Cheap Flights to Varallo Pombia from HK$271

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Varallo Pombia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Varallo Pombia quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Travelling with a new hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.