Flights to Mercedes, Soriano from NT$74,081

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

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Mercedes in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.