To think I can squeeze into a 5 person car with just 2 other people

Thanks for update Op. I think there's something going on with your sister. I'd ask her outright why you can't?

Have you asked your dad if he could drive you down instead of your sister driving?

Time to phone your dad and have it out with him and bypass your sis!
I'm not sure about that, we're missing information about how old the Dad is and whether he drives that far.
I always think it's best to go directly to the person you have an issue with and not triangulate and drag in other people.
Even if Dad agrees with OP he can't force her sister to take her.

@Emma6cat ARE sis and dad also going down to see him off?? why is sis going???

I wont car share any more with my sister as she is a smoker and makes a massive fuss every hour to stop for a cigarette, every excuse going. Makes every single journey significantly longer. She is also awful to be next to in a confined space for a long time as she constantly belches. We went away to the same place on holiday at the start of the summer and she asked why she cannot come in my car and I said we didnt have enough space for the extra luggage. So I wont be to quick to say she is bu.

Does your dad use a wheelchair?

Her sister won't give her a lift because there's no room because they are taking their stuff as planned originally

And the OP was catching the train back anyway

As pp have put, there's clearly a back story. Even more distant family would offer a lift if possible, and why is your dad agreeing with your sister?

I cannot believe they are travelling to see your son but are not offering you a lifts.

As you say their cases in the boot. You and your small case in the back seat.

How selfish of your sister.

I would un-invite them to spending any time with your DS except one quick lunch for DS sake.

Odd, unless you have form for expecting lifts and shared accomodation without paying your way?

I agree... why is she being so mean? they've really made this all about them haven't they.

I think you should make whatever arrangements you can to get there and stuff their car journey.

Make plans for what you want to do with your son directly with him, don't let them dictate how you spend your time once you are there, she's shown you how she wants to behave. You are only there for 3 days. They are there for longer so you have priority.

You should re think your relationship with her after this. Dont let her treat you like this again.

How do people with kids manage?

if it’s impossible to fit 2 adults plus luggage for a week in a normal size vehicle, where do people put their kids?

Or are people taking two cars to Stansted for their week in the Costa del Sol? It must cost a fortune in excess baggage as well.

it’s ridiculous. Of course you can fit 2 adults, two kids and luggage for a week in one car. My kids are both late teens and we go away every year. All of us plus luggage in a ford focus.

anyone taking one car for two people plus luggage is seriously overpacking.

Time to phone your dad and have it out with him and bypass your sis! Is he really happy with leaving you out when it's your own son? And what would your mum would think about that..

Does your sis drive? Can't she drive herself and your dad drive you in your car?

Otherwise you could train up a day early and break the journey somewhere with a travelodge or b&b so it's not as hard on your neck. Or drive slowly and take frequent breaks/a hotel halfway?

Flipping Nora - does your sister hate you???

On the surface of it it sounds as if your sister is being mean and doesn’t want to give you a lift for some reason. I’m not sure what your Dad can do about it other than tell her behind the scenes that he thinks it’s unkind. If it’s her car and she’s driving he can’t make her take you. I think she could squeeze you in but doesn’t want to. Have you any idea why? If it’s your Dad’s car and he’s doing some of the driving they’re both being mean. Personally I wouldn’t argue, I would just get the train and let your son leave on a pleasant note but I would remember this and not bend over backwards to help her in the future.

I’m sorry but either there is some back story you are not sharing or you have horrible family members. I would pack light to ensure my sister could come with me if she was unwell and couldn’t drive. And can’t imagine all of us not staying together if we were going down for the same reason. Just bizarre! With family like this who needs enemies?!

Only because her sister won't give her a lift!

Horrible behaviour.

Both your sister and dad are being dicks. They should give you a lift and let you share the apartment.

I think it's unfair to expect your family to take less stuff (presumably things they need/want to use to enjoy themselves) so they can take you when the train is an option you're ALREADY utilising

My sister has been very inconsiderate of me on multiple occasions, so I have also stopped being considerate of her - are you sure there's not some back story OP?

Yeah I think your sister is being a dick.

Did you have a major fall-out? If not, I would tell her that it's not very kind of them to not take you as well. Call bs on her excuse and ask what the real problem is. Might as well get it out there in the open instead of pussyfooting around it.

They seem really mean - he’s your son and they’re not making it any easier for you to see him off too!

Would you manage the drive if you split it over 2 days with several stops?
Would be a lot less stressful than the train.

@soupyspoon There is no need to 'explain' why you take so much stuff.

We could all do that, and thrown in the kitchen sink for good measure, but in this case it doesn't apply, does it?

One suitcase each for an adult for a week is enough. That leaves the back seat and even if one side was taken up, there is still room for another person.

But surely if a situation like this arose, you'd do your utmost to reduce your luggage and take your sister/ daughter with you?