Cheap Flights to San Gerardo de Dota from HK$1,319

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in San Gerardo de Dota.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your highest priority when selecting what to wear on board. Consider your footwear carefully too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Roomy, closed-toed shoes work well.
• A serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting 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 occurring. Wearing a good pair of compression socks or tights is also a wise idea.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to San Gerardo de Dota easy and painless. Here are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.