Cheap Flights to St. Maries from HK$4,681

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're prepared. Check out these top travel tips that will help get your St. Maries holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to St. Maries before you know it. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.