Flights to La Cantera, Gaspar Hernandez from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in La Cantera. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your getaway to La Cantera a pleasure. Below are some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Have your ID and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.