After picking the brains of savvy globetrotters, I've compiled a list of travel tips — for planning and while on the road — that may prove useful in facilitating and enhancing your personal travels.

1. Do your homework: Take responsibility for your travel — how, when and where do you want to go? After filtering ideas and suggestions from brochures, guidebooks, the Internet, friends and travel agents, be prepared to make informed decisions regarding amenities, destinations and particular focus that will meet your expectations. Don't rely on someone else to punch all your right buttons. Approach travel as an investment in education as well as pleasure. Research your options.

2. Use a travel agent: Consult a skilled agent for advice and reservations on a detailed, multileg journey. Rarely will an individual consumer have access to the resources and pricing that an agent can offer. Typically, you will be charged a fee for the professional services rendered, just as you would for your doctor, attorney and CPA. Many of the best values for air, hotels, tours and cruise programs are made known only through agents, which means that you could be paying more than necessary when you make your own arrangements in a bid to cut expenses.

3. Determine your overall costs: Prepaying for carefully selected package deals can save you money and on-site aggravation. Even a minimum package of air, transfers and hotels on an independent itinerary will generally cost less than paying as you go. The freedom from logistical hassles alone is usually worth traveling within some sort of group arrangement. Independent travelers can project average daily costs of hotel, meals, local transport and admissions over the length of their trip to arrive at a reasonable estimate, exclusive of air. Avoid sticker shock: Know in advance the bottom-line cost for trip basics.

4. Protect yourself and your travel investment: Review your renter's or homeowner's coverage with your insurance agent to evaluate gaps regarding travel. You may need to purchase medical and emergency assistance insurance if traveling abroad, and you definitely want to apply for a policy (not sold by a tour operator) that protects against trip cancellation/ interruption/default. Purchasing within seven to 14 days of deposit payment usually means waiving the standard pre-existing medical condition exclusion, which is a boon to older travelers. As a rule of thumb, cover whatever amount of your prepaid trip expenses that you're not willing to lose, but don't leave home without it.

5. Get your documents in order: Determine ahead of your trip what documents you will need. At the top of your list would be passport (valid for at least six months beyond your journey's return date), valid visas, up-to-date inoculations and health documents, proof of insurance coverages and state or international driver's license. (Leave photocopies with someone in case you lose the originals.) Don't wait until the last minute to renew documents. Murphy's Law (what can go wrong will go wrong) has a way of catching up with procrastinators.

6. Know your destination: Your travels will be more rewarding if you bone up on the history, culture, landmarks and language of your destination. Invest a few coins to "discover" a country in the pages of a good book before departure, and even a superficial tour program will prove more meaningful to you.

7. Practice "less is more" when packing: The lighter your luggage, the happier you'll be. If you're traveling solo, you'll be your own porter at most locations. Pack one small-to-medium suitcase with a few interchangeable garments to cover all expected occasions. Save room for the indispensables: travel alarm, portable umbrella, soap and washcloth, zippered plastic bags, mending kit and medicines. The most vital item is one pair of comfortable shoes. Forget fashion — go for the sneakers if you want to spare your feet.

8. Don't accept the unacceptable: Request another hotel room or ship's cabin if the one you've been assigned is substandard. Europeans customarily ask to inspect a room before they occupy it; therefore, they are usually shown the best available room in a certain price category. Don't be over-demanding, but do ask for an alternate accommodation if you have legitimate cause to be disgruntled.

9. Acclimate to the local situation: Get a feel for an unfamiliar place quickly. Identify the currency; study a street map; determine what constitutes good value in meals, transportation, entertainment, shopping, etc.; practice a few language basics; organize your sightseeing priorities; and take a stroll among the inhabitants. If you're with an escorted group, know how to use free time.

10. Practice safeguards: Assume that all cities have some crime, and take sensible precautions. Don't advertise your willingness to be a victim with visible displays of wealth or a careless demeanor. Blend into the local population with conservative dress. Leave valuables at home. Avoid carrying purses and pocket wallets; hidden pouches are safer. Use hotel and ship safe-deposit boxes. Whenever you're in your hotel room, hang the "Do not disturb" sign on the door knob. Don't open the door without identifying your caller. Locate the closest fire exits. Inquire at the reception desk about where not to go.

Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 40-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.

Reach Irene Croft Jr. at (unknown address).