Cheap Flights to East London from HK$685

If you're not prepared, travelling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a stress-free start to your time in East London. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good read. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to East London in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.