Cheap Flights to Barcelona from CA $483

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Barcelona could be as easy as pie or it could go on forever. We've compiled some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you take the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Barcelona, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.