Flights to Santo Domingo, Chiriquí Province from

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Santo Domingo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's all about being organized. We've compiled some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Santo Domingo, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.