Lake Como, Italy: Villa d'Este, One of the most storied hotels on the shores of Lake Como -- an area made famous on this side of the world by a certain American part-time resident (George Clooney) -- is hosting its annual July 4th Gala Dinner on the holiday. The bash kicks off with a cocktail on the Lake Terrace, followed by fine Italian cuisine in the Mosaic Gardens, a special dance performance, and fireworks on the lake as the grand finale.
Jamaica: With a large American guest contingent, the resorts of Jamaica are good bets for a rabble-rousing good time on July 4th. The all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay starts the day with a marching band procession through the property and continues with friendly beach volleyball and water polo competitions. On the island's north coast, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort is also featuring marching band performances and competitive fun, including corn and hot dog eating contests and a crowning of Mr. and Mrs. 4th of July.
Port Antonio, Jamaica: On the far northeastern coast of the island, The Trident Hotel will mark the occasion with classic American cocktails -- Mint Juleps, Manhattans and Sazeracs -- and an all-day pool party. There will also be an American-themed movie marathon in the resort's cinema, so you can enjoy the sun and cool off while you catch a fist-pumping flick like "Independence Day", "Top Gun" or "Captain America."
Belize: Make your July 4th celebrations go on and on at Ka'ana Resort in San Ignacio, Belize. Guests here will be treated to fireworks, cocktail classes, Mayan cooking classes and other complimentary events -- not just on July 4th but through September 21, which is Belize Independence Day. This year, it also happens to be Ka'ana's 10th anniversary, so spirits will be high.
Grand Cayman: Start the party a day early and triple the celebration at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's County Fair on July 3. Food stalls and drink menus will feature specialties from the Caymans, the States and Canada, with the big day out marking Independence Day, Cayman's Constitution Day and Canada Day. Austin band KP & The Boom Boom will share a stage with local performers and there'll be family-friendly entertainment for the kids.
British Virgin Islands: Looking for something foreign, tropical and not too crowded? This 1,800-acre private island resort in the BVIs fits the bill. Peter Island's Deadman's Beach will be the site of a July 4th feast that includes fresh conch, barbecued seafood and brisket, plus American staples, hot dogs and hamburgers. Dance under the stars to steel pan band music and raise a beer or glass of bubbles to the U-S-of-A.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Red, white and blue hats and costume props will be provided for the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort's July 4th pool party, but save some room on your camera phone for shots of proud Americans riding a mechanical bull. The night wraps with a toast and fireworks display over the pool terrace.
Ibiza, Spain: Ibiza lives up to its party reputation on the Fourth, with a patriotic party at ME Ibiza's Nikki Beach, kicking off at 1 p.m. Expect classic Mediterranean poolside revelry, with bonus bongos and American footballs on hand.
Mexico: Cancún's party reputation doesn't lose a beat over July 4th, and at Paradisus Cancún (pictured), the holiday is an excuse for an American-themed circus party featuring jugglers, acrobats and contortionists. On the other side of Mexico, sister property ME Cabo will host pool parties all holiday weekend, serving burgers, steaks and grilled lobster tail alongside summer cocktails like The Freezing Berry, made with tequila, fresh blueberries, raspberries and mint leaves. Fireworks over the famous Cabo arches in the Sea of Cortez will steal the show. Also in Cabo, on one of the area's most coveted positions on the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, The Resort at Pedregal will host a BBQ party on the beach, with live music, barbecued corn-on-the-cob and red, white and blue decorated cupcakes.
Oceania Marina: All of Oceania's ships host a July 4th celebration featuring lavish spreads at sea: hot dogs, burgers, ribs, steaks, lobster tails and sides galore. The band will play Dixieland jazz and, on some ships, a "Country Fair" turns the deck into an old-school carnival. Check cruise itineraries for exact locations, but July 4th could be spent in international waters on an Oceania ship in Helsinki, Lisbon or Barcelona.
