TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government decided to allow Eid homecoming or mudik trip this year after banning it for the past two years in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The peak of the annual Eid al-Fitr mass exodus was predicted to occur at the end of April. Yet today, April 27, state-owned toll road operator confirmed there was an 8-kilometer-long congestion on Jakarta-Cikampek toll road.

Traveling to the hometown for Eid al-Fitr celebration may sound joyful–reuniting with extended families and relatives. It can also, however, be stressful because of the long trip. Here Tempo outlines five hacks homecomers can do to help prevent stress that comes with travel, as follows:

1. Chatting with others

Stuck traffic flow can be an opportunity to interact with others or communicate with people around you directly or via a phone call.

2. Eating snacks

Being stuck in a long traffic jam can surely cause hunger. Do not forget to pack enough food and drink so that a bite or two of a snack can put you in a better mood during a long trip.

3. Listening to music

Listening to music can soothe your mood and make you relaxed. Music is nowadays available via the radio or cell phone. Time seems to go fast if you listen to music while singing.

4. Reading books

One of the relaxing entertainments in the middle of heavy traffic is reading a book. Moreover, there is now something called an audiobook to make it more enjoyable together.

5. Sleeping

There is no harm in taking a short nap during Eid homecoming trips. However, drivers are prohibited to do so and urged to take a rest or enter the rest area when feeling tired and sleepy.

Read: Eid Homecoming 2022; Nearly 600,000 Vehicles Leave Jakarta

M. IHSAN NURHIDAYAH