Cheap Flights to The Hague from HK$289

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to The Hague could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've put together some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for an easy trip through security. Look out The Hague, here you come:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go 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 the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• 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.