Behind the happiness of Eid homecoming, it turns out that there are challenges of homecoming costs that often swell so that it becomes a scary thing for some people. So, how can you save money on your homecoming without having to sacrifice comfort and safety while traveling?

Eid homecoming has become an annual tradition that Indonesians look forward to. This special moment is not only about going home, but also about the happiness of celebrating victory after a month of fasting with family.

This annual phenomenon can actually be anticipated with smart planning strategies. The key lies in being able to predict needs and take advantage of any savings opportunities. This year, let’s face the Eid homecoming season with better preparation.

Treasury will help you with five strategies to save money on going home without sacrificing comfort and safety. Some of the tips below are compiled based on the experience of thousands of travelers over the past five years. For that, let’s see the explanation so that your homecoming experience is not reduced due to financial problems.

1. Plan the Schedule and Travel Route Early

If you choose to go home using a private vehicle, then careful route planning is the first and most crucial step in how to go home economically. Start by mapping the three main alternative routes using google maps, then compare the estimated travel time and road conditions of each route.

An important factor that is often overlooked is the choice of departure time. Analysis of traffic patterns over the past five years shows that 2am to 4am is the best window time to start traveling. At this time, not only is the traffic less crowded, but the driver’s body condition is also still fresh after a night’s rest.

Don’t forget to prepare your vehicle at least one week before the day of the trip. Periodic servicing that includes oil changes, brake system checks, and tire pressure checks can prevent unexpected breakdowns on the road that can cost a lot of money so that you can still apply the homecoming method economically.

2. Utilizing Promos is the Second Cheapest Way to Go Home

The transportation industry always presents various attractive promos ahead of the homecoming season that are a shame to miss. The period 3-6 months before Eid is the right time to book tickets. Generally, airlines and land transportation providers will offer massive discounts.

Take advantage of loyalty programs that often offer additional benefits such as free upgrades, airport lounge access, or bonus miles. Combine several promos at once to get a bigger discount. This economical homecoming method can help you cut transportation costs by millions of rupiah.

Also Read: 4 Tips to Choose Investment for Emergency Fund – Treasury

3. The Main Frugal Way of Homecoming is Bringing Your Own Food

Bringing your own food during the homecoming trip is proven to save money. However, even though you want a frugal way of going home, you need to avoid perishable foods such as those containing coconut milk or mayonnaise. Choose high-protein foods that can provide long-lasting energy.

In addition to the main meal, also prepare snacks during the trip to delay hunger. Don’t forget to bring a few bottles of electrolyte drinks to combat dehydration. Bringing your own lunch can be an economical way to go home because it reduces the cost of consumption during the trip.

Health equipment is also an important investment that is often forgotten. The first aid kit should at least contain headache medicine, diarrhea medicine, anti motion sickness, wound plasters, and spare masks. If you have a baby or toddler, add extra diapers, antiseptic wet wipes, and small toys to avoid fussing during the trip.

4. How to Save on Homecoming by Choosing Safe and Comfortable Travel

Choosing the right transportation can make a significant difference in the homecoming budget. If you are going cross-island, consider a combination of land and sea transportation. For example, using a train and then continuing by ferry. This method often makes your homecoming more economical than a direct flight.

Some service providers also offer integrated packages with special discounts, such as bus+ship or train+airplane tickets with more competitive package prices. Take advantage of these travel packages to be able to achieve a more economical way of going home.

However, comfort and safety factors must still be the top priority. Make sure the mode of transportation you choose has an official permit and adequate passenger insurance. Check the reputation of the service provider through online reviews so that you can find a transportation option that is balanced between price and service quality.

5. The last way to save money is to prepare an emergency fund

This way of saving money should not be ignored. We may face various unexpected situations that require extra financial preparedness during the homecoming trip. Risks such as broken down vehicles, sudden repair needs, or health needs can occur while traveling.

The various possibilities above are strong reasons why you need to prepare a special emergency fund for homecoming. We recommend allocating emergency funds separately from the main homecoming budget. Keep it in a form that is easily accessible. Physically separate it from the main wallet so that it is not used for other purposes.

One form of emergency fund that is easily accessible is digital gold. In the Treasury application, you can utilize digital gold investment as an emergency fund because it is liquid. You can sell your gold investment anywhere and anytime. This will make it very easy for you during your homecoming trip.

Even through the Jamimas feature, you can also borrow emergency funds and make your gold investment as collateral. That way you can get emergency funds without having to reduce the gold investment that you already have. This economical homecoming method can help you be more calm during your homecoming trip.

You can enjoy your homecoming trip without worrying about financial matters by applying the frugal homecoming method above. Not to forget, make Treasury as a trusted travel companion to provide emergency funds during homecoming. Careful preparation and wise decisions in spending are the main keys to keep homecoming economical, safe and comfortable.

Hopefully your homecoming trip will go smoothly and the happiness of Eid with your family will be more memorable. Don’t forget to share this frugal homecoming method with your relatives so they can also save money!