Cheap Flights to Palm Desert , CA from CA $171

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Palm Desert could be completely stress-free or it could drag on forever. Here are some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

It's simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Palm Desert, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. 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.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.