Cheap Flights to Virgin Gorda from CA $181

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Virgin Gorda. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you bring the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to remove.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

The trick is to be organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Virgin Gorda in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Travelling with a new hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.