Cheap Flights to Bratislava from HK$188

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Bratislava could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We've rounded up some useful hints that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favourite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Bratislava in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take 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), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.