Cheap Flights to Puerto Arista from HK$2,597

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these top travel tips that will help get your Puerto Arista escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are always good options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Puerto Arista in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.