Cheap Flights to Tha Pho from HK$279

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your holiday in Tha Pho. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be easy if you bring the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Tha Pho before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Keep your passport and travel documents close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.