Cheap Flights to Ciudad Dario from HK$2,737

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a stress-free start to your getaway in Ciudad Dario. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ciudad Dario before you know it. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.