Flights to San Juan del Cesar, La Guajira from NT$104,050

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well organized. Take a peek at these top travel tips that will get your San Juan del Cesar vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to San Juan del Cesar in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.