Jo's Blog

In the Summer of 2005 I decided to go to Australia on a 12 month work and travel visa, and I had the time of my life.  I never planned to go anywhere else on that trip, but as anyone who has travelled will know, other backpackers tell you stories of their travels, where they have been and what they have been up to, and you can’t help but have your eyes opened to the big wide world out there waiting to be discovered.  I suddenly wanted to go to New Zealand, Fiji, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India… the list goes on.

I decided on Thailand for my way home from Australia.  I flew from Melbourne to Darwin so that I could catch a Tiger Airline flight from Darwin to Singapore, then on to Bangkok.  I spent 5 weeks in Thailand with Will and we saw so much, and loved it all!

Since being back home I have pretty much been working solidly to be able to afford to go travel again, and as you can only get work and travel visas between the ages of 18 and 30, I went for my New Zealand one.  So tonight I get on my Qantas flight to Auckland, and begin my trip around New Zealand.  My visa is valid for 23 months, and I can work for up to 12 months collectively.  I have no plans laid down or time scales to keep to.  I just intend to see the country and have a great time.

So… here goes nothing!  Wish me luck!