Cheap Flights to Villa Maria from HK$2,750

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Villa Maria could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a good read. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be organised before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Villa Maria in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in 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.