The Financial Risks of Forcing a Holiday When Tickets Are Expensive
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Soaring aircraft fuel prices are causing flight ticket costs to rise, thereby inflating holiday expenses. This situation demands that travellers be more prudent in managing their budgets and prioritising expenditures.
However, what are the risks if one still forces a holiday despite an insufficient budget?
Financial planner and founder of Mitra Rencana Edukasi (MRE), Mike Rini Sutikno, explains that a forced holiday can impact an individual’s financial condition. This situation can even push someone to take on debt without proper calculation.
“If it’s forced, we end up spending money that we don’t actually have. What is the impact? It could lead to having to take on debt. This is certainly not wise because debt must be repaid,” said Mike when contacted by Republika on Tuesday (7/4/2026).
In addition, forcing a holiday can potentially sacrifice more important needs. For example, delaying instalment payments, reducing savings and investments, or cutting daily necessities budgets such as grocery shopping or work transportation costs.
“Holidays are indeed important as a means of rest and quality time with oneself or family. But what needs to be noted is that holidays are not a primary need, but one that can be postponed and does not need to be forced,” said Mike.
She reminds that the habit of taking debt for holidays can have more serious impacts on financial health, especially if not balanced with the ability to repay.
As a solution, Mike suggests that people adjust their holiday plans to their current financial situation. If the budget is not sufficient, the holiday should be postponed or its frequency reduced.
“Holidays should ideally be done with the money that is already available now, not with money that is uncertain in the future,” she said.
Furthermore, Mike highlights the phenomenon of self-reward that often becomes a reason to go on holiday amid budget constraints. She explains that healthy self-reward is not always synonymous with travelling, shopping, or spending money.
According to Mike, simple things like being grateful, enjoying time alone by reading, or doing cost-free activities can also be ways to appreciate oneself.
“Another option is to reward ourselves with small things like enjoying coffee at a cafe, shopping, or holidaying within our means. That might be a healthy self-reward,” said Mike.
Conversely, impulsive self-reward is generally done without planning and influenced by the habit of following others (FOMO). Mike reminds people not to equate personal satisfaction standards with those of others.
“In the context of holidays, if flight tickets are expensive and there is no budget, you could choose a holiday within the city. I think there are many options that you can visit yourself, with friends, or family,” said Mike.