Cheap Flights to Waltham Abbey from HK$1,718

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these handy hints that will get your Waltham Abbey escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Waltham Abbey in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.