Cheap Flights to Curitiba from HK$495

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Curitiba could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've put together some tips that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure 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:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

It's all about being organised. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Watch out Curitiba, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.