Cheap Flights to Austin from HK$378

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your holiday in Austin. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good book. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Austin before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• 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 no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.