First Time Visitor - G'day & Welcome
What is BootsnAll.com?
BootsnAll.com is the ultimate resource for independent travelers. Whether you are planning a trip, in the middle of a trip, recently returned from a trip or just dreaming about travel when you are stuck at home, the BootsnAll Travel Network has a resource or two that will be of use and interest to you.
For many people who visit BootsnAll, their first question is, "What do you do, exactly?" In very basic terms, you can think of the BootsnAll Travel Network as the result of a union between a fabulous and largely user-generated travel guidebook, and a travel agent that specializes in getting discounts on travel services and products. What this means for you is that you can come to BootsnAll at any point in your planning process and we will help you with whatever you need.
For instance, if you are just dreaming of a trip but you don't know where you want to go, you can browse our travel guides - for destinations covering the entire planet - until one place captures your imagination. Then you can research the destination, talk with other people who have been there, book anything you need for your trip and start a travel blog to keep family and friends informed about what you're up to! BootsnAll.com really is a one-stop shop for the independent traveler.
A sample of what we provide, besides fun, is below:
Travel Information
Travel Planning
The first step of your travel experience is deciding where you want to go and how you are going to get there. Then, once you get there, where will you stay? So many decisions, so much research to do! Do not worry - BootsnAll can help you out, whether you are looking for:
- Airfare, and how! Around the World Tickets, international airfare, cheap ticket deals, UK & Europe departing flights, and airfare comparison shopping.
- Hostels - a staple of cheap travel! We have 8000+ hostels in 100+ countries.
- Yeah, we have cheap Hotels too.
- Last minute travel
- Eurail passes
- Adventure trips - you only live once, GO FOR IT! (PS, get some Travel insurance)
- If you're not into independent travel, you can go search Cruises and Vacation Packages
Travel Guides
Our destination-specific travel guides offer basic nuts and bolts information on a place along with travel stories (submitted by travelers just like you!) and suggestions on things to see and do. They are excellent resources which are constantly being updated and which provide a mixture of general travel information, insider tips, travel notes and individual experiences.
Start here: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, Pacific Islands, South America
World Adventures
Read about and book an adventure trip almost anywhere on earth, from a climb to Machu Picchu to an expedition in the Australian Outback to a rafting trip on a Zambezi River - or something of your own creation. It's easy to get inspired when you read about the small group adventure trips that are already planned, but just talking for a few minutes with our adventure expert, Donovan, will open your eyes to the possibilities of what is out there in terms of BootsnAll World Adventures.
Travel Community
Travellers' Discussion Boards
The soul of the BootsnAll Travel Network, the BootsnAll Travel Community is really centered around the discussion boards. The forums serve as a place for travelers to meet, discuss and laugh with one another about their travel experiences. In this community, no one will think your inability to stay rooted is strange, and in fact they will encourage your travel bug. There are forums dedicated to different regions of the world, different travel themes and other things of interest to travelers, including travel writing, photography and languages. It is easy to join, just sign up!
Travel Blogs
Travel Blogs can be informative as well as very entertaining. Plans change, people change, places do not measure up to expectations. You can see it all happen, update by update from the road. And if you want your own soapbox, you can start your very own Free Travel Blog within about 20 seconds.
Be an Insider
Are you familiar with a particular destination? Do you like helping others or do you mind answering questions via e-mail about a destination? Insiders are another way to get involved in the BootsnAll community and to help travelers. Only registered members are allowed access to Insider email addresses.
Other Resources Under the BootsnAll Umbrella
Location & Theme Based Travel Guides
We're really excited about these (relatively) new additions to the BootsnAll Travel Network! We call the Logues, derived from the word "travelogue" and we have quite a few of them focusing on destinations or other travel themes. Here's some to get you started:
Travel Themes: Travel Gear, TEFL: Teach English, Business Travel, Adventure Travel, Volunteer Travel
Destinations: Amsterdam, Australia, Bali, Belize, Croatia, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Las Vegas, London, Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing, Paris, Portland, Seattle, South Africa
Sports
What does sports have to do with travel? Well, not much unless you're traveling to go watch a game. No matter, since we're nuts about enthusiasm and inspiration and just kind of nuts in general, we decided to build a few sports sites. And here you have them: World Cup Soccer, TheOffside Soccer Blog, Cycling
Travelers Tool Kit
For non-destination specific travel information, check out the Travelers Tool Kit. This section covers everything from budgeting and money issues to women's travel issues and is a great resource for first-time travelers and travel experts alike. One section in particular, the "How-To Travel Guide," offers tips on everything from how to wash your clothes in a hostel sink to how to find time on your own in a group trip. Everyone can learn something here!
Are you planning a trip?
If you are planning a trip, explore our travel guides that deal with your destination. Our guides are often updated and written by travelers, so the information is current and relevant. Our Travel Community is full of people who are widely traveled and who are ready and willing to answer most of your questions. We also have Insiders who live in or have great knowledge of your destination. They can answer any questions you might have. In our experience, the best information comes from other travellers who have been there.
Are you currently on a trip?
You can continue to use our Travel Community to make contacts in the places you are heading next. Even if it is just someone to point you in the direction of a good pub, having a contact in a new place is a great help. And if you do not get an answer to your question, do not forget about our Insiders as well.
Did you just get back?
If you have recently returned from a trip, BootsnAll is a great place to share your experiences. Be a guide and help lead other travelers where the guidebooks do not go. Be an Insider and answer questions, via email, about the destinations you know like the back of your hand. Write a travel story and share the experiences that make travel so much fun. Or, simply contribute to the discussion boards and share those precious nuggets of information you pick up along the way.
How To Get Around
Use the tabs at the top of every page to reach all the main sections of the BootsnAll Travel Network. Within each section, there are links on the right or below the main navigation tabs to help you work your way through the website. And you can always get back to the home page by clicking on the BootsnAll logo at the top of most pages.
Once you have had a look around, we'd be keen to hear what you think and any ideas you might have regarding the content and/or layout of the site: Email us.
