Cheap Flights to Shasta from HK$1,746

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your holiday in Shasta. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Shasta, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.