Flights to La Paz, Carchi from NT$12,080

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a worry-free start to your getaway in La Paz. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids 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. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to La Paz in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.