Cheap Flights to La Serena from HK$293

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through airport security and exploring La Serena in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

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

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport close by. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.