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Most people celebrate Memorial Day as the official, “unofficial” start of summer. There are backyard barbeques, beach trips and the long-awaited for road trips that take place, as well. However, the real start of summer is actually June 20th.

 
For many busy people, there wasn’t the chance to celebrate and embrace the idea of the beginning of summer back at the end of May. The weather may have still been cloudy and damp depending on where they live. So, now there’s no running or hiding and no excuses about being too busy. Summer is upon is and it will be officially here.

 
What is Summer Solstice?

 
Factually, summer solstice is the longest day of the year. For celebratory reasons, summer solstice is the day where we can bask in the sun the longest, ride the waves the most and enjoy all of the summery delights we’ve waited so long for to arrive.
A whole 12 hours of summer fun to enjoy. Now, that’s something worth celebrating. Wintertime is full of wet, snowy and icy weather. Springtime can be damp and rainy, but summer is short and oh so sweet. That’s why summer solstice is celebrated so much.
No matter what state you live in, there’s bound to be a summer solstice celebration somewhere whether in the form of a musical festival or even a planned trip to the gorgeous isles of Puerto Rico. What better place than that to celebrate the summer sun.
Here are a few more summer fun festivals to celebrate your way from the beginning of summer solstice to the Labor Day weekend.

 
A New York Solstice

 
If you’ve ever been to Times Square in New York, you know it’s one of the busiest places in the states. Even if you haven’t visited, you know all about the hustle and bustle of it all.
Well, in the midst of all that hustle and bustle, you can join in on the summer solstice fun with Solstice in Times Square. Strike a pose – a yoga pose that is, and get ready to celebrate fun, summer, and the city that never sleeps. Find some Zen in the middle of the busiest place on earth.

 
Sand and Surf

 
If the hustle and bustle of a major city is not your style, then why not try your hand at sand sculpting. The Master Sand Sculpting Competition in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire is by invitation only is for the true artists of sand sculpting. You can enjoy dozens of festivities on the beach throughout the states:

• jazz festivals on the boardwalk
• concerts at the beach
• volleyball tournaments
• catamaran regattas
• arts and crafts festivals
• dance lessons on the boardwalk
• yoga on the beach

 
When it comes to reasons and ways to celebrate the longest day of the year and summer solstice on the beach, there is no shortage of ideas or activities anywhere.

 
Eat Your Way to Fun
Another great way to celebrate summer is with tradition. Every year, Nathan’s hosts its annual Fourth of July hotdog eating contest. Don’t worry if you’re not a participant in the contest, you can still get in on loads of fun. What better way to celebrate summer than to view a world-famous hotdog eating contest?

 
Take a Trip to Puerto Rico
Every year in June, the Festival of St. John the Baptist is celebrated in Puerto Rico. The patron saint of San Juan is loved and adored by thousands. You can watch a parade, dance your way through the streets or take part in the many cultural celebrations surrounding it.
For more info on the special day, check out this article from USA Today.
Whether you start your celebration on June 20th or throughout the summer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this special time of year.

In Spanish, May 5th is also known as Cinco de Mayo. Thousands of people all over the world celebrate this day in Mexican history. Some would even say that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the United States than it is in Mexico.
What is Cinco de Mayo? Cinco de Mayo commemorates an important day in Mexico’s history. It’s a day to remember the Battle of Puebla where they successfully kept the forces of the French army at bay. It certainly is a day for celebrating in Mexico, but here in the United States, it’s celebrated just about everywhere and in many ways, shapes and forms.
First things first on the 5th of May
If you’re like most folks, you headed out to grab yourself a tequila or two, but why not take some time to delve into the history and culture of the holiday in the first place. One of the best ways to celebrate the 5th of May is to get to know the history and culture of the holiday first, and then go out and celebrate.
Do: Eat, drink, play
Learn the culture of Mexico. Learn about their strong bonds to family, the way they enjoy and celebrate life and the delectable foods they conjure up. Learn the language; a couple of Spanish words here and there and your Cinco de Mayo celebration could have been even better. Listen to some authentic Mexican music, find a mariachi band or learn the traditional folklorio dances of Mexico. Eat the foods of the Mexican culture; try an empanada or add a little heat to your food with a little chili powder or cumin.
Try an authentic Mexican drink other than a margarita or tequila. Try Horchata – a drink made from almonds, milk and rice, believe it or not; you can spike it up in many different way or enjoy a Micheladas. For more recipes on authentic Mexican mixers, check out this article here:
Recipes
Be: Responsible
If you’re going to drink on Cinco de Mayo (and let’s face it most people do), then do so responsibly. Just like any other holiday or celebration, drink responsibly. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patty’s Day or Cinco de Mayo, take a cab or use a designated driver.
Support: Local Mom and Pop Eateries
What better way to make a contribution to Mexican heritage than to eat out in an authentic Mexican eatery? Visit one of the local mom and pop eateries in your neighborhood and savor Mexican fare at its finest on the best day of the year to do so – Cinco de Mayo.

