Cheap Flights to Las Catalinas from HK$1,700

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well. We've put together a list of handy hints that will get your Las Catalinas escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are always good options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being organised. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Las Catalinas, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.