Flights to Zipaquira, Bogotá from NT$29,365

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in Zipaquira. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you pack the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any daily medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to pull on and off.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Zipaquira easy and painless. Check out our top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.