Cheap Flights to Athens , PA from CA $461

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Athens. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh change of clothes and something to read. Next, leave space in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for 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 clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Athens in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.