Flights to Puerto Cortés, Cortés from NT$11,581

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a hassle-free start to your vacation in Puerto Cortés. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Puerto Cortés before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.