Flights to Valle de Banderas, Nayarit from NT$25,791

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a worry-free start to your vacation in Valle de Banderas. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Valle de Banderas in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.