Cheap Flights to Providence , RI from CA $238

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Providence. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've put together some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Providence, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.