Flights to Val de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo-Caudilla from NT$18,923

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Val de Santo Domingo could be a breeze or it could go on forever. Here are some useful hints that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Val de Santo Domingo in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.