Cheap Flights to Guadalajara from HK$1,418

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Guadalajara could be a piece of cake or it could drag on forever. Here are some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be well prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Guadalajara in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a flying start:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.