Cheap Flights to Alice Springs from HK$1,458

If you're not prepared, travelling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a stress-free start to your holiday in Alice Springs. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Alice Springs before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.