Cheap Flights to São Tomé from HK$1,168

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through the airport and seeing the best of São Tomé in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good book. Next, make room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to São Tomé in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Travelling with your favourite perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.