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The month of August has some great national holidays related to travel, and I love any good excuse to celebrate! So, here are some of my favorites this month that us travel enthusiasts can enjoy.
Celebrated annually on August 7th, National Lighthouse Day, was officially established by Congress in 1989. That year marked the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Lighthouse Act by President George Washington.
The act, passed on August 7, 1789, was the first public works act in the United States and authorized the federal government to build and maintain lighthouses, which were essential for the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation. The celebration of National Lighthouse Day honors these historic beacons and the vital role they played in guiding ships safely to shore.
If there's a lighthouse around, I'm going to see it! I think they are unique, and I love what they symbolize. A lighthouse provides a bright, guiding light that offers lost individuals a sense of direction, safety, and hope. In a Christian perspective, this beacon symbolizes Christ’s guidance and the promise of salvation.
There are about 700 lightshouses in the United States, each with its own unique story and scenic beauty. A couple of my favorites are right here in North Carolina's Outer Banks, such as the Bodie Island Lighthouse, with its iconic black-and-white stripes, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, known as America's tallest brick lighthouse.
Further south, the Hilton Head Lighthouse in South Carolina stands proudly over the harbor, offering stunning vistas of the coastline.
I love this picture of a beautiful little white lighthouse by itself, and I don't actually know the name of it. It wasn't one that I was able to go to the top of because I only saw it from a distance.
I captured this photo when I was in the Caribbean from the side of the ship, perfectly framed by a bird flying through my shot. It turned out great, but I really can't take the credit. That must've just been a blessing that Jesus gave me that day so that I could enjoy it and share it with others!
Even today, many lighthouses remain operational, serving as both navigational aids and cultural icons, drawing visitors with their historic charm and breathtaking views.
Cheap Flight Day, celebrated on August 23, is a relatively recent addition to the calendar. This unofficial holiday gained traction in the mid-2010s, promoted by travel experts and booking websites who noticed a trend: airline prices tend to drop around late August as the peak summer travel season winds down.
While there’s no official founder of Cheap Flight Day, the concept has been popularized by travel enthusiasts and industry insiders who saw an opportunity to help travelers save money as the summer ends and airlines begin offering discounts to fill seats.
The idea behind Cheap Flight Day is that airlines often start lowering their fares for flights in the fall and winter months around this time. However, it's important to note that the discounts aren’t necessarily for flights on August 23 itself. Instead, it's about snagging deals for future travel by booking on this date.
Prices can be lower as airlines shift from the high-demand summer period to the less busy fall season, making it a great time to purchase tickets for upcoming trips. While some deals can be found on this day, it's not a guarantee that every flight will be cheaper. Still do your research, compare prices, and use price alerts or booking tools to ensure they’re getting the best deal.
Participating in Cheap Flight Day is simple—just keep an eye out for deals as the date approaches. Some travel websites and airlines may even promote special offers specifically for the day, so it's worth signing up for newsletters or following travel blogs that track such discounts. It's also a good idea to plan ahead and have a flexible travel schedule, as this can increase your chances of finding a bargain.
While the holiday itself is more of a marketing push than a guaranteed savings day, it's still a fun and potentially rewarding way to celebrate the end of summer by planning your next adventure.
I can't even think about Waffle Day without thinking of Belgian waffles! As a travel enthusiast, it's so fun finding ways to bring a little bit of the world into everyday life. National Waffle Day, celebrated on August 24th, is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of Belgium's most beloved culinary treats—the Belgian waffle.
Belgian waffles are more than just a breakfast item! They’ve actually got quite a bit of Belgian history steeped in this culinary tradition. Originating in the Middle Ages, waffles in Belgium were initially simple flour cakes made by local craftsmen using cast iron plates. Over time, these waffles evolved into the delicious, golden treats we know today.
The modern Belgian waffle gained international fame during the 1964 New York World’s Fair, thanks to a Belgian named Maurice Vermersch. He introduced the "Brussels waffle," which was lighter, crispier, and had deeper pockets than its American counterparts. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, it became an instant hit.
Belgian waffles stand out due to their unique texture and flavor. They are made with a lighter batter, which gives them their airy interior, and are cooked at a higher temperature to achieve that perfect, crispy exterior. The deep pockets of a Belgian waffle are ideal for holding all kinds of toppings, from fresh strawberries to rich chocolate sauce.
In Belgium, waffles are enjoyed any time of the day. They are often served as street food, warm and freshly made, either plain or with a variety of toppings. The simplicity of the ingredients—flour, eggs, sugar, milk, and butter—combined with the artistry of the waffle iron, makes for a snack that is both humble and indulgent.
If you can’t be in Belgium on August 24th, don’t worry! You can still celebrate National Waffle Day in true Belgian style by making your own Belgian waffles at home. Get creative with your toppings—whether it’s fresh berries, whipped cream, Nutella, or a drizzle of Belgian chocolate, the options are endless.
National Park Service Founders Day is a special day for folks like me who love our national parks. Celebrated every year on August 25th, it marks the creation of the National Park Service in 1916. President Woodrow Wilson signed the act, which aimed to protect and preserve the natural beauty of America’s parks.
The goal was to preserve the natural beauty and historic sites of the United States for future generations and to ensure these wonders were managed and protected effectively. National Park Service Founders Day is a tribute to those early efforts and the ongoing mission to safeguard these incredible places.
How incredible to have such beautiful parks like Yellowstone and so many others in our own backyard?
I love visiting the national parks of other countries too! Places like Jökulsárlón in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, and Mount Cook in Aoraki, New Zealand easily stun visitors with their beautiful views.
The concept of the national park was first introduced in the United States. Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is widely recognized as the world's first national park.
Following the U.S. lead, Canada became the second country to establish a national park. Banff National Park, created in 1885, was Canada’s first national park and was established in the Canadian Rockies.
Today, national parks are seen around the world, with over 7,000 national parks spread across more than 100 countries. A couple of my favorites from other countries are in Iceland and New Zealand.
Jokusarlon Glacial Lagoon is truly out of this world!
Renowned for its dramatic beauty, Milford Sound is a fjord characterized by towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls that plunge into the waters. The fjord is surrounded by these beautiful steep, granite peaks, including the iconic Mitre Peak, which rises nearly 5,600 feet (1,700 meters) above the water.
