If you’re considering a RTW trip or perhaps a working holiday abroad, you’ll have heaps of things to consider when planning your life changing trip. Flights, visas, trip itineraries and … health insurance. Arguably not the most exciting aspect of planning a trip, yet going prepared could save you literally $1,000s in medical expenses. Lauren provides some fantastic tips to get you started in the post below.
After paying for flights and accommodation, tour bookings and trip essentials, the last thing you want to do is spend money on overseas health insurance. Premiums, co-pays and extras all add up. Plus, you’re fit as a fiddle.
But even fit fiddles can contract malaria or meningitis or get bitten by a poisonous spider. The treatment that could’ve cost $200 with health insurance is now $2,000 without. There goes that extra trip to Bali.
If you’re from a place with reciprocal health care agreements with certain countries, you might not need additional insurance.
Yet if you’re from the States and other areas without this benefit, getting even basic overseas health cover is the smartest — and, in the long-run, the cheapest — thing to do.
Consider these tips for choosing a health insurance plan while traveling or backpacking abroad:
Get Hospital Cover
Often the cheapest health insurance you can get only covers hospital stays. Plans will vary by company, but some cost less than $50 a month. Certain plans have different coverage levels, with the less-expensive ones only permitting treatment at public hospitals, while others give you the option of private hospitals for a few extra dollars.
Creative Commons: Dobieks
Read the fine print on whichever plan you choose. Some won’t cover a pre-existing condition, and you may have to wait up to 12 months for certain services related to pregnancy or mental health.
Consider Extras
Extras can involve everything from massage therapy to prescription coverage. Be smart about the type of care you’ll need. If you have vision problems, get an extra that covers seeing an optometrist. If you always have problems with your teeth, get dental. If you don’t, you could spend hundreds or thousands of dollars seeing these specialists.
Check Your Visa Terms
Some visas require health insurance from the moment you step into the country until the moment you leave it. Double-check so you know you’re covered through the correct dates. Also, if you’re trying to switch visas, you’ll often need to have continuous health insurance to get approved for — and keep — your new visa.
Go to the GP First
In countries like Australia, it’s customary to go to your general practitioner for everything from a cold to a skin problem.
Creative Commons: dominic bartolini
Often, these doctors can diagnose and treat your condition themselves, and it’ll be included in your health cover. If they can’t, they’ll refer you to a specialist. If you don’t have coverage for that particular specialist, it can cost hundreds of dollars you can’t claim back. Even if you don’t have coverage, it’s better to try the GP first, as a visit there can cost about $50 compared to $200 at a specialist’s office.
Other Tips
Now that you’ve secured your health cover, here are few other tips for staying well on the road.
Know what’s OTC …
Certain medicines and ointments you’d expect to find in your supermarket pharmacy back home may sit behind the counter at chemists abroad. In addition, chemists often close by 8 p.m., even on the weekends. So if you know you’re getting sick or have something funky happening in some area of your body, plan ahead and get your meds early in the day.
Expect to Get a Cold …
Even in a place with a fairly mild climate, you can get sick from various factors.
Creative Commons: storymary
If going from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere or vice versa, the backwards seasons can be enough to knock your biological rhythms and immune system out of whack. Plus, a new country means new germs. If you’re a backpacker flying frequently and staying in hostels, you’ll be exposed to even more bacteria.
Look for Free Clinics …
If you get health cover but still have out-of-pocket costs, look for free or low-cost services. Some cities may have free clinics or university health resources available to the public. These can range from free gynelogical options for women to low-cost mental services. Do a little research and ask locals to find this type of option in your area.
Do you have any tips on choosing a health insurance plan while traveling abroad? Add them in the comments section below.
This post was sponsored by HBF. If you’re backpacking in Australia, HBF offers a range of overseas visitors health insurance options that you might find useful.
Kia Ora. Thanks heaps for checking out my blog. After you read this post, please head on over to my latest project – Planit NZ. Planit NZ is my New Zealand travel guide and booking website. You can research all things travel in New Zealand on the website, and you can also book hop on, hop off backpacker bus passes, small group tours or activities. Booking any aspect of your trip through Planit NZ supports my work and is most appreciated.
The Land of the Long White Cloud is a destination well worn onto the backpacker trail. And for all the right reasons. An epic combination of stunning scenery, adventure sports, and friendly locals combine to make New Zealand one hell of a place to travel to.
