Cheap Flights to Valle de Banderas from HK$1,437

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Valle de Banderas.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear carefully too, as swollen feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are your best bet.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. The great news is there are numerous ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, walk up and down the aisles as often as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Valle de Banderas, here you come:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.