Cheap Flights to Cancun from CA $203

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Cancun could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. Below are some handy hints that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes 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 luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Cancun before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.