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: hydrolix@BootsnAll.com.

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. Travel Tips for Globetrotters Information, tips, tricks and suggestions to make life easier when on the road less travelled.

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.