Flights to Puertas Azules, Esteli from NT$15,263

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a comfortable start to your time in Puertas Azules. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes 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) lurking in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Puertas Azules a breeze. Here are some useful tips for a swift journey through security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring 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), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.