Cheap Flights to Mountain Lake , VA from CA $249

If you're not prepared, travelling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a stress-free start to your getaway in Mountain Lake. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and opt for flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Mountain Lake easy and painless. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.