Cheap Flights to Lagoa Santa from HK$6,956

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your vacation in Lagoa Santa.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• A serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression tights or socks also helps reduce the risk.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've rounded up some helpful hints for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Lagoa Santa, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required 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 tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.