If you didn’t get the chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you can always take these things on at any given time of year. Eat, enjoy and savor all that the Mexican heritage has to offer any time of the year.

Ven a visitarnos el 12 de marzo para la Expo 2016 de Florida en el Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Rico en San Juan . La Expo Florida, ofrece la oportunidad de recibir información gratuita sobre cómo avanzar con éxito a la Florida . Cada año miles de puertorriqueños se trasladan a Florida en la esperanza de un futuro más brillante . Esta exposición ofrecerá consejos sobre qué esperar , puntas móviles votos e incluso ofrecer oportunidades de trabajo . Las puertas están abiertas 09 a.m.-6 p.m. . Nos encontraremos en las cabinas # E004 & # D004 ! Estaremos encantados de darle a su más información sobre cómo llevar su vehículo con usted a su nuevo hogar en la Florida!

Just about anybody you ask will tell you they’ve dreamed about traveling around the world in some fantastical way or another. Maybe you want to see all the lighthouses of the world or visit the most remote jungles or maybe even backpack your way through Europe. Whatever your travel fantasy is, you’re not alone. Mostly everyone loves a good travel adventure. However, what about volunteer travel? Could it be right for you?

What better way to see the world and make a difference than through volunteer travel? What is volunteer travel? When you match your talents and skills with organizations that desire to make a difference, you can also get to see the world from a different point of view. What better way to see the world than to see it through the eyes of someone else?

A Sense of Purpose

When you travel to volunteer, you discover a sense of purpose. While anyone can write out a check, it takes someone special to travel abroad to make a difference, make a change, and make an impact. Chances are, you will travel abroad to make a difference somewhere only to come home and discover that you are different instead.

Most people that travel abroad say volunteer travel has changed their lives for the better and forever. They get to see how much they have, experience other cultures, and come home with a renewed sense of hope and purpose in their everyday lives.

Volunteer travel is not just a one-time excursion, it’s more like a life-changing experience.

A Sense of Community

When you are in the trenches of volunteering and making a difference, chances are you will connect with complete strangers in a way that you’ve not connected with anyone else; even people you’ve known all your life.

More than likely, you will have made friends for a lifetime when you volunteer travel. Why is that? Because when you surround yourself with like-minded people, you have an instant connection. Moreover, the experiences you will have will create memories of a lifetime which will be connected to those people you meet.

A Sense of Adventure

When you set out to travel to explore volunteer work, you might wind up helping out in an orphanage, or lending a hand to an environmental program. Whether you learn to speak Spanish in Peru, share your living space with a village in Fiji or do some environmental work in the depths of the Amazon jungle, there’s nothing to compare to the sense of adventure you’ll experience during your volunteer travel time.

There are so many benefits in volunteer traveling. You’ll get to learn different languages, taste different foods, and experience various cultures. Having volunteer travel on your resume is always an amazing benefit, as well. It can land you the job and make you stand out from the rest of the applicants. You’ll experience amazing growth in many areas of your life.

If you’ve ever wanted to see the world, learn and absorb as much culture as you can, grow an appreciation for your life and the lives of others, then travel volunteerism might be right for you.

