Cheap Flights to Darwin from HK$1,716

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your getaway in Darwin. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Darwin, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.