Flights to Punta Cana, La Altagracia from NT$53,052

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a hassle-free start to your time in Punta Cana. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, 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:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear slightly roomy, flat footwear like sneakers.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Look out Punta Cana, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine 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-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.