Photo : Tribata News Polri
The end of year holidays are coming soon. Many people often use this moment to unwind from the hustle and bustle of work. It is not uncommon for this moment to be used for vacation or just quality time with family, relatives and partners. So, what about you? Do you already have plans for where you want to spend your end of year holidays? Or are you still confused about your holiday budget?
Holidays together during peak season do require more budget. The reason is that during the peak holiday season, the price of travel tickets and accommodation can increase, and of course the contents of your wallet will become thinner. So, what should I do?
Before going on holiday, make sure you have thorough financial planning. This can prevent you from feeling regret after the holiday ends. Here are some tips that you can try to avoid spending money on holiday.
1. Check your financial condition again
Financial planning is a crucial thing that must be done before you decide to go on vacation. You can create a special post for holiday funds by setting aside a special budget amount from your income each month, for example a maximum of 10%. This way, your holiday plans will not interfere with other routine posts.
However, you need to remember that vacation is not an urgent need. If your financial condition does not allow it or is not currently supporting it, you should first abandon your intention to drain your savings just for a vacation.
2. Prepare your holiday fund post well in advance
If you want to enjoy the end of year holidays in peace, prepare a holiday fund post well in advance. You can fill in your year-end holiday savings post at least three months before you realize your plan. You can save on other expense items to fill the year-end holiday savings post.
3. Don't go on holiday spontaneously
Vacations are something that can be planned. Therefore, it is not recommended for you to go on holiday without planning it well in advance. You can monitor the calendar or long holiday schedule so that execution can be carried out with more careful planning. More than that, you can order tickets and accommodation at more affordable prices if you book in advance.
4. Guard your eyes from the temptation of shopping
Protecting your eyes and heart from the temptation of shopping is something you should not just ignore. This step is key so that you don't waste money after the holidays. There are several categories of spending during holidays that need to be differentiated, starting from transportation, accommodation, food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping. If your holiday budget is tight, it would be better for you to reduce shopping.
5. Nearcation
Nearcation is a vacation idea without breaking the bank. Why is that? Because nearcation is a vacation that you can do close to home. You can easily take a walk in a neighboring city, for example. This holiday idea does not require too complicated planning but the excitement is the same, different from holidays abroad.
Nearcations like this are increasingly popular as many people look for ways to kill time and save money. Nearcation is different from staycation. For a nearcation, you go on holiday to another city or area but not too far away—which can be reached by car, motorbike, or public transportation that people usually use, such as commuters, buses, or the like. Nearcation can also be an alternative healing without stress, without traveling far, and you don't need to bother booking tickets and accommodation in advance.
This nearcation will be very suitable for those of you who have busy activities and don't have time to plan a holiday trip, but want to unwind and explore new places when the end of year holidays arrive. Nearcation is also one way you can get to know the area around you better! So, are you interested in having a nearcation during the peak holiday season?
6. Buy souvenirs at traditional markets or MSMEs
The next anti-dry bag holiday idea is to shop for souvenirs at traditional markets or MSMEs. Generally, every region has a traditional market that you can visit while on holiday. Some traditional markets that are quite popular among tourists are Klewer Market in Solo, Beringharjo Market in Jogja, Punclut Market in Bandung, Sukawati Market in Bali, Balige Market in North Sumatra, and many more.
By shopping at traditional markets or MSMEs, apart from the prices which are certainly not as high as if you shop at shopping centers or malls, it will also help the economic cycle in society to a greater extent and will certainly help small businesses to develop further. You will also contribute to the country's economy.