S$103 Cheap Flights to Paradise

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Paradise could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. Below are some useful travel tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Paradise in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.