Once all the planning and preparation for your trip to Puerto Rico is behind you, of course you are ready to enjoy your trip. However, you may want to consider buying travel insurance for your trip to Puerto Rico. Most travelers don’t give travel insurance a second thought, much less how to buy the right travel insurance for you and your family.

Evaluate Your Trip

Travelers visit Puerto Rico for many reasons:

• Business trip
• Family vacation
• Romantic getaway
• Girlfriend getaway
• Real estate ventures

Take a few minutes to evaluate your reason for taking a trip to Puerto Rico and see why travel insurance is right for you. If you are traveling with your family and need medical coverage, your medical insurance may not cover medical visits or, worse yet, medical emergencies.

If you are traveling because of business, what if something happens to your laptop? Is your employer going to cover the cost of replacing it or do you have to go through insurance? What about last-minute, unexpected trip cancellations? Chances are your homeowners and health insurance won’t cover your emergency situations. There are plenty of reasons to obtain travelers insurance and plenty of benefits to go along with them.

Once you understand how travel insurance can come in handy in so many scenarios, you can begin to get the right insurance for your needs.

Do a Compare and Contrast

There are plenty of companies that offer travel insurance that will suit your needs best. Of course, if you are using a travel agent or taking a cruise, offers to purchase travel insurance will be made to you. Do your homework and do a compare and contrast of several different insurance packages.

While some may be cheaper than others, you might also get a considerable amount less coverage. Look for a plan with higher insurance coverage. You don’t necessarily need to take out more than is reasonable, but a good and fair amount is a company that is willing to provide $1,000,000.00 in coverage. Of course, you can purchase more and the policy will cost you more as well. Again, it’s all according to your needs as an individual or as a family.

You are purchasing the insurance for a reason – to protect yourself- and you don’t want to skimp when doing so.

Check the Fine Print

Once you have a list of companies you are interested in purchasing your travel insurance from, check the fine print on the policies. Make certain that your definition of an emergency and the company’s definition are the same.

What if you need an air-lift because you were injured while hiking through the El Yunque Rain Forest? Is that covered as part of your emergency care?

Ask Pertinent Questions

• Is there coverage offered to fly you home in case of an emergency?
• Is dental covered?
• Does the insurance company help you and assist you in finding care?
• Are there specific exclusions and what are they?
• Do you offer coverage for electronics and what are the limitations?
• Are those electronics covered only for damage or is theft included in the policy as well?
• Are hotel bookings and other travel expenses covered over and above the cost of the flight?
• How many days before are you allowed to cancel a trip due to an emergency?
• Will you get assistance with needing emergency cash?

Check out Customer Service

A company is only as good as the customer service and support they provide. Are they friendly and helpful and more importantly, do they offer 24 hour, seven day a week services?

Consider going to an insurance broker rather than a travel agent or cruise line. If those companies become defunct what happens to your coverage while traveling?

While you may have never given travel insurance a second thought, these are all top ways to find the best coverage for you and your family for your trip to Puerto Rico.

Every traveler has their own personal travel style. Some like to over pack while others are perfectly happy with a backpack on their back. Other vacationers might love all the luxuries and amenities while more down-to-earth travelers enjoy roughing it. Then there is always the dilemma of whether or not to take one extended vacation or a bunch of short ones throughout the year to savor the moments.

What style traveler are you – long term vacation or weekend getaway? If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Rico, there are benefits to both styles.

Puerto Rico: Perfect for the Weekend Getaway

The great thing about being a weekender in Puerto Rico is how easy it is to get to. There’s no muss and no fuss and best of all no passport involved. Since it is a commonwealth of the United States, it’s easy breezy to get to; all you have to do is make your plans and several hours later you will have arrived.

What’s great about being a weekender in Puerto Rico? No matter what type of mood you are in, you can find it there. Are you looking to get away from it all and lay helpless on the sugar-sandy beaches for three days on end until you are replenished? Or do you want to get away from the monotony of home life and spice up your nights with a weekend in San Juan? No matter what you are looking for, Puerto Rico has it waiting for you.

If you need to escape for a romantic weekend, there’s no place better than the isle of Vieques where you can wander on the beach by day or stroll under the stars at night.

