Cheap Flights to Coulee Dam from HK$1,326

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your getaway in Coulee Dam. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Coulee Dam in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight 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.