Flights to Santo Domingo, San Vicente Department from

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Santo Domingo.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression socks and tights are another simple way to help minimize this risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Santo Domingo in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.