Cheap Flights to Luang Prabang from HK$557

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Luang Prabang. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Luang Prabang, here you come:

• Have your ID and travel documents within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.