Flights to Loutrotopos, Nikolaos Skoufas from

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Loutrotopos.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of an aircraft are no fashion runway. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a sweater as it can get quite cool inside the cabin during long-haul flights. Enclosed, flat shoes are always a good idea too.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated helps to prevent this developing. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression tights or socks also helps reduce the risk.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Loutrotopos, here you come:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.