Flights to Manabao, Santiago de los Caballeros from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your time in Manabao.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Don layers of natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets cool. Always opt for well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Manabao in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually 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 inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.