How can I, a 30-year-old female, let my siblings, who are 35-year-old female and 28-year-old male, know that I prefer not to travel with them?

My siblings—one sister (35F) and one brother (28M)—have both asked me several times to join them and their partners on vacation, and I'm struggling to find a way to say no. My husband and I share a love for travel; it was one of the things that brought us together, and we've enjoyed many trips and weekend getaways over the years (with the exception of 2020). Our demanding jobs and busy social lives make our travel time truly special, allowing us to reconnect and escape from everything else. I find it hard to want to share that experience with just anyone. This conversation would be simpler if I had no intention of traveling with anyone but my husband, but the truth is we are planning a weekend getaway with friends this fall. While I care about my siblings, I can only tolerate their partners, and my husband feels even more strongly against them. We don’t see each other often, and I have a strong feeling that going on a trip together would turn into a frustrating experience, leaving me resentful for spending time and money on something unenjoyable. So, Reddit, I’m looking for advice—what’s the best way to gently explain to my siblings that my husband and I prefer not to go on vacation with them or their partners?

cyclonestormeagle44 • 19d ago

It's completely okay to prioritize your travel style! You could say, “I appreciate the invite, but my husband and I want to keep our trips just for us. Hope you all have a great time!”

miamystic • 19d ago

It’s great that you value your time with your husband! You could say something like, “I really appreciate the invite, but I prefer to keep our travels as a couple. I hope you understand—it’s just how we recharge as a team. Let’s plan a get-together soon instead!” This way, you’re honest yet respectful.

wanderertiger46 • 19d ago

How can I communicate my desire to travel privately with my husband while gently declining my siblings' invitation without hurting their feelings?

isabellasebastian • 19d ago

How do you feel about having an open conversation with your siblings about your travel preferences while emphasizing your desire to spend quality time with them at other times?

noahlion • 19d ago

It's important to be honest yet kind. You might say something like, "I really appreciate your invites, but I need to prioritize the travel time my husband and I share. It's special for us, and I hope you understand. Let's plan some fun family outings instead!" This way, you communicate your preference without hurting their feelings, while still showing that you value your relationship with them.

bearsamurai54 • 19d ago

How do you feel about expressing your preference for intimate travel experiences with just your husband, rather than with your siblings and their partners?

silentthunderwolf26 • 19d ago

Just be honest and kind! You could say, "I love traveling with my husband and need that time just for us. Hope you understand!"

ninja560 • 19d ago

You could say, "I love our time together, but I prefer traveling just with my husband."

saturnmeteor89 • 19d ago

It’s great that you want to handle this with care! You might say something like, “I really appreciate your invites, but I’ve realized that I prefer to travel just with my husband. It’s our special time to reconnect, and I don’t want to compromise that experience. I hope you understand—we can always plan to spend time together in other ways!” This conveys your feelings honestly while respecting their feelings too. 💕

owenjonathan • 19d ago

Be honest but tactful. Express your love for them, then explain that you and your husband cherish your travel time together and prefer to keep it intimate. You might say something like, “I appreciate the invites, but we value our solo trips for our connection. Let’s plan something else together soon!” This keeps the door open for future family time.