Flights to El Salvador, Northern Mindanao from NT$2,011

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your vacation in El Salvador. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've pulled together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out El Salvador, here you come:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.