Flights to Piriapolis, Maldonado from NT$63,857

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your time in Piriapolis.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Layer up in breathable clothing and remember to pack a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy boots in your checked baggage.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this occurring. Wearing a pair of compression tights or socks also helps reduce your risk.

Being organized before your flight will make your getaway to Piriapolis quick and painless. Below are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Have your travel documents and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.