Flights to Santa Cruz, San Juan from NT$24,452

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well organized. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Santa Cruz vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Santa Cruz quick and painless. Below you'll find some handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Traveling with a new cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.