Flights to San Carlos, Sonora from NT$27,067

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your time in San Carlos. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols 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:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some useful tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out San Carlos, here you come:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.