Memories Over Materials: Why More Siblings Are Gifting Travel This Raksha Bandhan | Travel News

Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 13:50 IST

Whether it’s a weekend trek in Himachal, a yoga retreat in Goa, or a budget backpacking trip through Rajasthan, siblings are discovering that the best gift is time spent together

At its heart, Raksha Bandhan is about celebrating the unique love and support between siblings

Forget the gold-plated rakhis, tech gadgets, and chocolate hampers, this Raksha Bandhan, a new tradition is emerging. Across India, siblings are skipping material gifts and choosing something far more meaningful: shared travel experiences.

Whether it’s a weekend trek in Himachal, a yoga retreat in Goa, or a budget backpacking trip through Rajasthan, siblings are discovering that the best gift is time spent together. And what better way to celebrate the sibling bond than by collecting stories instead of things?

This shift isn’t just anecdotal, travel platforms and hostels are seeing a rise in bookings from sibling duos around Raksha Bandhan and birthdays. “We’re witnessing a beautiful shift in how siblings express love, it’s no longer just about gifting things, but about gifting moments,” says Pranav Dangi, CEO & Founder of The Hosteller. “Siblings are skipping traditional gifts like gadgets or apparel, and instead choosing travel experiences they can cherish together. Whether it’s a weekend trek, a beach escape, or a stay at a quirky hostel, these journeys create shared memories that last far longer than any material item.”

In a time where social media often celebrates picture-perfect gifts and extravagant spending, this change feels refreshingly real. More siblings are choosing destinations over designer goods, and opting for sunrises and street food over spa vouchers.

What makes travel the perfect Rakhi gift is its fluidity, it can be luxurious or minimal, spontaneous or planned, adventurous or relaxing. It allows siblings to reconnect as adults, outside the roles assigned in family WhatsApp groups or childhood routines. From getting lost in a new city to sharing late-night hostel conversations, these experiences build stronger bonds — sometimes more so than years of texting and phone calls.

At its heart, Raksha Bandhan is about celebrating the unique love and support between siblings. And what better way to do that than by creating memories together laughing over missed buses, discovering a hidden café, or simply watching a sunset in companionable silence?

As Pranav Dangi puts it, “Travel becomes the new love language – raw, real, and unforgettable. Because in the end, it’s not the things we remember, it’s the laughter, the stories, and the time spent together.”

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

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