Not only is New Zealand beautiful, New Zealand is easy to travel around. In fact, New Zealand is arguably one of the most backpacker or independent budget traveler friendly countries in the world.
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot to break into the world of long term travel.
New Zealand is addictive. Trust me. I originally came for a 12 month working holiday, yet nearly seven years later I’m still living in New Zealand.
Be it the quality of life, the miles and miles of untouched, remote and spectacular scenery, or the laid-back no-worries outlook on life, something about New Zealand will grab you and not let you leave.
So you’re considering a trip backpacking in New Zealand? Sweet as (as we say). While New Zealand is welcoming and easy to get around, you might have some questions about your trip here. Consider these:
15 Tips for Your First Experience Backpacking in New Zealand
1 ) Travel North to South
Almost daily I get emails from backpackers planning their trip to New Zealand. One of the most common questions I get is:
Should I start on the North Island or the South Island?
While the North Island is stunning (be sure to check out the Bay of Islands and definitely don’t miss the chilled out Coromandel Region), the South Island is where it’s at. As it will be the highlight of your trip, it’s the logical place to finish.
Southern Alps, South Island
The mountains are taller, the drives are more spectacular, the Great Walks are greater, and the beer is better so finish on New Zealand’s South Island.
2 ) Avoid the Chain Hostels
There is no shortage of budget accommodation throughout New Zealand. From hostels, to budget motels to holiday parks with self contained accommodation, you won’t have a problem finding a place to lay your head at night.
As New Zealand is frequented by thousands of young backpackers each year, the big chain hostels are present throughout the North and South Islands. Many of the major backpacking destinations have Nomads or Base Backpacker hostels that are filled with younger party hard backpackers.
While many of these are adequate – and some quite flash (I’m talking about you Nomads Queenstown) – there are heaps of character filled, independently owned hostels that will compliment your trip to this small island nation.
Adventure Capital of the World
Check out the BBH backpackers (Budget Backpacker Hostels) and get to know their quirky owners, settle down with a glass of New Zealand wine next to their wood burners, or listen to the sea from their gardens.
Also growing in popularity in New Zealand, like many places around the world, is AirBNB. I was in Oamaru recently had grabbed an entire home with sea views, walking distance to town, for about the same price as a basic motel. If you haven’t used AirBNB before, you can get $29 NZD free credit when signing up via this link.
3 ) Arriving to New Zealand
Chances are your flight to New Zealand will arrive in Auckland. A city that often gets a bad rap amongst travellers into the country. It’s not my favorite city in the world, but there are plenty of funky neighborhoods and stunning beaches nearby to explore. If you have a couple days, be sure to head over to Waiheke Island ($36 return). Or, if you’re looking for a day tour this Zip, Wine, Dine package is a perfect mix of adventure and New Zealand wine, and is a great way to experience the island.
The SkyBus Express will be your best choice for the quick, 45 minute trip to the Auckland CBD. Tickets are only $28 round trip and can be booked online so you’re set to go when you land.
Consider these Auckland budget travel tips for your first couple days in the city – and most importantly, don’t stay too long – there is too much to see outside of NZ’s largest city.
4 ) Consider Buying a Car or Campervan
New Zealand absolutely begs to be explored behind the steering wheel of your very own car or campervan.
You won’t realize how many of these converted, backpacker-filled vans flock New Zealand’s roads until you’re here yourself. If falling asleep to the sound of the surf and waking to the sunrise sounds appealing to you, then a campervan just might be the right mode of transportation for trip.
Traveling New Zealand by campervan gives you loads of flexibility, allows you to get off the beaten path, and you will ultimately save you heaps on accommodation costs.
Many backpackers in New Zealand buy a van when they arrive and sell it prior to their departure. Surprisingly, buying a campervan in New Zealand is a simple and straightforward process; however, do be aware that a certain amount of risk is involved and not all of the campvervans in New Zealand are good investment. I suggest you take your van to the VTNZ, and have them perform a pre-vehicle inspection on it. It’ll cost you $110, but might save you thousands if you buy a lemon. If you have anything less than 3 months, buying a van is a bad idea as you’ll waste too much time trying to buy / sell the van.
