Cheap Flights to Butare from HK$2,782

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're prepared. Check out these handy tips that will get your Butare escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Butare in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.