Cheap Flights to Merrillville from HK$2,713

If you're not prepared, travelling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Merrillville. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good read. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Merrillville in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.