Freedom camping is possible in New Zealand, however over the past couple years this has become much more strictly regulated. Sadly, too many inconsiderate backpackers have created a bad name for all of us – disrespecting the countryside by leaving rubbish or worse behind. So, if you’re going to freedom camp, do it respectfully – more on this post here.
In areas where freedom camping is not allowing, the Department of Conservation runs basic campsites that are as little as $5/night.
Sponsored
5 ) If Not, take the Hop-on, Hop-Off Backpacker Bus
If you’re not comfortable driving on the left side on New Zealand’s roads, then your next best bet is going on a hop on, hop off backpacker bus tour.
A hop-on, hop-off bus pass is the perfect balance between a fully-guided, small group tour and a self-guided trip that sees you creating your own itinerary and driving yourself around NZ. These buses run on set routes around the country, and that allows you to pick a pass that goes to the places YOU want to see most. You can organize your own activities or accommodation, but the driver-guide on board the bus can help you out if you wish. They’re an awesome way to meet other travellers, and a great way to get to some lesser known destinations in New Zealand.
I recommend Stray, and you can see their most popular passes on Planit NZ. I can offer an exclusive Stray discount code of 5% if you book your New Zealand trip through Planit NZ. Contact me to find out more.
6 ) Get a 2Degrees Sim Card
If you’re traveling with an unlocked cell phone, you’ll be able to pick up a sim card when you get into New Zealand. While there are a couple different providers to choose from, your best bet is undoubtedly 2Degrees.
They offer cheap, international calls back home to Mom & Dad as well as cheap calls throughout New Zealand – for $19 you can get unlimited calls, unlimited texts and 1GB of data.
7 ) 3…2…1 Bungy! Do it.
Taupo Bungy
New Zealand is an adrenaline junkies’ paradise. If you can dream it, chances are you can do it in New Zealand.
AJ Hackett established the world’s first permanent, commercial bungy jumping operation in Queenstown in 1982. Today, there are three in Queenstown alone for you to choose from (K Bridge, Nevis Highwire Bungy, & The Ledge Bungy). You can also bungy on the North Island at the fantastic Taupo Bungy.
It’s a terrifying experience – arguably, one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do, yet it’s an absolute rush and a must for your trip to New Zealand.
There is such a wide variety of things to do, landscapes to see, and experiences to be had, that you’ll not know how you can fit it all in.
To be honest, you probably can’t. Unless you’re committing two or three months to New Zealand, it’s impossible to see it all in one go. The biggest mistake you can make when coming to New Zealand is attempting to do too much in too little time.
The Humbolts Mountains
You’ll enjoy your experience backpacking in New Zealand heaps more if you have time to relax and spend a little longer in those untouched little corners of New Zealand you’ll inevitably find.
9 ) Experience a Great Walk
A road trip around New Zealand will reveal a country considerably untouched by the human hand. Sure, tourism is big business in many of New Zealand’s destinations, yet a huge part of the country is as remote and untouched as it is stunning.
Almost 30% of land in New Zealand is publicly owned and much of this has been converted to National Parks.
There are a series of multi-day Great Walks throughout New Zealand and you should experience at least part of one on your trip here. Check out the Routeburn Track near Queenstown, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track near Nelson, or one of the other seven Great Walks.
10 ) Try WWOOFing
If you’ll be staying in New Zealand for more than a couple months, you might want to consider WWOOFING (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) for part of your trip.
Wwoofing is a host system where you can exchange a couple hours of work each day on an organic farm in return for free food and accommodation.
It’s a fantastic way to save some money, meet interesting local Kiwis, and get a feel for a different aspect of life in New Zealand. The majority of people swing through New Zealand, see the sites, jump off bridges and miss the small and out of the way places that make New Zealand so unique.
While most of these tips aren’t experience focused, walking on a glacier is one that undoubtedly deserves to make it on the list. New Zealand is filled with wonders, and you’ll find two on the West Coast of the South Island – the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers.
These ancient pieces of ice start in the Southern Alps and stretch all the way to coastal, temperate rainforest only miles away from the sea at 300 metres above sea level.
Walking on one is an iconic New Zealand experience and one that you should have while you’re here.
