Summer is usually a time when life slows down. Schedules are not as busy as in the winter, and we have more time to enjoy fun activities. For me, summer was always a time to look forward to family vacations. When I was growing up, I was fortunate to take small trips every so often throughout the year, but summer brought the longer, more memorable ones. To this day, those trips taken as a child with my parents and sister were not only exciting and full of new experiences but they made me the traveler I am today.

Both my parents always encouraged discovery and curiosity. Our family trips, whether local, continental or international, allowed me to meet new people in cultures that otherwise I would not have been exposed to. My parents prompted me to try new cuisine, mingle in places that were frequented by locals and never leave without a “true” souvenir from the location.

As I grew up, I never forgot the encounters with either the locals or other travelers (especially children) I met during our stay. They taught me their customs, games and certain words in their languages. Sometimes I got to visit their homes, meet their friends and even share meals together. I think the most important thing that I remember is realizing those children were very similar to me; they loved to laugh, play, and have fun with their friends. I would always come home and tell my friends how great those kids were.

In my days before I became a contributing columnist, I used to be a travel agent. I absolutely loved my job. Besides getting great travel benefits, I loved sharing my stories of places I had been to with those trying to plan their perfect getaway. I miss those days of helping people book that once-in-a-lifetime vacation and then hearing upon their return what a great time they had. It always made me smile.

I know that I owe my love for travel (almost anywhere) to my parents because they started the ritual of our wonderful family trips. But even now, traveling as an adult with my own family, what makes each trip filled with anticipation is what awaits me when I get to my destination. I never know what I will see and learn or whom I will meet. And those experiences will stay a part of my life forever.