Flights to Río Azul, San José from NT$12,418

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've made a list of handy hints that will help get your Río Azul escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Río Azul, here you come:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.