Flights to St. Mary's, Alaska from

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to St. Mary's could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some handy travel tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

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

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.