Cheap Flights to Oranjestad from HK$1,242

If you're not prepared, travelling can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Oranjestad. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Oranjestad before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.