Cheap Flights to Trincomalee from HK$1,196

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Trincomalee could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favourite shows are good options. If you plan to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being organised before your flight will help make your trip to Trincomalee a breeze. Below are some handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Travelling with a new cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.