Flights to Alajuelita, San José from NT$16,231

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Alajuelita vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your getaway to Alajuelita a pleasure. Below you'll find some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass close by. They're the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's OK to bring with you on board.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.