Like lots of Americans, you may be thinking "backyard BBq and trek to the nearest fireworks display." It's a good plan, a classic really.

This unlikely patriot prefers to avoid the crowds, but this year, since we have house guests, we're going old school and joining you for the grilling and the oohs and aahs. There's a beach promenade just over there, we'll head down a little before dark with enough time to a walk a mile to the good views, just in case - it's a popular spot.

I love seeing how traditional American pastimes get translated by those living abroad - here are a few links:

If you're in London and feeling independent, isanngo has a list of Cool Things for American Expats for the 4th.And here's a blogger in New Zealand on her family plans...

[our girls...]are learning the Pledge, "America, the Beautiful", and, of course, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The only problem is that I keep crying everytime I hear the national anthem and I can't explain why -- it's a far more emotional song for me now, as an expat, than ever before. Plus, we're making a giant American flag and indulging in some true American picnic foods: Friday will see us eating fried chicken and potato salad (just like you!) but we'll be doing it in front of the heater with hailstorms outside (I'll never get into these reversed seasons!).--Welcome to Munchkin Land

On Letters from Estonia, blogger Aarne got to attend the ambassador's Fourth celebration - on the 16th of June.

I had received an invitation to the Fourth of July bash through a fellow expatriate, and I figured it would be fun to see what kind of a party the ambassador from the United States would throw.

If you're up for braving the holiday crowds, ABC News has a list of terrific destination - seeing the fireworks at Mount Rushmore, okay, how cool is that? Or you can go to Monticello to hear the President speak - an event that's steeped in history (and nuisance due to the extreme security our President requires.) It's an event I'd love to attend (though not this year, not this President) for the sheer wonder of hearing the declaration read at Jefferson's home.

And hey, if you happen to be flying and planning on firing your shotgun into the air once you arrive at your destination, the TSA wants to remind you about the rules for flying with bottle rockets and sidearms. Um.

A few last words of common sense advice if you're traveling this weekend: Give yourself plenty of extra time to accommodate traffic and crowds, wear sunscreen, for the love of the USA, don't drink and drive, keep the small ones a safe distance from the explodables (and even those grown should use extreme caution) and, as always, travel light.

Pam blogs about travel and other adventures at Nerd's Eye View.