SIMPLE TIPS FOR FAMILY TRAVEL AS ADULTS
There is no relationship quite like the one you have with your sister. You have shared everything since you were children – your favorite clothes, your dreams, and your fears. You have seen each other through good times and bad. And now that you are both adults, you find yourselves closer than ever.
My sister and I recently went on a week-long trip with our older sons. We rented a small airBNB and a car. We enjoyed our time together with our rental. We briefly discussed things we wanted to do — most of which we both wanted to do which made it easy to get along. This all worked great the first few days — everything was new and exciting but after we had hit our list of items we started to diverge on how to spend our remaining days. Instead of talking about it and putting together a plan — we hopped in the car and drove aimlessly around debating on what to do next. This frustrated both of us in different ways. It reached a fever pitch and we found ourselves mad at each other but not wanting to hurt each other’s feelings.
We found that traveling with your sister as an adult can be challenging. We dredge up old relationship dynamics we had as kids. We tried hard to be mature and objective but in the heat of the moments it wad hard!! And while you may be able to get along most of the time, there will be times when you butt heads. If you are planning to travel with your sister, there are a few things you should keep in mind. One key to traveling with your sister (or any close family member or friend) is effective communication. Keep reading for tips on how to communicate effectively, set expectations, and respect each other’s boundaries. With a little planning and a lot of patience, you can have an amazing trip – and create even more unforgettable memories with your sister. Try to forget about your past negative dynamics and work to build new connections.
First, it is important to set expectations and boundaries before you even start packing. This will help you avoid conflict and misunderstandings. Setting the foundation for your trip and ensuring you create a safe space to share feeling and opinions without the other getting hurt feelings can go a long way!
Second, take time to think about your needs and expectations and share them openly and honestly. Having created a safe space you can share needs and expectations you can feel supported and heard.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Make a list of things you both want to do and also let each other pick some things they want — compromising and letting each other do things they want can help build positive experiences about the trip.
These tips will help you make the most of your trip and build a closer relationship with your sister.