Cheap Flights to Marbella from CA $169

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Marbella. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being organized before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Marbella a breeze. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Travelling with a new hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.