Cheap Flights to Playa del Carmen from HK$1,162

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well enough. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your Playa del Carmen escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Playa del Carmen, here you come:

• Have your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.