• October 16 [every year]: Boss's Day (National Bosses Day)
• October 21, 2006 [Oct. 20, 2007]: Sweetest Day [3rd saturday in Oct]
• October 31 [every year]: Halloween
• November 7, 2006 [Nov. 6, 2007]: Election Day [first tuesday after first monday in Nov]
• November (TBA), 2006: Annual Great American Smokeout. stop smoking for one day, details
• December 16-23, 2006 [Dec. 5-12, 2007]: Chanukah/Hanukkah [info]
• December 26 - Jan 1 [every year]: Kwanzaa
• December 31 [every year]: New Year's Eve

• Daylight Savings Time STARTS: April 2, 2006 (set clocks ahead one hour)
• Daylight Savings Time ENDS: October 29, 2006 (set clocks back one hour)