Cheap Flights to Santa Maria de Nieva from HK$5,210

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Santa Maria de Nieva could be simple and straightforward or it could go on forever. We've rounded up some useful tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To reduce your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Santa Maria de Nieva a breeze. We've rounded up some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• 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 luggage. They won't be allowed on board.