The thought of travelling independently, exciting though it may be, can also scare the pants off you. Even if travel itself doesn't seem daunting, there are so many things involved - visas, flights, gear and sheer bloody moxy - that it helps to remember that others have done it all before. The articles below are straight from the voice of experience. And if you feel you'd like to share what you've learned from and about travel, write it up and send it to: toolkit@BootsnAll.com.

Losing My Virginity Can you remember losing your virginity? Was it on a school trip, scout camp, or that holiday in North Wales with your parents when you were eleven? Steve Holcroft's talking travel, not sex, but there are more similarities than you might think. Should Teenagers Be Forced To Travel? Find out why Michael Burke Dougherty thinks there ought to be mandatory travel for teenagers. Vacation & Business Travel Essentials: Your PDA, GPS, and Translation Software Dave Rogers breaks down the advantages of GPS and some other handheld tech that makes your travels much smoother. Around the World - a Dream or Wish? Petra Stormen learns a lot about herself and others on her around the world trip. Travail of the Travel Writer Jim Humberd notes how difficult it is to adequately describe the beauty of a place and still manage to hit a travel editor's "select" button. A Gift for Travel Jim Humberd describes a good traveler, one who will be welcome in every country and who truly appreciates the good fortune of being able to travel in the first place. Travel Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy? Jill Murphy is not an insurance agent, but she's the next best thing: a traveler who's examined some of the plans out there. First-time Travellers Nick, BootsnAll's TravelNutter, has been travelling for 17 years, and he's learned a few things that should prove useful to you planning or thinking about taking your first trip. Epiphany: Morphing from Tourist to Traveller When Richard Larssen first went to Europe as a college student in the 60s, he brought suitcases. Now he knows better. Part advice, part anecdote, Richard has some experential wisdom to pass to the beginning traveller.

Packing Light Travel light with Barbara Shaw's packing tips for a more enjoyable and burden-less trip. Travel Tips for Globetrotters Information, tips, tricks and suggestions to make life easier when on the road less travelled. Travel Magic Toni Caicedo's travels have led her to believe that travel is wonder, that wonder is magic, and that magic is travel. Going Solo Travelling solo may seem riskier, but as Anita Culp knows, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Lone Female Going it alone is a great experience, but there are certain issues that are particular to travelling in that way, especially for women. RTW Travelers: The New Trend While Leanne Currie-McGhee was researching her own RTW trip, she tried to find out what inspired people to embark on these long journeys. Myths of Travel Exploring the myths of travel that some might use as excuses not to go travelling.