Travel Anniversaries of 2012

From the Titanic to the Space Needle and Golden Gate Bridge, 2012 is packed with celebrations and events to inspire travel.

<a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/london" target="_blank">London</a> Celebrates the Queen Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year, marking her 60th year as monarch. A weekend of events in June is planned throughout the Commonwealth, culminating in a Royal Air Force flyover and a "Fire of Joy," a celebratory cascade of rifle fire given as a salute by the Queen's Guard.

Spider-Man Turns 50 Spider-Man made his first appearance in comics in 1962, making this his 50th anniversary. The newest Spiderman movie is also set for release this summer -- the perfect birthday gift for Spidey.

War of 1812 Bicentennial The US declared war on Britain 200 years ago, setting off the War of 1812. This year <a href="http://www.visit1812.com/" target="_blank">bicentennial celebrations</a> are being held by 10 states, as well as Washington, DC and Ontario.

100 Years After the Titanic Tragedy This year marks <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/history-usa/photos/remembering-the-titanic-100-years-later" target="_blank">the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking</a>, sparking renewed interest in the tragedy. James Cameron's Titanic movie has been rereleased in 3-D, and the <a href="http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/locations/center/museum/" target="_blank">National Geographic Museum</a> in Washington, DC, has a new exhibit, "Titanic: 100 Year Obsession," which includes props from the 1997 movie.

Arizona Celebrates Its Centennial Arizona has taken on a series of statewide projects to commemorate its centennial. Projects include a documentary following 100 Arizona ranchers whose families have been ranching in the state since 1912 and <a href="http://www.az100years.org/arizona-experience-museum/" target="_blank">a new museum</a> that explores what it means to be an Arizonian.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival A century ago, Japan gave Washington, DC, a gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees as a token of friendship. Each year, the US capital is <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/music-and-festivals/photos/national-cherry-blossom-festival" target="_blank">painted pink with the blossoms</a>, which lure visitors from all over the world.

Louisiana's Bicentennial To commemorate Louisiana's 200th anniversary,<a href="http://www.louisianabicentennial2012.com/" target="_blank"> the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission</a> has drawn up with a list of 200 free things that visitors can do in the state. These include visiting the state's 180-mile long Creole Nature Trail, which is home to 400 bird species.

Charles Dickens' Birthday Even though Charles Dickens turned 200 back in February, the party is continuing all year long with a Dickensian exhibit at <a href="http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/London-Wall/Whats-on/Exhibitions-Displays/Dickens-London/Default.htm" target="_blank">the Museum of London</a> and a guided tour through Chalk Church, which was featured in Great Expectations.

New Mexico's 100th Year New Mexico celebrates 100 years of statehood this year. As part of the celebration, the state's governor created the <a href="http://nmcentennial.org/sponsors/" target="_blank">Centennial Children's Legacy Fund</a>, which hopes to improve the education and welfare of New Mexico's children.

The Golden Gate Bridge Turns 75 For the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary in May, <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/san-francisco" target="_blank">San Francisco</a> is going all out with a day-long festival that will celebrate the history of the bridge and the culture of the city -- all culminating in a fireworks grand finale.

The <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/seattle/photos/tour-seattles-sights" target="_blank">Space Needle's</a> 50th Anniversary Fifty years ago, when the Space Needle opened at the Seattle World's Fair, it was called "The Space Cage." It was built in just 1 year and 4 days.