No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your West Point escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:
- The trick to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.
Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:
- Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also restricted.
What to wear on a flight:
- The best way to ensure a comfortable flight often lies in your choice of clothes. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
- Unfortunately, one risk of long-haul flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help reduce this risk.