Cheap Flights to Samaná from HK$1,188

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Samaná could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some handy travel tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer up in natural-fiber clothing and take a jacket just in case you get chilly. Go for a pair of roomy, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-distance travel is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To avoid this, take every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help lower your risk.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Samaná easy and painless. Read through our useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.