Cheap Flights to Lampedusa from HK$1,384

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Lampedusa could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you've got all the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Lampedusa in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.