Cheap Flights to Elena from HK$294

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Elena could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and something to read. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Elena easy and painless. Below you'll find some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.