Cheap Flights to Belém from HK$259

If you're not prepared, travelling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your holiday in Belém. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze 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 by security. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Belém quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy hints for a stress-free journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.