Cheap Flights to Salares from HK$297

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pleasant start to your holiday in Salares. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear closed-toe, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lower 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 organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Salares in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.