Cheap Flights to Doi Lan from HK$290

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will help get your Doi Lan escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a good book. Next, find a spot in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Doi Lan before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.