No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well organized. We've compiled a list of handy tips that will help get your Anjouan vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, 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 trip to Anjouan quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.