Cheap Flights to Cotacachi from HK$1,222

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will get your Cotacachi escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Cotacachi in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater 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. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.