You blamed each other for breaking that piece of China your parents loved. You ratted each other out for getting home past dark after playing capture the flag. It’s almost as if your job is simply to annoy each other at any moment you can. So, traveling with your sibling seems like an awful idea, right? Picture the plane ride where you can’t get away from them or, in my case, a multi-month road trip where it’s just the two of you and the road. Endlessly badgering one another can’t be fun. But, here’s why traveling with your sibling is one of the best decisions you’ll make:
Niceties (and boundaries) are Out the Window
You can let yourself smell as nasty as you want. That week-without-a-shower outdoorsy stank means nothing to them. They’re family—your sibling is stuck with you. Also, those farts and burps you hold in? Let them be free! As Shrek once said “better out than in.” Your sibling won’t think any less of you than they already do if you let your body make its natural gasses. They’ve seen you at your worst prior to this trip, trust me.
You Do What You Want
You feel no shame in making them stop on the side of the road to snag a picture of a random Paul Bunyan statue or telling them you absolutely have to pee at the next rest stop. There’s also this no-shame policy that you can eat whatever you want without being ridiculed because you know they’re grabbing that double burger and French fries right alongside you.
It’s OK Not to Talk
You’ve spent years living with your sibling. You know when it’s time to shut up and let them have their space. It’s this unspoken understanding and, let’s be honest, nearly ESP. That uncomfortable feeling that you have to consistently entertain your friend or travel companion is simply nonexistent on this trip. Your sibling is still there and will love you even at the end of a day’s long silence.
Family Bonding
This is a person you know will never leave your life. This is not a friend that you can lose contact with or a significant other you can break up with. The pictures and memories will be fond and never tainted with a bad breakup or a falling out. And, hey, at family gatherings you can band together to tell your story instead of feeling left out of the spotlight or being afraid of stealing the limelight for too long.
You might get people shocked that you can stand your sibling for an extended period, but you’ll be incredibly happy to have shared a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family member. Pictures will commemorate your trip, and there’s no doubt you’ll have grown closer. Take a chance and steal your sibling for an adventure of a lifetime.
See Bags Go 
Been there done that 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mother and her youngest sister have gone on a few cruises together, leaving the menfolk and the kids at home for a week of relaxation! They are both incredibly tidy, organized people (unlike their children…), so they have a lovely time together! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s awesome when it works out–so fun!!
LikeLike
Very true the points you have made, although in saying that, I am an only child so have never had the chance to travel with a sibling, the best I will ever get is full-time travelling with my husband whom I have been with for quite a number of years! I do know that feeling of travelling with a boyfriend and splitting up though from my past travels; I have to cut them out of photos or not share the pics in some way lol. I have faith I won’t have to do that ever again though and I think travelling with a sibling is a great idea (as long as you don’t kill one another lol) #feetdotravel
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you and your husband get to share all of your travels together 🙂
LikeLike
Haha! I’m not sure this applies to me and my siblings, and doubt we’d ever want to travel with each other, but I love that sibling travel exists and have seen it work so well for others. And so true, you don’t have to be on your best behavior since they’re family. 😉 Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad this was a great experience for you. Pretty sure my sister and I would cause some mayhem together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been travelling with both my brother and sister – surprised I haven’t killed my brother by now. Even though you’re not a tolerance with them in some aspects, I guess you never have to ask ‘what do you want to do today?’ because you already know what they like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My brother and I have a great history of traveling together. When we were younger, we’d head out Friday mornings to pick out a campsite for the family to use that weekend. So while we were waiting to our parents to get off work and arrive with the camper, we’d go exploring or play hours of card games. Our first trip overseas as young adults were with each other. Thankfully, when I ran out of money, my brother (the saver) was able to cover me for the rest of the trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome that you guys have been able to do that!!
LikeLike
After years of other stuff getting in the way, the time has finally come where my brother and I can travel together. I can’t wait, for all the reasons you’ve mentioned. Yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome! So excited you get to enjoy a sib trip 😀
LikeLike
I could, would and have, travelled with some of my siblings… then there are some I find it difficult to spend an hour with… I certainly wouldn’t book a trip with them! LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no siblings (unless you count half-siblings) but I can imagine that it all depends on how the siblings get along. I’ve seen some siblings that would probably kill each other if they could but then other’s that get along like bffs. Being able to have fun while traveling with family is a great way to create unforgettable memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Use to travel a lot with my siblings, not so much as we have gotten older. It’s still great you make an effort and enjoy each others company. Try to continue the traditions even as you get older. Safe & happy travels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am an only child as well so tend to do a lot of solo travel but your points are all valid and it must be amazing to spend time exploring new places with family – definitely a special bond! Really glad that you guys have been able to share these experiences together!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great article. Being an only child, I always missed out on that sibling bond. Must be amazing to have a person who would never leave you. We are a part of a close knit family and take trips together. Sounds like you guys have an amazing bond. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person