Flights to Belen, New Mexico from NT$7,294

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your vacation in Belen. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a great experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Next, find room in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any vital medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Belen in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.