Cheap Flights to Mersin from HK$493

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Mersin could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've put together some handy tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be easy if you bring the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as bleach 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:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Mersin in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger 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 sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.