Flights to Laguna Vista, Port Isabel from NT$35,217

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Laguna Vista could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, important documents, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. 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:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Laguna Vista before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.