Big OE hints and tips

BIG OE HINT AND TIPS - THE AMERICAS

TIP #1: We don't want to scare you, but things can happen. Breaking a leg whilst skiing or snowboarding in North America will break the bank. Travel insurance will be a life saver when it comes to sickness or accidents in the Americas.

TIP #2: Travel cheap! If you are a student or under 26 years old - grab an ISIC or IYTC card. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) are your tickets to the best travel deals on the planet. Check out www.isiccard.co.nz for more details.

TIP #3: If you are planning to be away for a while - ensure that you have a reliable person back in Aotearoa that will send you all those staples (Minties, Chocolate Fish, Perky Nana's).

TIP #4: Purchase an A-Z of the city that you are staying in as soon as you arrive - it will become your best friend! 

TIP #5: Before you depart, ensure that your passport is valid and not going to expire whilst you are overseas. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your period of stay.

TIP #6: Hola amigos! Get the most out of your Big OE (and ensure you can get around) by learning the local language. STA Travel can organise language courses including accommodation and activties.

TIP #7: Make sure you have had all the correct vaccinations for your Big OE destination. Some vaccinations need to be administered up to 6 months before arrival, so get organised early. See your GP or Travel Doctor for more information.

TIP #8: While the world is a beautiful place, we recognise the fact that it is a changing one. With the current political climate, we should be aware of some of the more dangerous places to visit at this time. Keep abreast of the latest government information on travel warnings and precautions. Visit the web site below for the MFAT travel advisory information: http://safetravel.govt.nz/

TIP #9: If you are planning on working whilst on your Big OE, make sure you have organised the correct visa before you depart. Leave plenty of time to organise your visas as some can take up to 3 months to organise!

TIP #10: Photocopy all your important documents (passport, tickets, visas, credit cards) and leave a copy with your family or friends in New Zealand. This will be a saviour if you happen to lose anything and need to replace it.

TIP #11: Carry empty duty free bags with you. If you happen to have too much luggage, fill them up with your extra stuff and carry them onto the plane with your carry-on luggage.

TIP #12: If you are planning on taking liquids and creams on board the flight with you in your carry-on luggage, then you should know that these need to be in containers no bigger than 100mls and need to be presented seperately at airport security checks in a 1 litre plastic transparent resealable bag.  For more information about these rules talk to your STA Travel Adviser.

TIP #13: Take a photo of all your belongings that you are taking on your OE before you depart NZ. Just incase your bag gets stolen or lost, this will help when it comes to making a travel insurance claim.

TIP #14: Carry extra dental floss with you. Not only handy for dental hygiene, dental floss can come in handy if your shoe lace breaks or if you need a clothes line in a hurry.