Flights to Marine on St. Croix, Minneapolis - St. Paul from NT$4,963

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your Marine on St. Croix escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like high heels and sandals are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you for it.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. The good news is there are numerous ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, wander through the cabin as often as you can and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Marine on St. Croix in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually 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 in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.