Cheap Flights to Grahamstown from CA $1,582

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your time in Grahamstown. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

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 compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Grahamstown before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Have your ID and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.