Cheap Flights to Palmas from HK$803

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your holiday in Palmas. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Palmas in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.