Broke? Don’t dare travel this holiday

It is funny how all of a sudden some people want to undertake unplanned holiday trips when they had plenty time to prepare for them especially financially, but did not. Tour companies have also not made it easy by publicizing their travel deals and packages that are convincing as well as tempting.

If you live from pay cheque to pay cheque like most of Botswana’s working class, you should have known that March’s salary was meant to cater for this Easter holidays. If you have not thought about that and made provision for travel this week, its too late, stay put.

There are some, the excitable, spontaneous type that are well aware of their not-so-good financial situation but would dare still travel just because others are doing it. These will knock on every door including those of loan sharks, just for a quick buck to finance that unnecessary trip.

Granted, Easter is the second biggest holiday after Christmas and New Year, and would give anyone a good reason to travel and have fun. The excitement that it comes with is understandable and real. However, be careful not to find yourself trapped. You might be able to secure funds to travel but the reality will hit when you arrive back from the holidays, realizing that you are not only broke but in debt. It is important to start thinking about worthwhile activities besides travelling that might occupy you during the holidays. There are some in and around the home that do not require money that you can engage in.

Think about it. This could be the best opportunity to do some yard work and get rid of the clutter behind your house. You could take time to do some thorough cleaning of your home, do the wall painting that you have been putting off for some time now. Re-work your garden, trim your trees and give your plants some love. There are certainly more activities in and around the home that can occupy during this Easter. Besides, statistics from the Police always indicate a significant number of traffic accidents, some fatal, that could have been avoided this time of the year. So, it is not such a bad idea to stay put and avoid the commotion created by travel on national roads during holidays.

But for those who have been planning to travel this holiday, firstly, ensure that your vehicle is fit for travel. Remember that road traffic signs are to be obeyed. Maintain stipulated speed limits, put on your seat belt and don’t drink and drive. Arrive alive.