Tips for homebound holiday travelers
Tips for homebound holiday travelers
JAKARTA (JP): If you are one of the millions heading to your
hometown for the holidays there are a few words of advice which
may come in handy.
Several officials have predicted that the coming week could be
"the most chaotic, delay-prone, and tiring trip home."
"This year's mudik (homebound trip) is definitely going to be
a tough one. We've never experienced handling millions of people
amassing to travel for three consecutive celebrations at the
same time," Minister of Health Achmad Sujudi told The Jakarta
Post.
The minister, who is also planning to return to his hometown
in Bondowoso in East Java to celebrate Idul Fitri, gave a few
tips for a safe journey:
* Bring a lot of mineral water, snacks and food since it is
likely be a long journey, sometimes with eight to 10 hours of
delays.
* Prepare medicines such as painkillers for headaches, travel
sickness pills and required prescribed drugs. Take enough milk
supplies and toys for babies.
* Wear cotton shirts that can easily absorb sweat. Do not
bring too much luggage. But don't forget a sweater or rain coat
because you will be traveling during the rainy season.
* If you drive, do not take any medication and if you become
sleepy, pull over and rest a while.
* If you take a train or sea transportation, bring a blanket
or small pillow.
* Paramedics, rescue team and ambulances are being posted
along with the police and related officials.
"And remember, it's not only you that has to be healthy but
also the condition of your vehicle," the minister said.
Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Erna
Witoelar further alerted all commuters to watch for signs of
possible floods or landslides.
"All of our officials have been placed on alert. Before
leaving, travelers should checked their route safety.
She also reminded commuters to be wary if heavy downpours
occur for two days in a row.
"Most floods or landslides take place soon after a period of
torrential rain. Thick fog may also take place during this wet
season. So if any of these events take place, commuters are
advised to look for a safe place and to stop moving," Erna said.
"We cross our fingers and just hope that the rain will not
fall as hard as it has been predicted, so we can have a safe
trip," she said. (edt)