Cheap Flights to Flores from HK$1,178

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Flores escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and something to read. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Flores in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.