Cheap Flights to Ciudad Vieja from HK$1,241

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Ciudad Vieja could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. We've compiled some handy travel tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you plan to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, 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 comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

Being organised before your flight will help make your trip to Ciudad Vieja quick and painless. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.