Cheap Flights to La Fortuna from HK$1,217

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your holiday in La Fortuna. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fuels, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Opt for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to La Fortuna a pleasure. We've compiled some useful tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.