Cheap Flights to Bastrop from HK$9,568

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Bastrop holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget 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:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your getaway to Bastrop easy and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.