UNAIR NEWS – The Government has announced public holidays for Christmas and New Year 2023. Although it was short, people look forward to the holiday moment to spend quality time with their loved ones.

To embrace the moment, Universitas Airlangga Tourism lecturer, M. Nilzam Aly SHum MSc shared some family holiday tips.

“Remember, the holiday is not about how far or how much money is spent. It’s about how meaningful the moment is for you,” he said.

Staycation

As the holiday lasts quite short this year, Nilzam recommended short-distance travel and staycation.

“You can arrange a special agenda, like feasting and camping. The point is to gather and strengthen the whole family’s bond,” said the Universitas Airlangga Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV) lecturer.

Location & Accommodation

However, if your family plans to travel outside, he advised avoiding crowds and the most-visited tourist attraction.

“Children will be overwhelmed with crowds. Families can travel to alternative spots in the second ring or the third ring, for instance, Magelang or Gunung Kidul, which is pretty accessible and less crowded,” Nilzam said.

With relaxed endemic situations, people must pay attention to the requirements, travel restrictions, and regulations.

Physical health and financial condition

Apart from maintaining physical health during the COVID-19 endemic, people must keep their financial health as well. “Big expenses spent on holiday could lead to unstable financial conditions in the future,” he said.

The business tourism lecturer also recommended preparing an itinerary to make the holiday more effective.

“Itinerary is a travel plan with estimated spending. It will help calculate the holiday expenses,” Nilzam ended.

Author: Stefanny Elly

Editor : Binti Q. Masruroh