Cheap Flights to La Bastide from HK$316

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well organised. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your La Bastide escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a pleasure if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

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 in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to La Bastide easy and painless. Read through our handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with your favourite cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.