Flights to Val-de-Mercy, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté from

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Val-de-Mercy. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

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

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Val-de-Mercy in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.