The Fourth of July break this year afforded me time with my family near the Poconos, in northeastern Pennsylvania, at our lake home. The summertime offers many opportunities to visit new places, but sometimes the sweetest spot is quite familiar — home. Pulling into the driveway of my Mom’s house, my faithful pup awaited my return, rushing to the car to gleefully welcome me with a wag of her tail and a smile on her face. My mom greeted me from the deck with a big “Hello!” paired with the best hug one could ever have.

The holiday break started as many do at the lake, with a freshly opened bottle of wine and conversation. Mom and I enjoyed Scrabble to pass the time as we caught up and cooked a delicious meal of steamed clams and traditional cookout fare. I headed out on the lake a few times over the course of the break and caught a large-mouth bass, my first of the season! Offering quite a fight to reel it in, but after a quick picture he was released back into the wild. My brother and I threw a few lines out on the lake and enjoyed the beautiful views and peace that come from the stillness of a freshwater lake on a summer night, where only your thoughts, cold beers and the sights and sounds of nature surround your boat.

Fireworks were abundant on the lake and in neighboring communities. My poor dog was not pleased with the bang and boom of the thunderous bursts of celebration, so after viewing a short bit of them, I headed in to calm her down and relax a bit. There is really no place like home, but as I say all the time, home is where your heart is. I ask my fellow travelers: Where do you visit to make you feel nostalgic or at home? Do your summer plans include special trips with family or people who feel like family? Our July edition discusses the best U.S. beach towns; which of those we listed topped your trips growing up? Are any close or near your home or heart?

Happy travels, my friends!

— Stephanie Makowski, account executive