Cheap Flights to Arenal

We all know those fortunate jet-setters who manage to land impossibly cheap plane tickets whenever they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Arenal holiday? Don't leave it until the last moment to lock in your flight. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and check if there are a few airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you pick. Be sure to compare fares across air carriers too. And finally, don't forget that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarise yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to snap up a ticket as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals never last long.

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well organised. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will help get your Arenal holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Arenal in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.