Over recent years, the glacier has been retreating further up the valley. Previously you could go on a guided tour of the glacier, and would access it via foot up the valley. As it’s retreated over the years, now the only way to get on it is via a quick helicopter trip from the Franz Josef township. It’s consequently a bit more expensive, but is an epic experience nonetheless. You can book here on Planit NZ at the best price.
The West Coast itself is a unique and fascinating area of New Zealand, so be sure to spend at least a couple days exploring the rugged coastline from Karamea all the way to Haast.
12 ) Hitchhiking in New Zealand
If you decide to buy a campervan, rent a vehicle, or get around by bus, you’ll be shocked at the number of hitchikers you see in New Zealand. It’s quite common and a very budget-friendly way to see New Zealand.
Clearly, care should be taken – you shouldn’t hitchhike at night and you’re probably better off with a mate (might as well minimize your risk), yet it’s a bloody exciting way to see the country.
Lindis Pass
New Zealanders are a friendly lot and you’re bound to have some interesting chats once you do get picked up.
If you decided to give it a go, you’re best off on the outskirts of a town, and make sure there is room for the driver to pull over; if there isn’t, you won’t get picked up – it’s as simple as that. A smile never hurts and a sign saying where you want to go will probably speed up your chances of getting a lift.
13 ) Beware of New Zealand Internet
As any travel blogger, Facebook addict, or general internet using backpacker that has come to New Zealand knows, the state of the internet here is dreadful.
It’s often slow, more often expensive, always charged by data usage (Skyping is difficult), and almost never included with your stay in a hostel.
Slowly, more and more cafes are offering free internet yet without a doubt New Zealand is far behind the rest of the world. Your best bet for finding free WiFi is at the local library with the other backpackers who have figured the system out. Sadly, even though this post has been updated since 2011, the internet in New Zealand is still bloody dreadful.
14 ) Go Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in New Zealand is unsurpassed by few places in the world and Kiwis love their bikes about as much as they love “The Rugby.”
Wherever you are, you’re bound to find some single track trails (just ask at the bike shop in town, there is bound to be one), yet Rotorua on the North Island is arguably the mountain biking capital of New Zealand.
Hire a bike and spend the day exploring the miles (and miles) of single track trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest – chances are, you’ll want to go back for day two.
In a country where budget activities are few and far between, mountain biking is a fantastic way to spend a day and see the countryside (plus, you’ll burn off the calories from all those budget-saving meat pies you’ve been eating).
15 ) Get Off the Beaten Path
In a country the size of the state of Colorado, you have 4 million people, 40 million sheep and every possible landscape you could imagine.
There is so much to be seen that no guidebook (or blog post) will ever point you in all the right directions. Use this to your advantage, and seek out your own untouched areas of Aotearoa.
A highlight of your trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud should be getting off the beaten path and finding your own special corner of this idyllic part of the world.
So take it slow, make some wrong turns, start conversations with the locals, and get to know New Zealand for what it is – one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Have you been backpacking in New Zealand? Leave your tips in the comments section below.
Found this post useful? Awesome! Don’t leave, check out the posts below:
A trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without taking in one of the many fantastic wineries scattered throughout the North & South Islands. This fantastic guest post nails out 5 must-see wineries for your trip to Aotearoa.
Recently New Zealand was shaken by the Canterbury earthquake but fear not, this Land of the Long White Cloud has not been stirred (apart from our world-class lees- stirred wines of course). Outside of Christchurch, New Zealand is very much open for business and is begging to be explored.
This compact island nation certainly fulfills the desire for a diverse, interesting and ultimately beautiful wine destination. New Zealand has seven recognized wine destinations. Not sure where to start? Check out these:
5 Wineries Not to Be Missed While Traveling in New Zealand.
1) Cable Bay, Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island (Creative Commons)
A stunning winery and restaurant set on Waiheke Island in the Greater Auckland region. Reflecting the novel way of getting to this sub-tropical island paradise (that is, whether by the 40 minute ferry journey through the Auckland Harbour, or the 8 minute chopper ride), you will find this sub-regional wine-growing area is alive with enthusiasm for wine, food and laid-back culture.
There is a wonderful microclimate, a salty ocean taste in the air, friendly people, and of course fantastic wine.
The climate is so different to the mainland, and the Island is synonymous with a good day out. Cable Bay is one of the first stops on the Waiheke Island wine stop route, and well worth coinciding with lunch. With an emphasis on seafood, Cable Bay does go the extra mile with the lunch time crowd.
