Cheap Flights to Chapala from HK$1,574

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Chapala could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some handy 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 worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some useful tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Chapala, here you come:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.