Cheap Flights to Karpacz from HK$172

If you're not prepared, travelling can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Karpacz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your bag for your phone and charger, any daily medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your getaway to Karpacz easy and painless. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.