Catch the travel bug

The Big O.E. is a real Kiwi institution. People either have fond memories of their time abroad or are just itching to get away. Each year, thousands of New Zealanders of all ages pack their bags, grab their passport and set off to discover some of the rest of the world.

However, it can be daunting thing, trading home comforts for the unknown. There are quite a few things you will need to consider before setting off:

• Where do you want to go?
• What do you want to do – live, work or play?
• How long do you want to be away?
• How much money will you need?
• How will you support yourself while on your travels?
• Will you go alone or with a partner, sibling or friend?

The first place to start is with your passport. You need a valid passport to travel anywhere in the world, even to Australia and many places won’t accept you if your passport is due to expire within six months of your arrival. So, check whether your passport is still valid, and if it isn’t, visit the NZ Government’s passport website to get a new passport.

Next, you’ll have to consider whether you need a visa to visit or work in the country of your choice. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has designed a website to help make your overseas travel experience safe by providing guidance on how to prepare for your travel and what to do if trouble strikes you overseas. The website contains general travel advice, as well as specific travel advisories for particular areas.

We recommend: Big O.E. resources

The library has some excellent resources available to give you the information and advice you need, from travel guides to foreign language courses and specialist O.E. guides.

Our Should I stay or should I go page

Our internet gateway travel websites:
Country profile, airlines, travel guides, festivals, travel advisories and travel health

Browse the resources in our libraries:
Kiwis working abroad – advice for New Zealanders planning to work overseas
Employment in foreign countries – how to find work overseas

We particularly like:

• YHA New Zealand’s The Big O.E. Guide with valuable advice for travellers.
• Bronwyn Sell’s The Big O.E. Companion - a guide for travellers to the UK with tips to survive your first week of travelling and where to travel to in the UK.
• Live, Work and Play around the World by Sharyn McCullum - packed with recommendations on what to take with you, what you need to know about certain countries and how to prepare yourself.