Flights to Armero, Tolima from NT$20,563

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your getaway in Armero. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Look out Armero, here you come:

• Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often 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 single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.