Cheap Flights to Pictou from HK$5,499

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Pictou escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some terrific options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your getaway to Pictou a pleasure. Below are some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring 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), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.