Often featuring a variety of sculptural artists on the brilliant winery lawn, there is a stimulating combination of culture, cuisine, scenery and wine.
2) Elephant Hill, Hawkes Bay
Elephant Hill
With a hardly indigenous bronze elephant perched atop a mound of earth at the very coastal Te Awanga in Hawkes Bay, you have to begin wondering about the origins of this emerging, successful winery. German couple Reydan and Roger Weiss visited New Zealand in 2001 and simply fell in love with the Hawkes Bay area. Soon after they built the innovative, awe inspiring winery and restaurant in this special coastal milieu.
The award-winning wines produced by the Elephant Hill winemaking team, led by Steve Skinner is a great reason to take the trip out to this coastal sub-region of Hawkes Bay. Dining here is no bland experience either – beautifully executed cuisine with a dreamy ocean backdrop ensures indisputable inspiration.
Try the Elephant Hill Reserve Syrah, or the Viognier.
3) Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay
Trinity Hill (Creative Comons)
Based in the famous Gimblett Gravels, and home to the amiable John Hancock, Trinity Hill winery is somewhat of an icon in Hawkes Bay. The cellar door has a rustic feel to it, with a fascinating glimpse into the barrel hall through glass. The cellar door personnel are always friendly and knowledgeable, and you will frequently find John himself behind the counter or hosting guests in the cellar’s leather armchairs.
What’s most exciting is the opportunity to try some of Trinity Hill’s best wines, and if you’re lucky, purchase some stellar vintages.
Stand outs are Trinity Hills’ Tempranillo, a Spanish variety that exudes raspberry, plum and spice characters, and bearing a good tannin structure it tango’s with liquorice on the finish.
Trinity Hill’s flagship wine is the Homage Syrah – this is something special. You’re bound to find some magic here.
4) Bannockburn, Central Otago
Bannockburn New Zealand (Creative Commons)
This is not a single winery as such, rather a entire sub- region of Central Otago wine-growing country, and it is well worth a visit to delight in the wines, people and wineries scattered throughout this scenic area nuzzling the banks and hills above the Kawarau River.
To the west is nestled Central Otago’s famous Felton Road, along which numerous wineries are based, including the eponymous Felton Road winery. Renown for their high-end Pinot Noir, a stopover during their afternoon opening hours is recommended for an opportunity to taste some of Central Otago’s finest. If you’re lucky you may find some older vintages to lust upon, particularly Felton Road’s Riesling.
Across the road you will find two gorgeous women replete with good humour, compassion and charm. They are Dennie Downie and Jane Gill, and they are the proprietors behind the award-winning label, Desert Heart.
With stylish woolshed accommodation situated in amongst their vineyards, it’s a romantic spot for a getaway.
5) Rippon, Wanaka, Central Otago
Rippon New Zealand (Creative Commons)
Home to one of New Zealand’s favourite open-air concert extravaganzas it’s not hard to see why Rippon, just 15 minutes out of Wanaka, is a media darling.
Arguably one of the most picturesque vineyard settings in the world, Rippon winery and vineyard is owned by Lois Mills, son Nick and his wife Jo Mills. Producing some fantastic Pinot Noir as you would expect in Central Otago, Rippon also does well in the Riesling variety, delivers a crowd-pleasing Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and an interesting Osteiner, one of the only producers of this hybrid variety in the country.
Have you been to any New Zealand wineries? Leave your favorites in the comments section below.
About the Author: Lady Parker Wine Reviews brings you the best of New Zealand’s wine industry – the personalities, stories, and descriptions of the wonderful, unique qualities that lie in every bottle through entertaining and informative media. Vitally important to my mission is my philosophy of only reviewing wines that I would personally recommend, so you can rest assured that every wine reviewed has a mark of quality endorsement, and frequently they are standouts.
Firmly knowing that wine is my passion, I left my career as a barrister and solicitor to pursue the innovative vocation of wine writing and education. Growing up in the wine-growing regions of both Gisborne, and Central Otago, and from a family of wine, there’s no doubt it is an innate love! Currently I am embarking upon achieving my Master of Wine. Overall I aim to enlighten, inform and share with the wine-loving community the world over all the wonders and mysteries of wine.
