Cheap Flights to Damascus from HK$5,996

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your getaway in Damascus. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've rounded up some useful tips for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Damascus, here you come:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.