Cheap Flights to Svalbard from HK$377

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Svalbard could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and pick easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Svalbard easy and painless. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Have your boarding pass and ID handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Travelling with a new cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.