Cheap Flights to Germantown from HK$5,246

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your time in Germantown. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are flat and easy to remove.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Germantown in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.