Have a Long-Term Relationship with Puerto Rico

If you tried island hopping or took several weekends to sneak away to Puerto Rico and are ready for something more long-term, there’s plenty to do and see. Puerto Rico, of course, has stretches and stretches of beaches – some are tranquil and others are perfect for water activities.

However, there is such an exciting mix of things to do and see in Puerto Rico like the lush, plush rain forest known as El Yunque where you can go for a hike thousands of feet above sea level or zip line your way through an adrenaline-raising course. You can venture out on a trip through the Santurce Art District where street art covers the buildings lining the street and where you can find the pulse of Puerto Rico’s music, art, and entertainment culture alive and beating.

Another benefit of going to Puerto Rico for a longer vacation is in being able to lounge all day and rejuvenate on many of the isles like Culebra where you will feel as though you are on a deserted island all to yourself and then at night, you can come to life in San Juan.

San Juan is a vibrant, upbeat city which truly showcases the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico in everything from its food to its music.

Longer vacations to Puerto Rico are perfect if you are experiencing loads of stress and need to get away from it all for a while. Extended periods of time in Puerto Rico have the magical ability to revive and rejuvenate the spirit, mind and body.

If you are burnt from stress at work or on overload as a caregiver, these longer vacations can prove medicinal. Shorter weekend getaways or great to give you a burst of renewed energy.

Either way, short weekend hop or long-term getaway, Puerto Rico has what it takes to soothe your soul.

Did you ever know someone who, at an early age, grabbed their backpack and threw it on their back as they made their way through Europe? Did you also think this lifestyle wasn’t for you? You can think again. Research and studies are showing those who travel might not be as outrageously bold as once thought of, but these travelers may simply be some of the happiest folks around.

Many shoppers believe that giving or receiving the perfect gift for the holidays will make them happy. However, did you know that some of the happiest people are happy because of their life experiences as opposed to their material possessions? Of course, a new car is awesome, but when that new car smell wears off and your car wears down, the feeling of satisfaction can fade too.

Traveling experiences, on the other hand offer a host of benefits that make your happy moments turn into your happy memories. Here’s a list why some of the happiest people are travelers.

Travel Experience

Whether you are applying to graduate school or applying for a new job, having travel on your resume shows a potential employer or university you have what it takes to survive “out there.” Travel experience speaks volumes about who you are as a person.

Your travel experience does not have to be a whirlwind tour of European countries; it could be as simple as hiking and camping throughout the United States. Either way, travel experience helps you make mistakes along the way and learn from them. Your travel mistakes turn into your life experience.

Exciting Conversation

If you are like most people, new situations or social gatherings are a bit intimidating. Did you ever go to a marketing event and worry about what to talk about when meeting new people? Anywhere you go, when you have travel experience under your belt, you have plenty to discuss.

When you relay your travel experiences, you create exciting conversations which, in turn, has an added benefit – you gain self-esteem. If you are a speaker or leader in your industry, you can relate almost any travel experience to a real-life experience that others can relate to, as well. Confidence gains momentum, causing other positive events to follow. Talking about your travels can give you an edge in the crowd.

Life Skills

As a traveler, you learn some valuable life skills. Some life skills while traveling, you learn the hard way – like whom to trust and not to trust. You also learn the most valuable tool there is – self-reliance. As a traveler to a new locale, you learn to adapt to the culture and the surroundings quickly and, as you do so, you learn how to rely on your own natural instincts.

Frequent travelers have an opportunity to gain another life skill known as resiliency. If you’ve ever traveled, you know how easy it is to get bumped from a flight or miss a connecting one. Unexpected weather and airport delays are another part of travel sometimes. However, the more you travel, the more you learn to bounce back from these incidences. You learn to take action instead of getting upset. You learn to find a Plan B when it seems like none exist.

The next time after experiencing a cancelled flight, you learn to look at surrounding airports and alternate flights before you travel. This way you have a backup plan.

Memories over Material Things

Material goods purchased given or received from the holidays are great when you first open them – part of the joy is in wondering what someone else bought you. Once you receive the gift however, it might seem like the fun is over.

