Tips & Tricks for Traveling on a Budget During High Season

Traveling on a Budget During High Season

Travel activity in Indonesia remains high, particularly during holiday periods. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded 105.98 million domestic tourist trips in December 2025, an increase of 4.84% compared with the same period the previous year. This high level of travel activity during the holiday period also means greater competition for transportation tickets, accommodation, and other travel needs.
 

This situation is often seen during high season, a period when travel demand increases because many people travel at the same time. School holidays, Eid, Christmas and New Year, long weekends, and certain holiday periods can be considered high season.
 

This does not mean you have to cancel your travel plans. However, traveling during high season requires more careful planning to keep spending within your budget. Prices and availability for tickets, hotels, transportation, and activities can change depending on demand and availability.
 

From setting a budget and booking tickets and hotels early to choosing flexible travel dates, comparing prices, and considering alternative destinations, there are various strategies you can use to keep travel costs under control. With the right preparation, you can still enjoy a high season trip without compromising comfort and your travel needs.

What Is High Season in Travel?

High season is a period when travel activity increases because many people travel at around the same time. It is generally associated with school holidays, religious holidays, public holidays, long weekends, or certain seasons that are popular in a destination. Some periods that are often considered high season include:
 

• School holidays
   

• Eid holidays
   

• Christmas and New Year
   

• Long weekends
   

• Public holidays that fall close to weekends
   

• Certain holiday seasons at tourist destinations
   

• Certain periods that are popular for domestic and international travel
   

However, high season does not always occur at the same time in every destination. A city may become crowded during a particular festival or event, while another destination may have its peak season at a different time of year. Therefore, before deciding on your travel dates, find out when the destination is busiest. Information about holiday seasons, local events, weather conditions, and holiday calendars can help you choose your travel dates more accurately.

Why Can Traveling During High Season Be More Expensive?

One factor that can affect travel costs is demand and availability. When many travelers are looking for tickets or rooms during the same period, options with certain prices and facilities may sell out more quickly.

1. Transportation Ticket Prices May Change

Airfare, train, bus, and other transportation ticket prices can vary depending on travel dates, routes, booking times, and availability. Therefore, do not look at the price for just one date. If your schedule allows, compare several departure and return dates to find an option that fits your budget.

2. Hotels fill up faster

Accommodation in popular destinations may see increased bookings during holiday periods. Lower-priced rooms or rooms in strategic locations may also become limited more quickly. In addition to room rates, pay attention to other costs such as taxes, breakfast, parking, additional guest fees, and cancellation policies.

3. Tourist attractions are more crowded

High season is not only about prices. Larger crowds can mean longer queues, longer travel times, and advance reservations for some attractions. This can also affect your budget because you may need to allocate additional transportation costs or choose specific visiting hours.

4. Local transportation costs can increase

When your itinerary is too packed, you may use taxis, ride-hailing services, or private vehicles more often instead of walking or using public transportation. Therefore, local transportation costs should be included in your budget planning, not just round-trip travel tickets.

5. Additional Fees Are Easier to Miss

Travel costs do not stop at tickets and hotels. Baggage, parking, entrance tickets, food, transportation from the airport, and certain administrative fees can add to your total spending. By calculating the total cost rather than just the initial price, you can compare travel options more accurately.

Tips & Tricks for Traveling on a Budget During High Season

Vacationing during peak season requires more careful planning, as many people travel during the same period. Beyond the cost of tickets and accommodation, expenses for food, local transportation, and tourist activities should also be factored in from the start.
 

By setting priorities and comparing options, you can tailor your travel plans to your available budget. Here are some tips to help keep your spending under control during a peak-season vacation.

1. Set a Maximum Budget From the Start

Before booking tickets or hotels, determine the maximum amount you want to spend. Then divide your budget into several categories:
 

• Transportation
   

• Accommodation
   

• Food
   

• Local transportation
   

• Travel activities
   

• Shopping
   

• Emergency funds
   

• Travel insurance
   

This approach helps you know how much money remains available before making additional spending decisions during the trip.

2. Book Tickets and Hotels Early

If your travel dates are already set, start looking for tickets and accommodation early. The goal is not to guarantee the lowest price, but to give you more options in terms of price, schedules, location, and facilities. Do not compare room prices alone. Also consider included facilities, additional costs, and change and cancellation policies.

3. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

If your schedule allows, compare different departure and return dates. Shifting your trip by one or two days from the busiest dates may provide different options. You can also compare morning, afternoon, and evening departures to see differences in price and convenience.

4. Compare Prices Before Booking

Do not immediately choose the first option you find. Compare several alternatives by considering:
 

• Total price
   

• Taxes and additional fees
   

• Baggage
   

• Facilities
   

• Location
   

• Travel time
   

• Cancellation policy
   

• Additional transportation costs
   

The option that appears to be the cheapest may not result in the lowest overall travel cost after all components are taken into account.

5. Choose an Alternative Destination

If the main destination is too crowded or accommodation options are limited, consider alternative destinations in the surrounding area. For example, instead of staying right in the center of the destination, you could consider nearby areas as long as transportation access remains convenient.

6. Choose a Hotel Based on Location, Not Just Price

A hotel with a lower room rate may not necessarily be more economical if it is far from most of your itinerary. Also estimate transportation costs from the hotel to tourist attractions. In some situations, paying slightly more for a strategic location can reduce travel costs and time.

