My dad has eight older siblings. I have countless cousins and second cousins, and the family only continues to grow.

Others might consider luxurious trips abroad or relaxing cruises throughout the Caribbean to be the most fascinating and memorable part of summer, but for me, seeing all of my aunts and uncles and cousins from around the U.S. and getting to spend a week with them, catching up and learning about their lives is the best experience.

Since our family is so large, we have our family reunions every other summer. Last year, we went to Virginia Beach and stayed in a beautiful house right on the beach. We had family meals and card games and outings to escape rooms and local shops.

We stayed up late every night, swimming or having cornhole tournaments (2018 champ, right here!) or just exchanging stories, my personal favorite part of the entire trip. Getting to hear all of the funny stories from my dad's childhood and the different activities they all did growing up is just something I cherish every time I'm with my family. Even though they hardly see each other regularly, my dad and his siblings are so alike in so many ways that it's just so clear they're related.

Last summer's reunion was particularly special for me since we hadn't been for a few years. I got to see and meet so many of my cousins, some for the first time. Since then, we've seen our Florida relatives so much more than we had prior to the reunion. We even planned a trip to my dad's hometown in Illinois this summer to visit where he grew up and my aunts and uncles and cousins there.

Next summer, we will be traveling to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which is where I grew up visiting almost every year. I look forward to sharing many stories, eating banana pancakes for breakfast every day (I've had many banana pancakes in my day, but none of them compare to my uncles!), playing Nertz (our family-favorite card game; it sure stirs up a competition), or just enjoying the nature and fun of the tourist town.

I may not travel abroad or go on cruises every summer, but for me, traveling to cities like Gatlinburg and Virginia Beach and spending quality time with the family that I love is much more special.