Cheap Flights to Cairns from HK$548

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Cairns could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. We've compiled some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Cairns, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.