FOR many families, school holidays are carefully planned months in advance, but for 35-year-old real estate negotiator, Priscilla Fenny, the best trips often begin without an itinerary.
Travelling from Miri with her husband and children, Priscilla chose to spend the school holidays in Kuching, embracing a relaxed journey centred on family bonding, good food and meaningful visits with loved ones.
“We actually did not have much planning before the trip,” she said with a laugh.
“As long as the budget is enough and everyone can enjoy themselves, we just hit the road and see where it takes us,” she added.
Rather than rushing between tourist attractions, the family preferred a slower pace, allowing them to discover different parts of Sarawak while creating memories together during the school break.
Before arriving in Kuching, Priscilla and her family made an important stop in Betong, where relatives were celebrating the Gawai festival, giving the children an opportunity to reconnect with their roots.
“Visiting my family in Betong during Gawai was something we really looked forward to,” she said.
“The village offers a completely different atmosphere from the city, and it is always refreshing.”
Surrounded by family members, traditional festivities and the warmth of community life, the short stay provided a welcome escape from the demands and routines of urban living.
According to Priscilla, returning to the village reminds her children that family connections extend beyond their daily lives in Miri and that cultural traditions remain an important part of their identity.
“The kampung is where we slow down and appreciate simple things,” she said.
“The children get to spend time with relatives, experience Gawai celebrations and learn more about our family history.”
After leaving Betong, the family continued their journey to Kuching, where another highlight awaited – spending time with friends while enjoying the city’s renowned food scene.
Known for its diverse culinary offerings, Kuching quickly became a favourite destination for the family, who dedicated much of their holiday to exploring local eateries and tasting different dishes.
“My hobby is making sure my kids’ tummy is always full,” Priscilla joked.
“Whenever we travel, food becomes a big part of the experience because everyone gets excited about trying something new.”
From breakfast outings to late evening meals, the family turned each dining experience into an opportunity to spend quality time together while discovering flavours unique to the city.
Beyond food, the children were equally enthusiastic about another aspect of the holiday – staycations that included access to swimming pools, one of their favourite activities during school breaks.
“My children really love staycations,” she said. “They can spend hours in the swimming pool even though they do not actually know how to swim properly yet.”
The simple joy of splashing around in the water, combined with the excitement of staying somewhere different, was enough to keep the children entertained throughout the trip.
For Priscilla, these moments matter more than elaborate holiday plans or expensive attractions because they create opportunities for family members to enjoy each other’s company without distractions.
She believes school holidays provide a valuable chance for parents to step away from work commitments and focus on strengthening relationships with their children through shared experiences.
“Sometimes the best memories come from unplanned moments,” she said.
“It could be a meal together, a conversation with friends or watching the children have fun in the pool.”
As the holiday continued, the family balanced visits with friends, sightseeing around Kuching and leisurely meals, appreciating the slower pace that allowed them to enjoy each destination fully.
While many travellers chase packed itineraries and social media-worthy schedules, Priscilla’s approach reflects a growing preference for meaningful, budget-conscious family holidays centred on connection rather than complexity.
For her, the journey from Miri to Betong and Kuching was never about checking destinations off a list, but about spending time with the people who matter most.
“At the end of the day, it is not about how far we travel,” she said. “It is about being together as a family, enjoying good food and creating memories that our children will remember for years to come,” she said.
