Cheap Flights to Dong Xuan from HK$1,418

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your holiday in Dong Xuan. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Dong Xuan, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil 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), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.