Cheap Flights to Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert from HK$1,873

If you're not prepared, travelling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you've got all the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, your medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert a breeze. Check out our handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.