Cheap Flights to Brainerd from HK$1,550

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Brainerd could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Brainerd a breeze. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.