Flights to Florencia, Samaná from NT$21,341

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your vacation in Florencia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Florencia in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Have your boarding pass and passport within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in 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 and will be confiscated.