Flights to La Cruz, Guanacaste from NT$33,087

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your time in La Cruz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, important documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to take on and off.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to La Cruz a pleasure. Read through our handy tips for a swift journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.