Flights to Playa, Ponce from NT$25,078

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your Playa vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Playa in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Have your ID and travel documents within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your hand 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 belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.