Flights to Santa Cruz de Leon Cortes, San José Province from NT$37,307

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a worry-free start to your time in Santa Cruz de Leon Cortes. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, 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 main concern when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Santa Cruz de Leon Cortes in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.