At 12:51 PM on February 22nd, the earth roared and the entire South Island of New Zealand rumbled.
I was sitting at my desk in Queenstown – some 500 kms away from the Garden City of Christchurch – and as I looked out on our balcony overlooking The Remarkabes, I saw my mountain bike shake back and forth and the floor beneath my feet rolled as if I was riding the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu.
The 6.3 earthquake that struck a mere 5 kms beneath the surface was felt as far away as Wellington on the North Island.
The effects of the quake will be felt in Christchurch for years to come – there was massive loss of life, property, and heritage in the South Island’s largest town.
The Garden City will never be the same again and the events of February 22nd will go down in the history books as one of New Zealand’s saddest days.
Through all of this, it’s crucial to realize that New Zealand is still very much open for business.
The economy has surely taken a huge blow, yet New Zealand will continue to prosper and continued high tourism numbers will be key to a successful recovery.
Here are: 5 Reasons Why You Should Still Visit the Most Beautiful Country in the World
1) The Damage is Extremely Centralized
North Island Sunset
The images that have been broadcasted by the mainstream media throughout New Zealand and the world show a Christchurch that has been devastated. Without a doubt, this is true – estimates are as high as $15 Billion to rebuild the city.
While the City Centre will sadly never look the same and the Eastern suburbs are severely damaged, much of Christchurch remains essentially unaffected. I was driving into the city a week after the quake and it was very much normal days until just blocks before the City Centre.
The damaged area of New Zealand is equivalent in size the area of Lower Manhattan.
The Garden City probably won’t be open to the general tourist for some time, but it’s crucial to realize the small area affected when considering the rest of New Zealand that is begging to be explored.
2) The Christchurch Airport is Open and Fully Operational
Lake Pukai
One of the most popular New Zealand itineraries begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. For those that are just traveling the South Island, about 90% arrive and depart from Christchurch.
Clearly, the Garden City is a crucial entry and exit point for the traveler to New Zealand.
While you probably won’t spend much time in the city itself, it’s worth noting that the Christchurch airport is fully operational and getting in and out of the South Island is just as easy as it ever has been.
3) Canterbury Needs You
Canterbury New Zealand
New Zealand needs you almost as much as Canterbury needs you. You shouldn’t wipe New Zealand from your travel plans and you most certainly should spend time in the stunning Canterbury Region.
Canterbury offers everything from glacial lakes, to seaside villages like Akaroa, to natural thermal pools and hot springs in Hanmer Springs.
The cultured can sip world-class wine, the adrenaline junkies can bungy jump in Hanmer Springs or experience epic mountain biking on the St James Cycle Trail, and trampers can take in the alpine glacial lakes at the base of Aoraki Mt Cook.
Don’t skip Canterbury. Why? The businesses here need you and you’ll miss out on some truly unique New Zealand experiences.
4) Experience the Genuine, Open, and Laid Back Kiwi Spirit
The Remarkables – Queenstown
Nowhere else in the world does the laid back, no worries outlook on life permeate all aspects of society like it does in New Zealand. It’s an addictive aspect of this country and New Zealanders themselves are reason enough you should still visit Aotearoa.
Canterburians had spent the past six months rebuilding their city after the September 4th earthquake that badly damaged Christchurch.
The February 22nd quake has essentially made all that work for naught, yet again volunteers from throughout New Zealand have flooded the city ready to help.Money, food, and other support has come to Christchurch from all over New Zealand – from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
Kiwis are as welcoming as they are relaxed.
You should travel to New Zealand to experience this ‘no worries’ culture, while at the same time doing your part to ensure the whole of New Zealand recovers from the devastating quake.
5) New Zealand is a Microcosm of the World
The Humbolts from the Routeburn Track
New Zealand is quite simply one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world (Not convinced? Check out 20 of New Zealand’s Most Best Views).
In an area the size of the state of Colorado, you have snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, tropical islands, dense rain forests, white-sand beaches and intensely green countryside.
You should still travel to New Zealand as there is so much to be seen outside of Christchurch. A typical trip to New Zealand would typically entail two or three days in the Garden City, so don’t miss out on the trip of a lifetime simply because one city is out of commission.
What’s your take? Have you traveled New Zealand? Leave your best experiences from Aotearoa in the comments section below.
