Cheap Flights to El Real from HK$1,390

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your holiday in El Real. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

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 liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to El Real in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with a new cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.