Flights to El Pinar, Andalusia from NT$5,568

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in El Pinar. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your feet and legs moving.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to El Pinar in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Have your travel documents and passport handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.