Happy Fourth of July, Global Travelers!  This weekend, millions of Americans will celebrate the country’s independence the best way we know how — the traditional American cookout!

Whether you are hosting the festivities or its your neighbor or uncle (maybe his name is Sam!), everyone knows what to expect.  Pigs in a blanket, BBQ chicken, hamburgers, kabobs, Mom’s potato salad, American flag cake — mmm! Why do we love cookouts so much? In my opinion, cookouts seem to epitomize the American way.  We like things fast, easy, tasty and in large portions.  If Christmas were in July, would we barbecue in our backyards instead of trimming the tree?

Grilled food is one of my favorites.  But I could eat grilled food on any summer day as long as I can find a grill and someone to cook for me!  What I really love about the Fourth of July are the fireworks.  Something about everyone focused towards the sky, oohing-and-ahhing at these celebratory explosions makes me excited.  They also bring me back to my childhood.  I remember feeling overly enthusiastic watching dinky little fireworks while sitting on a blanket in the local baseball field.  Last year I enjoyed a spectacular show from the East River just above the Manhattan skyline. This year, in honor of Henry Hudson, the show is moving to the Hudson River. Nothing beats it — not even pigs in a blanket!

–Courtney Centeno, account executive