Today the French celebrate la Fête Nationale known world-wide as Bastille Day

Across the US today you’ll find celebrations of the most important French national holiday, Bastille Day.   This date in 1789 the people of Paris stormed the Bastille prison. This began the violent overthrow of the monarchy which made way for a republic, and the beginning of a modern nation.   

The fact that it’s celebrated by many in the US recognizes the strong ties between the countries dating back France’s generous support of the American colonies in their revolution in 1776. 

Both countries celebrate their freedom with fireworks, food, picnics and parades. 

In the US hot dogs, corn on the cob, fried chicken and ice cream are associated with July 4 Independence Day festivities.  In France, the festive meals may include, saucisson sec, duck mousse, cheese, baguettes, tarts, crepes and croissants.  For more information food ideas check D’Artagnan’s list of what to eat on Bastille day.

For a delicious Bastille Day

Before you go: Check those dates (expiration dates that is)

Long before you pack your suitcase or schedule Uber or Lyft to take you to the airport, do a quick check of some dates that matter – expiration dates that is.   When do your bank/ATM card, credit cards and passport  expire? 

Don’t miss this step and find yourself standing at an ATM trying withdraw dollars, euros, Kenyan shillings, Icelandic krona or Peruvian sol only to discover that your card expired the day before.  Avoid the unhappy moment at the end of dinner when your credit card is denied because it expired a week ago.  No cash, no credit, no fun.

Even worse is being stopped at passport control because your passport expires too close to your departure (not arrival) from your destination.  Think about flying across the world to Belgium, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Rwanda (or any of the twenty plus countries listed in this guide:  https://www.uspassporthelpguide.com/six-months-validity-rule - to discover that there’s less than six months left on your passport and you can’t enter the country.   It happens – hopefully not to you.

Be a world wise traveler – Check those dates.