How to Travel and Return Home This Songkran with a Full Heart and a Healthy Wallet

Songkran is approaching.

Many people have likely started planning whether to return home, visit family, or escape the heat for a trip.

But this year, there’s an additional challenge...

Both rising fuel prices and the cost of living expected to increase.

This article invites you to check four simple things before traveling so that this Songkran

can be fully enjoyable without later financial worries.

1. Fuel costs: An uncontrollable variable... but you can plan for it.

This year, fuel prices are not only “higher” but also “highly volatile.”

Recently, prices jumped by as much as 6 baht per liter in one go, and in some areas there are reports of

- gas stations limiting refueling,

- or people rushing to fill up in advance.

Try planning like this:

• budget 15–20% more for fuel than before (more than last year).
• Stop to refuel along the way to rest and reduce worries about running out of gas.
• Find friends or relatives to carpool with and split fuel costs.
• Use credit card points or discounts from gas station apps.

2. The “kindness” expenses that often go over budget without realizing.

Songkran = going home = unexpected extra expenses, such as

• money given to elders,
• envelopes for nieces and nephews,
• and lots of gifts.

These are lovely and meaningful, but sometimes when you check your account afterward, you might be a little shocked.

A simple method is

to set a fixed “family budget” beforehand, deciding how much you will spend this year.

This helps you give generously without cutting into your savings or future expenses.

Another tip is to order gifts in advance during promotions and send them directly to your home. Sometimes it’s cheaper and you don’t have to carry heavy items.

3. Accident insurance: Something you don’t want to use, but should have.

Songkran is a period with heavy travel, and we’ve all heard of the “7 dangerous days.” No matter how well you drive, some things are beyond your control.

What you should do before traveling is

• to check whether you have accident insurance.
• If you don’t, try to find suitable coverage.
• It costs little but greatly eases your mind.

4. Emergency cash: A small thing that can really save you.

Even though QR payments, bank transfers, and tap payments are common now, in some areas or situations, systems may fail.

Carrying some cash remains important. Also, during festivals, we tend to use credit cards more easily, but after the festival, the bill arrives.

Gently remind yourself not to use “future money” for short-term happiness if you're unsure about repaying it.

A good Songkran means enjoying your trip without later stress.

Financial planning doesn’t mean you have to worry about every baht, but it helps you spend more comfortably, knowing you control your budget, aren’t overspending, and can live smoothly after Songkran.

May this Songkran be a time to rest, laugh, recharge, and importantly, return with good memories while your wallet remains “healthy” as before.

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