Flights to León XIII, San José from NT$10,973

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a stress-free start to your time in León XIII. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your hand 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:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to León XIII in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier 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 phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.