Cheap Flights to Gulf Shores from HK$1,800

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your time in Gulf Shores.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your number one priority when picking what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are always a smart option.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-haul flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help lower your risk.

It's easy --- be prepared. We've pulled together some useful tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Gulf Shores, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.