Flights to Puerto Rico, Mogan from NT$7,100

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Puerto Rico. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Puerto Rico before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.