Cheap Flights to New Paltz from HK$3,058

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in New Paltz.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural fibers and don't forget to pack a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin. Always opt for well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your luggage.
• You've probably heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There are numerous ways to minimize your risk. Wear compression socks, stay hydrated and keep your legs and feet moving. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

It's all about being organized. We've put together some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Watch out New Paltz, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.