Cheap Flights to Manarola from HK$3,350

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these essential travel tips that will get your Manarola holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and maybe a cosy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Manarola before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.