Cheap Flights to Charlotte Amalie from CA $143

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Charlotte Amalie could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you carry the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Charlotte Amalie, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.