Cheap Flights to San Juan del Sur from HK$1,056

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your San Juan del Sur escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

It's all about being organised. We've pulled together some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out San Juan del Sur, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Travelling with your favourite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.