Father’s Day

Father's Day Travel Deals: Get Father's Day Cheap Flights

Father's Day is a celebration honouring fathers, celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.  Father's Day Cheap Flights  In many countries, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, though it is also celebrated widely on other days.

The modern version of Father's Day celebration originated in the United States of America. The idea for a day to celebrate fathers is attributed to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was raised by her father after her mother's death during childbirth. While listening to a sermon at church on Mother's Day, she thought about all her father had done for her and her siblings and decided fathers should have a day, too. She initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, but the pastors didn't have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.

The first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that Father's Day be observed by the nation, but stopped short of issuing a national proclamation. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Father's Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in the U.S. in 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

Typical Father's Day activities vary by culture and family. Common practices include giving gifts, sending cards, and spending time with one's father or father figure. Many people use the day to express gratitude to stepfathers, grandfathers, and other important paternal figures in their lives.

History Behind First Father’s Day

The history of Father's Day in the United States dates back to the early 20th century. The person credited with founding Father's Day is Sonora Smart Dodd. Inspired by Mother's Day, Dodd wanted to create a similar holiday to honour fathers.

Sonora Smart Dodd's father, William Jackson Smart, was a Civil War veteran and a single parent who raised six children after his wife, Ellen Victoria Cheek Smart, died in childbirth. Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired by her father's strength and perseverance in raising a large family alone.

When Dodd heard a church sermon about Mother's Day in 1909, she thought there should be a similar day to honour fathers. She initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, for the celebration, but the pastors didn't have enough time to prepare their sermons, so the celebration was postponed to the third Sunday of June.

The first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. In her effort to honour fathers, Dodd travelled through the city, soliciting support from local businesses, government officials, and citizens. She convinced several local churches to hold services to celebrate fatherhood, and the state of Washington continued to celebrate the holiday every year thereafter.

The idea of a day to celebrate fathers gradually spread from Spokane and was slowly adopted in communities and cities across the U.S. Father's Day received official recognition in 1966 when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. The day was finally given the status of a perpetual national observance by President Richard Nixon in 1972.

Why does the date of Father’s Day change every year?

The date of Father's Day changes every year because it is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries, including the United States. The day of the week remains the same, but the date changes because the dates that the Sundays fall on vary from year to year.

This is similar to other holidays like Mother's Day or Easter, which are also celebrated on a specific day of the week rather than a fixed date.  Father's Day Cheap Flights  This can make it a bit harder to remember the exact date of these holidays from year to year, but it ensures that they always fall on a day when many people are off work, allowing for family gatherings and celebrations.

Best Destinations to Visit with Dad to Celebrate Father's Day

Choosing the perfect destination to celebrate Father's Day depends greatly on your dad's interests and hobbies. Here are a few ideas for destinations, but remember the best place is somewhere that fits his personality and preferences:

National Parks: 

If your dad loves the outdoors, consider a trip to one of the U.S.'s stunning National Parks. Yosemite, Yellowstone, or the Grand Canyon could be great options for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

Historical Sites:

 For history enthusiasts, a trip to a historical destination like Washington D.C., with its numerous monuments and museums, or Gettysburg, a Civil War battlefield, could be ideal.

Golf Destinations:

 If your dad is a golf enthusiast, consider a resort destination known for golf, such as Pebble Beach in California or St. Andrews in Scotland, the home of golf.

Fishing Destinations: 

For dads who love to fish, consider a trip to a renowned fishing spot. This could be a deep-sea fishing trip in Florida or salmon fishing in Alaska.

Beer Tours:   If your dad is a beer lover, consider a trip to a city known for its breweries, like Portland, Oregon or Brussels, Belgium.

Car Shows or Races:   If your dad is a car enthusiast, consider a trip to a major car show or race, like the Indianapolis 500 or Daytona 500, or perhaps visit the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky.

City Tours:   If your dad is more into cultural experiences, consider a city break in destinations such as New York City, San Francisco, or even international destinations like Paris, Rome, or Tokyo.

Cruises:   A cruise might be the perfect choice if your dad enjoys relaxing and being pampered while seeing multiple destinations.

Sporting Events:  If your dad is a sports fan, consider a trip to see his favourite team play. This could be a Major League Baseball game, an NBA basketball game, or an NFL football game, depending on the season.

Adventure Trips:   If your dad is an adrenaline junkie, consider an adventure trip. This could be anything from whitewater rafting in Colorado, to a safari in Africa, or even a trek to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Remember, the most important aspect of a Father's Day trip is spending time together, so choose a destination that will offer plenty of opportunities for you to create lasting memories together.