My family has vacationed in the same beach town for 30 years. It's taught me the value of keeping traditions alive.

My family vacations in the same Jersey Shore town every summer. Alexa Mellardo Every summer for the last 30 years, my family has vacationed in Ocean City, New Jersey . All 14 of us — ranging in age from 2 to 75 — stay together in one house. The trip gives my family time to connect, and I hope the tradition continues for many years. Driving southbound on the Garden State Parkway on a Saturday morning in July isn't necessarily what I'd call a happy experience — but it's worth it. Although the traffic can be grueling, something exciting awaits: an exit ramp leading to sun-drenched beach days in Ocean City, New Jersey. Making the drive is a tradition my family has upheld for 30 years.