Cheap Flights to San Nicolás from HK$7,487

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these handy hints that will help get your San Nicolás escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to San Nicolás before you know it. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.