Cheap Flights to Pedra Azul from HK$9,652

If you're not prepared, travelling can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Pedra Azul. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a stress-free experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Pedra Azul easy and painless. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.