If you’re considering a backpacking trip around the world, you should be writing a travel blog. One thing to remember is you won’t be alone. The travel blogosphere is vast and growing daily.
There are heaps of reasons why you – and literallyhundreds of other people – write travel blogs.
You meet fantastic people who share your interests, you have a chance to document your travels, and hopefully you will inspire other people to escape their comfort zone and explore the unknown.
If you’re writing a travel blog, chances are you want people to read it. You have something to say, photos to share, and advice to give. What if you’re not getting as much traffic as you’d hope for?
What if no one seems to be reading, retweeting, or commenting on your blog posts?
One of the most rewarding aspects of writing a blog is knowing there are people listening to you. Remember, your blog won’t become successful over night – yet you should undoubtedly be aiming for success.
So, grab a coffee, a beer, or a cup of tea and think about these
7 Reasons Why Your Travel Blog Doesn’t Get as Much Traffic as You Want:
1) You Post Too Often
Creative Commons: Orange Acid
More and more people are becoming interested in travel blogs. That’s exciting. Be they cubicle dwelling virtual travelers, career breakers planning a trip, or other travelers on the road, the number of people that follow travel blogs is growing. Rapidly.
So is the number of travelers writing a travel blog. The market is quite simply flooded with blog posts.
If you’re posting four or five times each week, your readers – who are inevitably following other travel blogs – simply won’t be able to keep up with the travel photos, travel advice, or stories you have to share.
2) Your Posts Are Too Long
Creative Commons: svevoarnold
Writing a travel blog isn’t easy. You’re forced to balance traveling, with planning, with meeting other travelers, along with everything that goes into actually running a travel blog. You have to come up with ideas for posts, format them, answer emails from your followers, and deal with advertisers.
So don’t make it any harder than it has to be.
As your readers are busy, don’t make them read small novels – anything over 1,000 words is too long. Keep your blog posts short and sweet and more people will take the time to read them.
3) Where Are the Photos?
Creative Commons: Shermeee
Blog readers are visually influenced. Regardless of what you’re writing about, you should be including photos. Lots of them.
Photos add life to your blog and make your posts easier to read.
Creative Commons offers up heaps of fantastic photos you’re free to use – just be sure to give credit when credit is due.
4) You Only Talk About Yourself
Creative Commons: kevindooley
By the very nature of being a traveler, you’re bound to have stories to tell.That’s fantastic – but there is a time and a place. Believe it or not, your travel blog often isn’t the place.
You got really drunk last weekend? Fantastic. You went on a great tour with a funny guide? Sweet as.
Your audience doesn’t need to know, and doesn’t want to know, what you’re doing each day you’re on the road. Keep your posts appealing to a wide range of people and your traffic numbers will inevitably increase.
5) You Don’t Read Other Travel Blogs
Creative Commons: moriza
The travel blog community is fantastic – it’s filled with open, helpful, and genuine travelers who share your same passions. One of the best ways to gain traffic and traction in the travel blogosphere is by reading, commenting, and promoting other blog posts.
The faces behind the blogs you visit regularly will slowly make their way to your blog – and by leaving compelling comments, you’re bound to pick up traffic from other commenters as well.
6) You Don’t Use Enough Lists
Creative Commons: Respres
One of the most important things to considerwhen writing a blog post is the title. This is what determines whether or whether not someone will potentially even click through to read your post.
Your post titles should be both compelling and list focused.
Your posts will gain far more traction and traffic if you consider what sells well in the social media community.
7) You Haven’t Waited Long Enough
Creative Commons: Canonshot Mole
Your travel blog won’t become successful overnight. It’s as simple as that.
Even if you’re doing everything right – and have been for months – you still may not be getting as much traffic as you want. Keep at it.
While many travel blogs pop up each day, an equal number fizzle out. Stay focused and continue to offer compelling, new, and photo-rich content and the traffic and interaction on your blog will steadily increase.
What’s your take? Leave your feedback or traffic generating tips in the comments section below.
Kia Ora - I'm Matt. Adventurer, Instagrammer and New Zealand travel planning expert living in Queenstown, NZ. Founder of Planit NZ - New Zealand's largest travel planning & booking website.
Hello! I’m Matt. Thanks for checking out my blog. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for loads more New Zealand travel inspiration. Comment on one of my photos so I know you came from here!
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