Cheap Flights to Sondrio from HK$174

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your getaway in Sondrio. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you've got all the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organised before your flight will help make your getaway to Sondrio a breeze. Below are some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.