Flights to Carenero Island, Bocas del Toro from NT$16,861

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Carenero Island escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Carenero Island in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.