Cheap Flights to Whitley Bay from HK$242

If you're not prepared, travelling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Whitley Bay. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and pick easy-to-remove shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Whitley Bay, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.