Cheap Flights to Hanoi from HK$573

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Hanoi could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've rounded up some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

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 avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for flat, closed-toe footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Hanoi, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Travelling with your favourite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.