When you travel and it’s time to come home, you don’t forget the experience of travel. Sure, you can buy yourself plenty of materialistic goods for the holiday, but a trip somewhere will leave you with a lasting gift – the gift of memories.

Sure, we’ve all heard the colorful descriptions of the azure waters of the Caribbean’s best destination, also known as Puerto Rico. You’ve probably seen your fair share of spectacular beaches, and you’ve probably spent a summer’s night somewhere at the water’s edge looking up at the stars too. No matter where you were, in your own backyard or on a tropical vacation, you’ve been dazzled by the spectacular light show of the sky. You may even be lucky enough to say you saw the aurora borealis.

Nothing compares to the reflection of the stars on the ocean on a balmy night. Imagine, though, being able to see a dazzling show of sparkling lights right in the ocean beaches only at night. This spectacular light show is called bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is one of the most dazzling phenomenon earth has to offer.

Micro-organisms in the water are busy at work during the night lighting up the ocean with their dazzling display. This is what creates bioluminescence. If you’ve never seen it before, it’s like nothing else you will ever see and indescribable.

Here is a list of some of the bioluminescent waters of the world.

San Juan Island, Washington

If you want to be part of the bioluminescent party, grab your kayak and start paddling your way through the North Bay shoreline. Here you will see liquid starlight sparkling in colors of blue and silver swirling through the waters as you make your way. Hang out in one of the coves for the best seat in the house.

Bioluminescent Bay, Puerto Rico

Along the south shores of Vieques lies one of the island’s most curious spectacle known as Mosquito Bay. This is one of the most vibrant and active bioluminescent bays for visiting. The organisms emit a bluish-green glowing light especially when they are disturbed. While there are a few bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico such as in Fajardo, Mosquito Bay is said to be the most vibrant, lit up bay there is.

Night time tours might take you through the bay down toward a lagoon where all the action is. As you paddle your kayak through the waters, the movement of both the kayak and the paddles through the water causes it to light up the night. Some describe it as other-worldly.

The Blue Grotto, Malta

There is a curious mix of ingredients that go into making the Blue Grotto such a dazzling spectacle. The water pounding against the cliffs, the caves, and the sun all make up the necessary parts of this spectacular natural sight.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to visit for many reasons – one of them being to see the spot where the film, Troy, was featured starring Brad Pitt, and another to dive there. The phosphorescent colors of the underwater life mix and mingle with the deepest of ocean blues to create a dazzling spectacle for visitors in the hundreds of thousands.

The Blue Tides of San Diego

While this is not something you can set your watch to, the blue tides of San Diego when they do occur are spectacular. Believe it or not, the algae in these waters give it a reddish tint during the day, but at night, the show begins. As the waves crash and the tide ebbs and flows, the algae converts to the brightest bluest color illuminating the sea.

Thousands of people will gather on the beach at night to try to catch a glimpse, snap a photo or take a video of this amazing spectacle of nature.

Toyama Bay Japan

While not caused by bioluminescent reasons, Toyama Bay Japan, is an amazing spectacle. Millions of tiny squid light up the bay every year as these squid come to breed. They are called firefly squid for a reason as they light up the waters like a million fireflies on a summer’s night.

You never know when you might find yourself in one of these locations and see a dazzling spectacle looking like millions of fireflies or the entire body of water glowing blue. Plenty of people chase plenty of passions from finding antique jewelry to ghost chasers. You never know, you might want to consider adding bioluminescent chasing to your bucket list.

No matter the season and no matter the reason, there’s a festival somewhere in Puerto Rico. If you’ve been to Puerto Rico and basked in the sun and played in the surf, then consider changing it up a bit and enjoying some of the best festivities in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico is steeped in tradition, history, and culture. If there’s a reason, there’s a celebration. There are festivals all the time in Puerto Rico, so chances are if you do go to visit you’ll bump right into one and get your festive on with the best of them.

The Winter Months

The Bacardi Artisan Fair – Typically every December, there is an artisan fair at the Bacardi Facility. More than 200 artisans showcase their crafts at this fair.

