Cheap Flights to Milan from HK$2,196

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your holiday in Milan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a pleasure if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be organised before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Milan in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.