Cheap Flights to La Paloma from HK$1,016

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in La Paloma. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put 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 security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The secret is to be well organised before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to La Paloma in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport someplace easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.