Cheap Flights to National Harbor from HK$4,094

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of handy hints that will help get your National Harbor vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a good read. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothes. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your checked suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• You've probably heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are many ways to reduce your risk. Don a pair of compression tights or socks, stay well hydrated and get your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out National Harbor, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.