Flights to San José de las Matas, Santiago Province from NT$11,074

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in San José de las Matas.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, leave space in your carry-on bag for your laptop, a charger, any medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Consider your footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are quite common. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy work well.
• A serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression tights or socks is also recommended.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to San José de las Matas in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product 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.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.