The Wellness Benefits of Traveling with Siblings

There are a plethora of wellness benefits when you travel with your siblings. My two sisters and I grew up together in Chicago, spending all our downtime together while attending the same university. You could say we were inseparable. However, after college, we moved to different states due to career demands, which made it challenging to maintain our relationship.

This shift led us to embark on a yearly sisters’ trip in 2019, aiming to spend more time together. Consequently, I soon discovered numerous wellness benefits associated with traveling with siblings.

Wellness Benefits of Sister Trips

Having lived in cold climates for most of our lives, we often joked how we needed to get more sun. Our first trip was to San Juan, Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve. Unlike some nightmarish holiday airport stories, our flight was hassle-free. When the clock struck midnight, the pilot joyfully announced, “Happy New Year.” We watched fireworks burst in the sky, creating a sense of connection with our fellow passengers as well as with each other.

The First Sibling Trip to San Juan

Having faced a tumultuous childhood, I felt immense happiness watching my sisters enjoy travel and good food. This feeling is known as positive empathy, a concept introduced by Gail Saltz. She describes it as a shared emotional experience where we celebrate the happiness of others.

During our week-long trip to Puerto Rico, we basked in the sun, strolled on Isla Verde Beach, and admired the intricate cobblestone streets of San Cristóbal, which were full of charming, colorful buildings. We also indulged in mofongo, a traditional dish of fried green plantains, infused with garlic and olive oil.

Bonding Experiences and Mental Health

The beauty of travel lies in its ability to create memories with loved ones. According to Saltz, such experiences significantly contribute to the bonding and sustaining of relationships. Strong, trusted relationships promote happiness, well-being, and mental health.

I found therapeutic benefits in having dedicated time to engage with my sisters during our meals and activities. Sharing personal struggles, goals, and aspirations fostered deep connections. For instance, I openly discussed the challenges of being a first-generation graduate student and the stress of job applications. These discussions not only helped to strengthen our bond but also provided necessary support for our mental health.

Conflict Resolution While Traveling

Traveling with siblings also enhances resilience in relationships. Although family vacations might have a reputation for potential conflicts, these stressors can lead to valuable growth. Wu suggests that travel forces us to rely on each other, deepening our understanding of one another’s needs, ultimately strengthening trust and connection.

For instance, during our 2022 trip from London to Paris, we accidentally missed our train, prompting frustration among us. However, this situation led us to collaboratively find a solution by rebooking the train, ultimately reinforcing our relationship and creating a memory we now laugh about.

The Importance of Sibling Travel

Regardless of how many siblings you have, pursuing sibling trips can significantly improve mental health and strengthen familial bonds. My experiences over the past four years of traveling with my sisters have not only allowed us to explore beautiful destinations but have also deepened our relationships. This is precisely why I continue to prioritize our yearly trips.