The Sibling Holiday
By Opinion Editor Baneen Talpur
Travelling is my favourite thing to do, other than writing, of course. I believe it is in my blood. My Grandfather was an avid traveller, he completed 3 road trips from Pakistan to London in his lifetime between the 1960s-1970s, before things like google maps existed, which to me is an astounding feat. My dad also has been hugely influential in my love for travel by providing us with the opportunity to see as much of the world that we could in our childhood. When he was younger, he had a dream of being able to travel to London, Paris, and New York which he did manifest over the course of the 64 years of his lifetime so far, tagging us along with him. Now that he has reached old age and I have reached my somewhat joyous youth, bound by the shackles of college deadlines of course, in some ways the baton has been passed to me, with the quest of seeing as much of the world as possible with those around me, with whatever resources that I have.
My favourite companions to travel with are my siblings which is may be controversial to many. I am blessed in that I, for the majority of the time, get along well with them, we laugh and joke about and have minimal arguments. Since childhood, we have been on family holidays together and now that we are older, we are able to do it ourselves. The only exception is my 15-year-old brother, who people are always surprised by when we take him on our adventures with us. “Is he not too young?”, “Won’t he just hold you back?”
To this, my eldest sister’s almost maternal instinct comes in. Yes, he is younger but he has every right to see the world that the rest of us too. He brings his own perspective and top-quality humour which never fails to make me laugh until my belly hurts. I believe that I am creating an opportunity for him to see the world, to broaden his knowledge and create memories. Imagine the FOMO that he would feel if we left without him. My little heart could never. If we have to go out somewhere solely for adults, then one babysits and goes later, it is as simple as there are so many ways to overcome that problem.
Going on a trip with your siblings is also a financially savvy decision, with equal splitting of costs and the option to have you pay for this system and I will pay for this also works. The money for our trips comes from us busting our asses at our part-time retail jobs. People often shun retail or part time work but without working, I would have never been able to afford these experiences. It is also less awkward to talk about money when you’re part of the same household and know exactly where the other person is financially.
Now, the tough part, how do you not tear each other apart when you’re abroad?
Well for this, we have a system. We normally pick one place that we want to go to each, and everyone tags along. We take turns on deciding where to go and book beforehand so there are less chances of anyone backing out since it then has a set time and is already paid for, reducing the money issue. You may have differing tastes and that is okay, part of getting a relationship to work is compromise and who knows, maybe you will discover a new interest and have a great time! Part of travel lies in pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and what better way to do it, than trying something that you never would have thought of yourself?
I would highly recommend travelling with your siblings, even if you try it just once. It strengthens your relationship and opens up a new side to them, something you may never see if you spent all that time at home. So, the next time your friends can’t go with you, or you do not want to go alone, do not miss out. Just knock next door and go.
