Cheap Flights to Columbia from HK$1,175

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're prepared. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Columbia holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you've got all the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Columbia, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.