If you're not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your time in Dexter.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you take the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Next, leave space in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, natural fibers and take a jacket just in case you get cold. Pick well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• It's likely you've heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There's plenty you can do to lower your risk. Don a pair of compression socks or tights, drink lots of water and move your legs and feet. Walk the aisles of the cabin or try out some simple stretches in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Dexter easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.