For most Americans, Memorial Day means one of two things: the unofficial beginning of summer (which doesn't actually start until June 21 or the mosquitoes start biting) or just another three-day weekend without the boss barking at you.

For others, though, Memorial Day signifies a time of remembrance, honor, and reverence of American soldiers who lost their lives during times of military conflict.

Arthur Tauck Jr. is a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and some 50 years in the travel industry. Tauck, now chairman of Tauck World Discovery, an upscale travel company, is the son of company founder Arthur Tauck Sr.

Arthur Jr. proudly served in the Air Force from 1953-56. For much of that time, he was stationed in southwestern Bavaria, where he worked with a clandestine team rebuilding three German Luftwaffe facilities destroyed by Allied bombers during World War II. The Allies, in cooperation with the Bonn government, were rebuilding the Luftwaffe facilities prior to Germany regaining its sovereignty, as part of preparations for Germany to take its place in NATO to counter the growing Soviet threat in post-World War II Europe during the Cold War.

With Tauck's background, he is well qualified to suggest summer travel plans that coincide with Memorial Day.

"Visiting sites connected to America's history brings the past alive," says Tauck. "And it's one of the best ways to remember the sacrifices that have been made -- and are still being made -- by those in our armed forces. Contemplating the meaning of Memorial Day at a special location can be a memorable highlight of a great trip, yet it doesn't have to be the focus of an entire vacation. There are many places that offer wonderful opportunities for both reflection and relaxation."

Tauck's list is arranged chronologically, is not exhaustive, and includes sites relating to the American Revolution, Civil War, World War II, and Vietnam and Iraq wars:

Minuteman National Historical Park, Lexington & Concord, Mass.:

Why visit? This is the birthplace of the American Revolution, where events occurred that were immortalized in "Paul Revere's Ride," and where citizen-soldiers first gave their lives for their country in 1775.

What to see: Start at the quaint Lexington Green, where British Redcoats first fired on American Minutemen, then visit the North Bridge and Battle Road Trail, where the Minutemen exacted their revenge. Enjoy one of three new "cell phone audio tours" offered by the National Park Service to help enhance your experience ($5.99 each, and proceeds help benefit the Park). At North Bridge Visitor Center, view "The Hancock," one of four brass cannons that had been smuggled out of Boston to Concord.

While you're there: Boston, filled with fun things to do and places to visit, including the Old North Church (where the signal lanterns were hung to alert Paul Revere), is just 20 miles away. Drive out to Cape Cod (80 miles) or head north to the coast of Maine (65 miles).

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA

Why visit? The "high tide" of the Confederacy and the turning point in the Civil War, Gettysburg is considered the bloodiest battle in our country's history. During three days of fighting in July 1863, more than 50,000 Americans became casualties -- and totally overwhelmed the local population of approximately 2,500. The sacrifice of the Union soldiers prompted Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which he delivered in the Soldier's National Cemetery across the Taneytown Road from the Visitor Center.

What to see: Start in the Visitor Center with the "electric map" presentation for a good visual overview, then enjoy a fascinating tour of the battlefield in your car with a licensed Battlefield Guide ($45.00/two hours) or purchase a prerecorded audio guide on cassette or CD in the Visitor Center bookstore. Also, check out the museum displays in the Visitor Center, spend some time in the Soldier's National Cemetery, and wander the streets of Gettysburg where you can still see bullet marks on historic brick homes.

While you're there: Hershey Park and other attractions are just 50 miles away, and the Pennsylvania Dutch country of Lancaster County is only 55 miles away. For more historically themed experiences, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Harpers Ferry, W.V., each are within a three-hour drive of Gettysburg.

USS Arizona National Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii

Why visit? The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, sunk a dozen American ships, including the battleship USS Arizona, and launched the U.S. into World War II. Today the gleaming USS Arizona National Memorial sits atop the battleship's remains, which now serve as the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives that day and for more than 25 of the Arizona's survivors who have since died and been interred there.

What to see: Spend time in the Visitor Center, taking in the 23-minute documentary on the attack, before taking the short boat ride to the Memorial. The Visitor Center museum also features artifacts from the battle, personal memorabilia, photos and other exhibits.

While you're there: Hawaii is a world-class vacation destination, so there's plenty to do with its famous beaches, the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, the Kona Coffee Living History Farm on the Big Island, or cycling down from the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala on Maui after viewing the dormant volcano's massive crater.

Deboyne Lagoon, Papua New Guinea

Why visit? Papua New Guinea was the site of two major turning points in the Pacific Theater in 1942. In the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Japanese Navy suffered its first strategic defeat, paving the way for the pivotal Allied naval victory one month later at the Battle of Midway. And at Milne Bay, the Allies (primarily Australians) scored their first defeat against Japanese ground forces.

What to see: Deboyne Lagoon offers the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters over the wrecks of Japanese Zeros. In Rabaul, you can see the wreckage of a Japanese bomber and the bunker of Admiral Yamamoto, the Japanese commander during World War II. You can also visit tunnels carved into the sides of the mountains, used by the Japanese to hide barges from Allied bombers.

While you're there: Enjoy the incredible art and culture of Papua New Guinea's nearly 1,000 native tribes, miles of idyllic beaches, fascinating small villages, and an amazing variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Composed of some 600 separate islands, Papua New Guinea has less than 1 percent of the world's landmass, yet it contains more than 5 percent of the world's biodiversity, including many species found nowhere else.

Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

Why visit? The D-Day invasion by Allied forces that began at Normandy on June 6, 1944, involved 8,000 airplanes, 4,000 landing craft, 300 combat ships, and, ultimately, almost 3 million troops. Portrayed convincingly in the film "Saving Private Ryan," Operation Overlord (as it was officially known) remains the largest sea-borne invasion in history.

What to see: German "pillboxes" at Omaha and neighboring beaches. Go to nearby Pointe du Hoc, where American Rangers suffered 60 percent casualties while scaling 100-meter cliffs. Visit several interesting museums, including the Caen Memorial Museum, and the Normandy American Cemetery, which contains the graves of more than 9,000 American soldiers, including those of the roughly 3,000 killed at "Bloody Omaha."

While you're there: The magnificent abbey at Mont-St-Michel was first established as a church in 709, and today it's a "must-see" UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third most-visited attraction in France. Rouen has a charming old town; be sure to visit its ornate cathedral. Like Rouen, Bayeux is known for its cathedral, as well as the 19-inch-high, 203-foot-long, 900-year old Bayeux Tapestry displayed in the Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux and chronicling the Norman invasion of England in 1066.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, Oswiecim, Poland

Why visit? Auschwitz offers somber testimony to the brutality of Hitler's regime, serving as an eloquent reminder of why America and its Allies had to make the great sacrifices required to defeat Nazi Germany. Between 1940 and 1945, more than a million people died at Auschwitz.

What to see: The grounds and many of the buildings at both Auschwitz and Birkenau are open so that visitors can pass by rooms housing items collected by the Nazis from arriving prisoners, from suitcases to prosthetic limbs. In a grim execution area between two nearby buildings stands a brick wall where thousands of prisoners were shot. Even more moving is the camp's sole surviving gas chamber (the others were destroyed by the Nazis as Allied troops approached) and a crematorium.

While you're there: After contemplating the inhumanity of Auschwitz, it's good to be reminded that mankind is also capable of creating things of great joy and beauty in the art, music and architecture found in the nearby cultural gems of Vienna, Prague, Warsaw and Budapest, all fewer than 300 miles from Auschwitz.

National World War II Museum, New Orleans, La.

Why visit? Designated by Congress as America's official museum of World War II, the National World War II Museum combines interactive displays, video and music, individual stories, and authentic artifacts to bring the conflict to life. The museum recently completed the first phase of a $300 million expansion.

What to see: Give yourself at least three hours to tour the museum's exhibits, including soldiers' personal items, a mock-up of a German bunker overlooking the beaches at Normandy, and a reproduction of one of the locally-built Higgins landing craft that made the D-Day invasion possible.

While you're there: Stroll along Bourbon Street and through the famous French Quarter (stopping for coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde) and tour the lovely Garden District. Enjoy the incredible Cajun and Creole food and the jazz and zydeco music that made New Orleans world-famous. The city's popular tourism spots are completely recovered from Hurricane Katrina, but travelers have been slow to come back. Visit New Orleans now and you'll have a great time and help in the city's recovery.

Hue, Vietnam

Why visit? One of the toughest battles of the Vietnam War took place in Hue, when American and South Vietnamese soldiers fought for three weeks to recapture the city after it fell in the 1968 Tet Offensive. Vietnam's rainy season begins in May, however, so you may decide that Memorial Day is the time to plan your trip and choose to visit in the cooler, drier season from late September through April.

What to see: Visit the Citadel, a key stronghold of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces during the battle. While you're in Hue, be sure to enjoy the historic temples and pagodas, the bridge over the Perfume River, and the other cultural attractions that led to Hue being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

While you're there: Be sure to visit the fascinating Cu Chi tunnel complex 40 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The city is also home to the propaganda-rich War Remnants Museum. In Hanoi, take in the Hoa Lo Prison or "Hanoi Hilton," where U.S. Senator John McCain was imprisoned as a Navy pilot, and the Army Museum for a different perspective on Vietnam's long history of conflicts.

United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.

Why visit? The United States Military Academy speaks to our nation's past and present. West Point graduates have served in every American war since the War of 1812, and the young men and women who were inspired to attend West Point by the events of 9/11 have since graduated, with many currently serving in Iraq.

What to see: Post-9/11 security has curtailed the ability to wander the campus freely, but coach tours still bring visitors to West Point highlights including the 1837 Old Cadet Chapel, the West Point Cemetery, and Trophy Point. The Museum contains exhibits and artifacts chronicling both military and Academy history.

While you're there: West Point is 55 miles from Manhattan, making it an easy daytrip if you're staying in New York City. Or head north to Saratoga Springs (135 miles) and Lake George (160 miles) or Lake Placid and the beautiful Adirondack mountains (240 miles).

Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Why visit? Perhaps no other place offers such eloquent testimony to the sacrifices of American soldiers as Arlington National Cemetery. Located on the grounds of Robert E. Lee's former plantation, Arlington was first used as a Union Army burial site during the Civil War in retaliation for Lee's decision to forsake the U.S. Army for the southern cause. Today, more than 300,000 people are buried at Arlington, including soldiers and their spouses, past presidents, former slaves, and even recent casualties from the Iraq War.

What to see: Witness the moving "changing of the guard" ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then wander along the cemetery's paved roadways. Visit President John F. Kennedy's gravesite with its eternal flame and the grave of his brother Robert nearby that's adorned with a simple white cross. Then walk up the hill and tour Arlington House, the Custis-Lee mansion once owned by Robert E. Lee.

While you're there: Washington, D.C., which should be visited at least once by every American, is just across the Potomac. Moving memorials commemorating the Vietnam, Korean and Second World wars dot the green expanse of the National Mall, along with the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the United States Capitol and the various museums of the Smithsonian.