Cheap Flights to Rome from HK$1,251

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our top tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and having a ball in Rome in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned 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 enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Rome in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.