Cheap Flights to Djibouti from HK$3,128

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your time in Djibouti. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you've got all the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Djibouti in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• 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). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.