Flights to Merida, Eastern Visayas from NT$1,256

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Merida. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you take the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and keep your legs and feet moving.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Merida in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.