Flights to Vista Alegre, Panamá Oeste Province from NT$13,258

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your getaway in Vista Alegre. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick flat, enclosed footwear like slip-ons.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Vista Alegre in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.