Travel is one of those things that everyone can get into, but in which not everyone really excels. Making travel arrangements can be a fast, painless thought-free process. However, getting the best deals and making the best plans, takes a little more effort. Here are a few tips for maximizing the benefits that good travel planning can bring.

Always bring a personal set of earplugs. Whether it is a child crying two rows ahead of you or an annoying person sitting next to you who wants to discuss his dream from last night of the plane crashing, it always helps to have a way to drown out that extraneous noise.

Plan clothing for your trip so that everything can be worn together. This reduces the need to pack individual “outfits” and allows you to plan for the number of days you’ll be traveling. If all of your clothes match, you …