"Hi Linda, I think you guys were in an enviable position. When I very first travelled on my 'Big OE' I arrived in Europe with les than NZD$2,000 which at the time was about GBP£800. It took me ages to find work and I was miserable. My recommendation to anyone today is to have some money behind and like you say even if you don't use it, it is fantastic to know it is there. I was lucky enough to have great parents too - but that is another story in stress management and travel." - Dan Roberts