Cheap Flights to Guayaquil from HK$1,286

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

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well organised before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Guayaquil in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.