Cheap Flights to Carolina Beach from HK$1,626

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Carolina Beach. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well organised before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Carolina Beach in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite cologne? 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, it's fine to bring with you on board.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.