Flights to San Lorenzo, Oakland from NT$17,100

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in San Lorenzo. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to San Lorenzo a pleasure. Below you'll find some handy tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.