Flights to Malta, Illinois from

If you're not prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Malta.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up with loose, natural fibers and pack a cardigan in case it gets cool in the cabin. Always go with flat, slightly roomy shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your luggage.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. But the good news is there are numerous ways to lower your risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, get up and walk around the cabin as much as you can and wear compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Malta before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Don't forget to 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.