Despite reports to the contrary, people still believe in liberty, and the lovely lady above knows it. She hasn’t taken a day off since her makeover (When was that? I’m guessing longer ago than I think.). She also did some backpacking around France.

The Statue of Liberty is a neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor outside of New York City. She represents Libertas, who was the Roman goddess of freedom. The statue was a gift from France upon America’s independence from England.

She’s pretty big, but don’t worry, you can buy pocket-sized versions anywhere within a 20 mile radius.

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: tyger_lyllie

The argument could be made that Philadelphia is the birthplace of the America. It was here that the Declaration of Independence was written, signed and read in 1776, and the Constitution would later be drafted and signed in the same building. A trip to Philadelphia is a great way for kids (and adults who have been away from a classroom for decades) to learn more about how a handful of British colonies came to be the United States of America.

Carpenters’ Hall – The Very Beginning

Although many guidebooks will direct visitors to start their trip at Independence National Park, the events that took place there would not have been possible without the gatherings held in the middle of the night at Carpenter’s Hall. In this building, the would-be founders came together in secret to discuss things like liberty and treason, risking their lives to do so.

Independence Hall

Once you’ve gotten an appreciation for what was risked, it’s time to learn more about how and where our version of democracy came to be. Independence Hall is free to tour, but timed tickets must be picked up at the Independence Hall Visitors’ Center. The ticketed tour will take you through the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Although much of the furniture in the room has no historical significance other than looking like it belongs, you can see the chair in which General George Washington sat when he presided over the negotiations that would result in our Constitution.

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Washington, D.C. is home to numerous iconic attractions. You can’t go home without taking a picture of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and it’s practically unAmerican to visit without stopping at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Of course you’ll also get your photo taken in front of the White House, and everyone who’s ever been to D.C. has already told you to go to the Smithsonian museums. Your list of things to do and see in the capital is already long, but consider adding these overlooked attractions for a trip you’ll never forget.

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It’s been a long time, Internet, but I’m back with another rousing edition of Travel Around the Internet. Yes, rousing. Below you will find a collection of travel-related links that have been pulled by hand from the worlds of Twitter, search engines and my inbox. I know, it’s all so glamorous. And strangely gratifying.

Here’s the latest in Internet travel news:

More Americans are visiting Cuba (MSNBC)

International toilet etiquette (GloboTreks)

4 Tips for a great family vacation (BabyCenter)

Mating turtles shut down JFK — the airport, not the late president (CNN)

15 homemade meals you can take on an airplane (the Kitchn)

Top things to do in Anaheim instead of/in addition to Disneyland (CBS)

Countdown to meeting the astronauts (Astronaut Scholarship Foundation)

The SoWa Open Market is a great way stop in Boston (SoWa Open Market)

Getting ready for the beach or the 4th of July (JoeShopping)

Meet Mickey Mouse and get some exercise (Disney)

July discounts at GO Airport Express (Go Airport Express)

Tips to survive Carmageddon (Patch)

Top 10 American landmarks (Fodor’s)

Top 10 US boardwalks (National Geographic)

Great deals on Hawaiian airfare (Hawaiian Airlines)

And that’s it for this edition. If you want to be included in a future Travel Around the Internet please send your links to the editor (that’s me) at: vacations.blogeditor@uptake.com or tweet us on the Twitter!

Have a great 4th!