Cheap Flights to Rio Gatun from HK$1,581

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Rio Gatun. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols 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 aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Rio Gatun a pleasure. Read through our useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.