Cheap Flights to Bristol from HK$2,372

If you're not prepared, travelling can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your getaway in Bristol. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Bristol in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.