Cheap Flights to Florence from HK$497

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're prepared. We've made a list of top travel tips that will get your Florence holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Florence in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Want to bring along your favourite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.