Cheap Flights to Santander de Quilichao from HK$1,535

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your holiday in Santander de Quilichao. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you take the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Santander de Quilichao a breeze. We've compiled some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.