Cheap Flights to Lake Hiawatha from HK$1,245

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Lake Hiawatha could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some handy tips that will help you start your next great adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Lake Hiawatha a pleasure. Below are some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.