Cheap Flights to San Pedro from HK$498

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be tough. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your holiday in San Pedro. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance 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 socks.

The secret is to be organised before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to San Pedro in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favourite cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you on board.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.