| A word of advice: there is no such thing as | | | | There are beaureaux de change and foreign |
| paranoia while traveling !Crucial during travel is the | | | | exchange kiosks in most places. Major credit |
| possession of a passport and visa or permit to | | | | cards and traveler's checks are accepted across |
| visit the country which should have at least a six | | | | the country so carrying cash isn't necessary. For |
| month validity just to be on the safe side. | | | | students the possession of an international |
| New Zealand has strict visa schemes (most | | | | student I card will get you discounts on entry |
| recently a woman was denied a resident's visa | | | | fees at a large number of museums, theatres, |
| because the government felt her obesity would | | | | movies etc. |
| 'put a strain on the country's resources') | | | | Eating well especially if you're on an adventure |
| However, there are a number of countries the | | | | holiday or backpacking is recommended but |
| residents of which do not require a visa permit to | | | | having every meal at a restaurant is not .It will |
| travel or stay in Kiwi land for a period of three | | | | cost approximately$25-$45 a head per meal. |
| months or less as long as they have valid | | | | Preparing your own food is the best option. Youth |
| passports. Some of those countries are France, | | | | hostels generally allow guests to cook for |
| Brazil, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Chile, Mexico, | | | | themselves in their kitchens. Shop for necessities |
| Argentina, and Malaysia etc. | | | | at small local shops, not big department stores |
| Keeping copies of all documents ready in case the | | | | where rates are higher. In case there isn't a |
| originals are misplaced or stolen is a necessary | | | | kitchen to cook your own meals in the vicinity |
| precaution. Inform a relative or friend to be ready | | | | buying snacks off roadside vendors is another |
| to fax or e-mail you copies of any documents | | | | good way to eat well within a budget while |
| necessary in case the situation arises. Traveler's | | | | experiencing local flavor. The country is very clean |
| insurance is a must and can be claimed in case | | | | and any such food is reasonably hygienic. Avoid |
| any luggage is lost or stolen. As a side note there | | | | expenditure on alcohol, Internet, camera film etc |
| is no need to worry about snakebite kits, as the | | | | as it adds up substantially. |
| country has no snakes! | | | | Summertime is the busiest and most expensive. |
| People wishing to travel the length and breadth of | | | | It's smarter to visit during the off seasons. The |
| the country are well advised to backpack across | | | | climate is cool so carrying warm clothes (but not |
| it and stay at the simple yet affordable youth | | | | too many) is a good idea. Remember, while |
| hostels of the International Youth Hostel | | | | traveling packing light is the golden rule especially if |
| Federation located in most areas (and can be | | | | backpacking or any kind of walking is on the |
| booked via the Internet). Rent a caravan or other | | | | agenda. Heavy trunks and suitcases full of |
| inexpensive vehicle to drive across if walking | | | | unnecessary accessories are not the way to go. |
| won't suit you (though be warned that the cost | | | | Do not carry pair upon pair of shoes. Wear a |
| of petrol does add up) since looking to public | | | | sturdy pair and your feet (and back!) will thank |
| transport to travel everywhere will cause quick | | | | you. |
| cash outflow. | | | | |