Flights to Laredo, Cantabria from NT$28,515

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your vacation in Laredo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you take the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Laredo, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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 likely that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.