Flights to Minca, Santa Marta from NT$18,697

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a trouble-free start to your time in Minca. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane 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 pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to take on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Minca in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones will be required 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, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.