Flights to St. Pauls, North Carolina from

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your St. Pauls escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to St. Pauls before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.