Cheap Flights to Karpathos from HK$1,766

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a worry-free start to your holiday in Karpathos. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, 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 opt for shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Karpathos in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• 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. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It's also possible you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.