Cheap Flights to El Carmen from HK$286

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to El Carmen could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've compiled some useful travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out El Carmen, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.