What to Expect

• Local artisans showing off traditional goods such as handmade lace or homemade candies
• Food, drink, music and fun
• Plenty of families

Festivals de las mascaras – As if Puerto Rico wasn’t exciting enough, the Festival of the Masks makes it even more so. There are plenty of colorful masks and costumes to celebrate this festival.

What to Expect

• Color masks and costumes; mask making
• Food, music, crafts, dancing

Three Kings Day – Of course, Christmas is a big event in Puerto Rico, but Three Kings Day is super special, as well. The Three Kings Day, also known as the Epiphany is one of – if not the most – important holiday in Puerto Rico. Instead of milk and cookies for Santa, children place hay in shoe boxes for the Three Kings horses and wait to receive presents in return. More often than not, these presents are a little more special in nature.

What to Expect

• Parades
• Parties in the park
• Festivals
• Food, drink, music and presents for the kids while everyone waits for the arrival of the Three Kings to come to town

Spring and Summer

Carnival – Carnival is the Caribbean’s take on Mardi Gras. It’s a week-long celebration that you leave you breathless. If you enjoy over-the-top celebrations, this one’s for you.

What to Expect

• Lots of lively music
• Flamboyant costumes
• Parades
• Plenty of glitz and glamor
• A lively bunch of celebrants

Danza – Just like the title sounds, it’s a celebration of dance. This is Puerto Rico’s celebration of the art of dance and dancers express themselves in this beautiful expressive art form created by the people of Ponce.

What to Expect

• Live performances
• Conferences
• The art of dance through graceful movement

Noche de San Juan Batista – In Puerto Rico, their culture and heritage is important and they celebrate with gusto. This is a week long festival in honor of their patron saint.

Fall for a Festival in Puerto Rico

Beside all the fall festivals, Puerto Rico also hosts High Fashion Week where the top level designers showcase their newest creations. And then there’s Catando y Picando food and wine festival (the name says it all).

In November it’s time to get ready to celebrate Discovery of Puerto Rico day. This is the day that started it all.

Puerto Rico is probably the most vibrant of all islands in the Caribbean. With so many festivities, there’s no wrong time to go and get your festive on.

Puerto Rico has so much rich culture and heritage. What makes Puerto Rico stand out from the rest of the Caribbean? The answer is its diversity. You can experience off-the-beaten path experiences or high-flying adventure on a zip line tour through the rain forest. There is history and culture, quiet, serene beaches and vibrant night life. Puerto Rico is one of those destinations that truly has it all.

• Old San Juan – there is something mysteriously charming about the history and culture of Old San Juan. By day, you can take in the charm of the cobblestone streets and the looming fortresses and by night you can surround yourself with the vibrant atmosphere of Puerto Rico and enjoy food, music and beverages of Puerto Rico.
• Ponce – looking to soak in some art and culture? The museums of Ponce are your ticket. Museo de Arte de Ponce is the best of all the Caribbean, and Museo de la Musica Puertorriquena will enchant the most enthusiastic museum lover
• Fajardo – Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Bioluminescent Bay and Coqui Water Park just to name a few things you can do there.
• Island Hop – Like to Island Hop? Visit Culebra, Vieques or Isla de Mona just to name a few.

Embrace a New Experience

When you think about Puerto Rico, it’s hard to imagine much else except those gorgeous beaches. Try something new:

• Explore a fortress
• Kayak on a bioluminescent bay
• Zip line through a forest
• Sip some rum on a factory tour
• Visit a cathedral
• Visit the Old San Juan Cemetery
• Swim with the fishes; never tried snorkeling or diving, now’s your chance
• Salsa the night away

Visit a Festival

If there’s one thing the people of Puerto Rico love to do it’s to celebrate. There are plenty of fairs and festivals you can join in on. The Sans Sabastian Festival alone is like one gigantic outdoor party. And then there’s Ponce Carnival which is one big Mardi Gras. Are you a foodie? Then you will love Saborea – the ultimate food festival.

If you’ve been to Puerto Rico and got your share of rest and relaxation and want more or even if you’ve never been there before, these top 6 ways will help you get the most from your Puerto Rican vacation.