Cheap Flights to Guapiles from HK$4,253

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your time in Guapiles. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be organised before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Guapiles in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Have your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Travelling with a new hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater 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.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.