Four Aerial Attractions to Celebrate National Aviation History Month
Taking place every November in the United States, National Aviation History Month explores, recognizes and celebrates America’s contributions to the field of aviation. Although the first powered flight, made possible by the Wright Brothers, transformed global transport to this day, the evolution has been a long one from the days of kites and gliders all the way to supersonic and space flights. With 79%* of US travelers intending to research the activities or attractions a destination has to offer before deciding to go, we are sharing four aerial experiences that any aviation aficionado will enjoy, which are all bookable directly through Booking.com’s attractions platform.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Tour (Washington, DC)
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is home to the world's largest and noteworthy assortment of aviation and space artifacts. During this small-group tour, visitors will get an insight into the history of flight as they visit the Museum with a knowledgeable guide. Travelers will visit the Apollo 11 Command Module and be shown real space rocks and the spacesuits worn by astronauts working on the Hubble telescope. Other noteworthy stops along the tour include an in-depth look at the Wright Flyer – the first American plane to take flight, Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit, John Glenn’s Mercury-Atlas 6 Capsule, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis monoplane and Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 aircraft.
Aviation Fact #1: Less than 10 people witnessed the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers on December 17, 1903.
Where to stay: The citizenM Washington DC Capitol is the perfect option for travelers looking to stay within close proximity to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, situated only a short walk away. For those searching for a more spacious option perfect for families, the First Class DC- Family Luxe home offers three bedrooms in a walkable neighborhood close to the Nationals Stadium, Navy Yard and Eastern Market.
Kennedy Space Center Tour (Orlando, Florida)
On this tour, which includes roundtrip transportation from a pick-up point in Orlando, visitors have the chance to learn all about the history of NASA's space program at Kennedy Space Center. From the birth of space exploration to in-progress missions, travelers can get up-close and personal with the journey of humans in space. Highlights of the visit include exploring the massive Vehicle Assembly Building, Launch Complex 39B, and Apollo/Saturn V Center with its recreated moon landing and full-size Saturn V rocket. Take a ride on Shuttle Launch Experience, a rocket launch simulator and stopping by the Heroes & Legends center are not to be missed.
Aviation Fact #2: Given the moon does not have an atmosphere (no wind), Neil Armstrong's footprints on the moon will probably stay there for at least 100 million years.
Where to stay: Visitors also looking to enjoy some of Orlando’s theme parks during their trip can check out Modern Vista Cay Condo, offering spacious three-bedroom apartments and located close to Universal Studios. Travel Sustainable property, Marriott Sabal Palms, is a great option for those searching for a more resort-style option. Consider picking up a car rental to explore all the attractions the Orlando area has to offer.
Grand Discovery Air Tour from Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona)
Why not celebrate National Aviation History Month by actually stepping on board a plane? This 40-minute aerial tour over the Grand Canyon offers incredible views of the majestic gorges and naturally formed rock formations throughout the canyon walls. Upon take off, passengers will cruise around the east side of the Canyon and across the gorge at Zuni Point Pass. The route continues flying over the Painted Desert and Navajo Indian Reservation, while also granting views of the Kaibab Plateau and Kaibab National Forest. Keep your eyes out for local wildlife such as California condors, elks and bears!
Aviation Fact #3: There are an average of 10,000 planes in the sky at any one time carrying roughly 1 million passengers.
Where to stay: Located in Tusayan and with Grand Canyon Village reachable in under 7 miles, the sprawling five-star Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon offers guests an authentic stay in the area with amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub, evening entertainment and a shared lounge. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is the closest small commercial airport to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim bookable through Booking.com’s flights platform.
Museum of Flight (Seattle, Washington)
The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world. Spending a day here gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the beginnings and evolution of aviation and air travel. Inside, spectators will come across 175 aircraft and spacecraft, thousands of artifacts and rare photographs, and even have the chance to step aboard a Boeing 737 to see a cockpit up close. The Museum’s location is one of a kind as well, where on a clear day a walk across the T. Evans Wyckoff Memorial Bridge rewards visitors with excellent vistas of Mount Rainier to the southeast and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the south.
Aviation Fact #4: Charles Lindbergh was the first pilot to fly solo and non-stop across the Atlantic on May 20, 1927.
Where to stay: For those travelers looking to combine their visit to Seattle with a bit of luxury, Lotte Hotel is perfectly situated in the center of the city. The Ferry House features a one-bedroom oasis with garden views and close to the scenic Alki Beach.
About Booking.com Attractions
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About Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, travelers in the US can use the AI Trip Planner, found directly on the Booking.com mobile app, to start their trip planning process. From looking for inspiration on the perfect adventurous mountain getaway to zeroing in on a specific list of vacation homes for a family of four, or even scouting out the best attractions to book during a vacation, the AI Trip Planner provides recommendations in a quick, conversational way.
*Travel Trends 2023 research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.