Cheap Flights to Douala from HK$2,986

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Douala. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of 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 improve your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Douala in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item 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-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.