Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to La Unión could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some useful hints that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothes. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a good pair of compression tights or socks can also help.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to La Unión a piece of cake. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove 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 inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.