Cheap Flights to Messina from HK$1,615

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of top travel tips that will get your Messina escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing 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 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 authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Messina in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Have your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.