Cheap Flights to Santo Domingo from CA $342

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Santo Domingo could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. Below are some tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, official ID, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are good options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your getaway to Santo Domingo a piece of cake. Here are some handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often 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 in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.