Cheap Flights to North Salem from HK$1,669

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will get your North Salem escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans 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:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to North Salem easy and painless. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.