Adult vacationers have options when it comes to who their travel companions can be. Sometimes, it’s a childhood best friend or a designated travel buddy, and, in many cases, it’s a significant other. But there’s a third type of person travelers often underutilize: their siblings.
Now, for anyone with a sibling (or multiple), the thought of booking a trip with them might seem absolutely terrifying — after all, how is the younger sister who used to strategically steal your favorite clothes from your closet supposed to be considered ‘reliable’? The truth is, siblings can make for terrific travel partners because of that special bond forged through years of shared history and family experiences. These people know you better than you know yourself, and that trusted relationship can elevate a vacation in more ways than one. So, for the travelers curious as to what that might look like, here’s why you should consider a trip with a sibling, some tips for the planning process and practical advice to avoid the spats only families know how to do best.
The Perks of Packing a Sibling
One of the biggest benefits of having a family member as a travel companion is the likelihood that they have similar behaviors and preferences to your own. If you’ve ever taken a trip with your family before, whether that’s one big annual vacation or a smattering of long weekends together throughout the years, those travel experiences shaped you. Maybe you loathe fast-paced and meticulously timed itineraries, or perhaps you prefer splurging on luxury hotels during your vacation — whatever it is, you learned what you did and didn’t like when it comes to traveling, and odds are high your siblings feel the same way. Sharing even one or two of these preferences can be instrumental to the success of the trip, as it alleviates possible sources of disagreement and removes the need for compromise.
Another bonus for sibling travel is support. You can count on them to get you back to the hotel in one piece if you got a little carried away that evening in the same way you can trust them to push you outside of your comfort zone. Siblings are great for character development, always knowing the right things to say or buttons to press that get you to challenge yourself. This also means you shouldn’t be embarrassed to try new things when traveling with a family member. Siblings have seen you do, say and live some of your cringiest moments, so trying out your foreign language skills in front of them is the least of your worries. Without that fear of judgment from others, travelers may find themselves less intimidated by new experiences and open to wholly embracing the trip.
Finally, exploring the world with a sibling is a fantastic opportunity for continued bonding. Adult family members likely know the struggle of finding time to see a brother or sister, and often, variables like work, geographic proximity and other day-to-day responsibilities hinder the ease of coordinating a hangout. By vacationing with your siblings, there’s a designated time for everyone to coordinate around, and this uninterrupted time is the perfect opportunity to create new memories together.
At this point, anyone with a sibling might be contemplating their own family dynamics, thinking, “I don’t know that I can travel with my sibling without us getting at each other’s throats.” And you’d probably be right.
I traveled with my two older sisters on a trip to the East Coast about six months ago, and as strong as our individual relationships are with one another, we still bickered too. Hanger was to blame for a couple of snide remarks, and exhaustion after a long day of exploring created some tense silences at night as we wound down for bed. It happens to the best of us, and if that’s the only hang-up for why travelers haven’t booked a trip with their siblings yet, there are a handful of strategies and tips they can employ to minimize friction.
Making the Itinerary Work for Everyone
Travelers may have grown up with and retained similar travel habits to their siblings, but it’s still necessary to discuss all the foundational pieces of trip planning. Clearly outlining a budget should be the priority. This influences the destination, accommodations, excursions and experiences siblings can book, and as they work through their expectations, it might become clear that some preferences aren’t feasible. Having these guidelines established ahead of time ensures every participant is on the same page and comfortable with the vacation that’s been outlined.
It's also important to hash out opinions on dining, activities and lodging. Are pre-packaged breakfasts acceptable so that there’s flexibility in the morning schedule? Or would vacationers prefer to eat out at as many local establishments as possible? Does a successful itinerary look jam-packed with a minute-by-minute breakdown of activities? Or does there need to be a balance between downtime, booked experiences and spontaneity? What kind of room setup is acceptable at a hotel?
It can feel laborious to get into these types of nitty-gritty details, but it’s the best way to ensure there are no surprises while on the trip. Implementing these types of general guidelines beforehand gives participants time to work through any disagreements, find resolutions and settle on a trip that satisfies everyone involved. This may require a level of compromise between the siblings. Inevitably, a traveler is going to have one preference while the others disagree, and it’s important for each individual to feel like they have a voice. It could be as simple as going tit-for-tat, where alternating compromises mean both parties are sacrificing something to make the other happy.
Through it all, remember it’s completely normal to need time alone. Even as siblings, travelers shouldn’t feel obligated to spend every waking moment attached at the hip if that feels too overwhelming. Strike a balance between togetherness and space, finding opportunities to explore a destination while the others do something to fill their own cup.
And, for siblings traveling together for the first time, consider starting off with an easy, relaxed vacation. Booking a long weekend in a fun U.S. destination is a better transition than a week-long cruise itinerary through the Caribbean or a backpacking trip through Europe, especially as you begin to understand each other’s travel styles.
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