Cheap Flights to Gabriola Island from HK$1,228

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Gabriola Island. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and opt for easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Gabriola Island a breeze. Read through our useful tips for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.