7. Use Promotions and Cashback Wisely

Promotions, cashback, payment card discounts, and loyalty programs can help reduce costs. However, do not use promotions as a reason to purchase services you do not actually need. Check the final price after the promotion, including administrative fees and usage terms.

8. Create an Efficient Itinerary

Plan destinations based on location so you do not have to move between areas too often. For example, group several attractions located in the same area on the same day. This can help save time while reducing transportation costs.

9. Look for Free or Low-Cost Activities

Not every vacation activity has to be paid. City parks, public areas, pedestrian zones, certain museums, or open spaces can be lower-cost alternatives. However, always check opening hours, visitor rules, and whether reservations are required.

10. Set a Food Budget

Set an estimated daily food budget before you leave. Find out the typical food prices at your destination so your estimate is realistic. You can also combine restaurant meals with local food or more affordable dining options.

11. Use Public Transportation When Possible

Compare the costs of public transport, ride-hailing, taxis, vehicle rentals, shuttles, and walking. Do not consider price alone; travel time, distance, the number of people traveling, and convenience should also be taken into account.

12. Avoid Impulse Shopping

Set a specific budget for souvenirs and personal shopping. If traveling with family, you can also make a list of items you actually want to buy before leaving. Tracking your spending during the trip can help you determine whether your budget is still on track.

High Season Travel Budget Checklist

Disclaimer: This checklist can be adjusted based on the destination, trip duration, number of travelers, and individual needs. Not every preparation requires an additional cost, but each component should be considered from the start so it does not disrupt the main travel budget.

How to Create a Travel Budget During High Season

Travel budgeting should not focus only on ticket and hotel prices. Estimate the total travel cost so that no important expenses are overlooked.

1. Transportation

Include round-trip tickets and transportation while at the destination.

2. Accommodation

Calculate hotel costs based on the total price, including taxes, additional fees, breakfast, parking, or other facilities not included in the room rate.

3. Food

Set an estimated daily food budget, then multiply it by the number of travel days.

4. Activities

Include entrance tickets, tours, shows, or other paid activities.

5. Shopping

Set a specific limit for souvenirs and personal needs so that shopping does not take up too much of the main budget.

6. Emergency Funds

Set aside funds for unexpected travel expenses. Emergency funds should be kept separate from the activity budget so they are not accidentally spent.

7. Travel Insurance

If you choose to purchase travel insurance, include the premium in your budget planning. Make sure you understand the benefits, coverage limits, exclusions, and policy terms before purchasing.

Example High Season Travel Budget
 

For example, suppose you have a budget of IDR 5,000,000 for a 3-day, 2-night trip.

Disclaimer: This budget allocation is for illustration only and is not a standard travel cost. Expenses may vary depending on the destination, number of travelers, trip duration, transportation and accommodation choices, and activities.

Most importantly, set a spending limit before the trip begins and track your expenses during the trip. This allows you to identify sooner if any category starts to exceed its budget.

Tips for Saving on Family Trips

Family trips require slightly different budget planning because there are more travelers and more travel needs.

1. Choose Accommodation With Useful Facilities

Accommodation with breakfast, a kitchen, laundry facilities, or transportation access can help reduce additional expenses, especially for trips lasting several days.

2. Choose a Room That Fits the Group

Compare different room types and calculate the cost based on the number of people who can stay. Also check room capacity rules and additional fees for children or adults.

3. Create a Child-Friendly Itinerary

Do not make the schedule too packed. Distances between locations, meal times, and rest periods should be considered to keep the trip comfortable.

4. Bring Basic Essentials From Home

Items such as personal medication, water bottles, children's supplies, or other small essentials can be prepared before departure.

5. Prioritize Activities

You do not have to visit every tourist attraction. Choose activities that best suit the age, interests, and needs of your family members.

How to Avoid Unexpected Expenses During a Trip

In addition to creating a budget, check the cost details before making bookings. Some commonly overlooked expenses include:
 

• Additional hotel fees
   

• Baggage fees
   

• Parking fees
   

• Transportation from the airport or station
   

• Tourist attraction entrance fees
   

• Ticket change or cancellation fees
   

• Food and drinks not included in the package
   

• Local transportation costs
   

• Expenses caused by itinerary changes
   

Also keep emergency funds separate from the main budget. These funds can be used if unexpected needs arise during the trip.

Do You Need Travel Insurance During High Season?

Traveling during high season requires not only cost planning but also preparation for various possibilities during the trip.
 

The more packed your itinerary and the more travel components you book, the more important it is to understand the terms of each ticket, hotel, and service you use. Disruptions such as travel delays, cancellations, or baggage issues can result in additional costs, depending on the situation and the provider's policies.
 

Travel insurance can be one option for helping manage the financial impact of risks that are specifically covered under the policy. However, coverage varies by product, and not all risks are automatically covered.
 

Therefore, before purchasing travel insurance, consider:
 

• Type of coverage
   

• Benefits provided
   

• Coverage limits
   

• Policy exclusions
   

• Premium
   

• Claims procedure
   

• Terms and conditions

Travel insurance does not prevent disruptions from occurring during a trip. However, suitable coverage can help reduce the financial impact of risks covered by the policy.
 

Oona provides Travel Insurance with coverage benefits according to the selected product and policy terms. Learn about the benefits and terms to find a coverage option that suits your travel needs.