Flights to Machuca, San Pedro de Atacama from NT$3,714

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Machuca could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've put together some tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your getaway to Machuca a piece of cake. Below are some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand 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 inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.