Flights to Puente Nacional, Santander from NT$16,149

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've compiled a list of handy tips that will help get your Puente Nacional vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for closed-toe, flat footwear like sneakers.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Puente Nacional, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.