Flights to Palenque, Colón from NT$18,213

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your vacation in Palenque. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Palenque a piece of cake. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your travel documents and ID at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Traveling with a new hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you on board.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.