Cheap Flights to Italy from HK$2,174

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Italy could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. We've put together some useful tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's all about being organised. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Italy, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.