2017 is wrapping up faster than we’d like to believe as the New Year quickly approaches! Christmas is just around the corner and New Year’s Day will be here right before our eyes. For me, 2018 is going to be quite different as I make my way to the other side of the world to start a working holiday in London. No, I’ve never travelled before and yes, I’m going solo. I’m definitely going out with a bang!

Now please don’t use this article as solid advice, because to be honest, I don’t really know what I’m doing! However, this is what I’ve learnt so far and what I have been advised by fellow travellers. Just imagine what I’m going to learn when I get over there! Here are a few things to keep in mind when organising your own working holiday.

1. Passport

Do you have a passport? You won’t be able to travel without it. Having never travelled, this was the first item on the to-do list.

2. Visa

This is pretty obvious, but you’ll definitely need to organise this ahead of time. Get it sorted and out of the way. Be prepared to pay a few $$$ as well. Make sure you’ve got all of the documents required ahead of time, and if you need to provide a bank statement, organise a bank copy a few weeks before you apply for the visa.

3. Flights & Travel Insurance

Book the flights and get the travel insurance. Mishaps can happen and I think it’s important to have cover for your flight over there, at the very least.

4. Accommodation

So you’ve decided where you’re going, but where will you be staying on arrival? A hostel? Family or friends? Plan it!

5. Travel documents

You’ve got your passport and your visa has been approved. Now it’s time to collect all of the documents you will need and keep them all together for your travels. Assume you won’t have access to a printer immediately over there and print resumes and bank statements ahead of time. I’ve also been told that ID such as your birth certificate is also handy to take over.

Christmas will be the quietest one for me this year as I spend it with my immediate family and close friends before flying out mid-January. Until then, I’m patiently (but patience is slowly wavering) counting down the days. And if you were curious , as I write this, it’s currently 30 days, 6 hours and 15 minutes until I go!