Flights to Ibagué, Tolima from NT$23,236

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a comfortable start to your getaway in Ibague.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you take the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, any daily medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer up in natural fibers and take a cardigan just in case you get cold. Opt for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your main luggage.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are many ways to mitigate your risk. Don a pair of compression socks, drink lots of water often and get your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or try out some exercises in your seat.

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

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like coins, 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.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.