Cheap Flights to Santa Maria de la Vega from HK$6,173

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Santa Maria de la Vega. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Santa Maria de la Vega before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Travelling with a new hand cream? No problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.