Flights to Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Port Elizabeth.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight often lies in your clothing choices. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• The condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a pair of compression tights or socks also helps reduce your risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Port Elizabeth in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.