PETALING JAYA: Malaysians may be tightening their purse strings, but they are not putting their suitcases away and giving up their holiday plans.
Instead, they are shortening trips, trimming luxuries and swapping premium hotels for budget accommodation to keep travelling despite the rising cost of living.
This helps explain why Malaysians spent RM34bil on domestic tourism in the first three months of 2026, nearly 16% more than in the same period last year.
Content creator Saiful Izzuwan Mohammad said he continues to travel but plans his expenses more carefully.
Because his trips are infrequent, he remains willing to spend on comfort while cutting back on shopping.
“Money can be earned again, but the moments shared with family and friends during a holiday are what matter most,” he said.
Civil servant Aiman Halim said he travelled domestically three or four times a year, alternating between quick weekend getaways and longer family holidays.
Higher prices have prompted him to choose mid-range hotels, homestays and shorter getaways to destinations such as Ipoh, Melaka and Port Dickson.
To protect his travel fund, he has cut back on cafe visits, streaming subscriptions and lifestyle purchases.
“Travel offers mental restoration, quality time with loved ones and a vital break from occupational burnout,” he said.
Financial manager Alyssa Suriani Omar, who takes up to four domestic trips annually, now favours short two- or three-day getaways within driving distance.
She avoids peak festive seasons and chooses affordable accommodation while cutting back on eating out, coffee from cafes, clothes and gadgets.
“Material things eventually lose their charm, but the experiences and memories made with family and friends last forever,” she said.
For public relations executive Taufik Salim, domestic travel remains a monthly routine, though he now trades high-end hotels for two- or three-star accommodation.
He prefers to spend on local food, handicrafts and experiences, saying this helps support local communities while allowing him to appreciate Malaysia’s diverse cultures.
“Travelling is not merely a holiday after a long period of work. It is also a form of therapy for both mental and physical well-being,” he said.
Social media manager Nur Fauziah Zin, who travels five or six times a year, said higher costs had made her more flexible and selective rather than stopping her from travelling altogether.
She plans her own itineraries, compares prices online and avoids unnecessary tour packages, allowing her to direct more money towards food, activities and new experiences.
“Even a short trip can give you a completely different perspective, and that is something worth spending money on,” she said.
