Flights to Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina from

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Lake Waccamaw. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Lake Waccamaw a pleasure. We've rounded up some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• 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. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.