Flights to Santa Elena, Guanacaste from

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Santa Elena.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Don layers of natural fibers and don't forget to pack a cardigan just in case you get cold. Pick flat, slightly roomy shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and hiking boots in your luggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help lower your risk.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for an easy trip through security. Watch out Santa Elena, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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 X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.