Flights to Carenero Island, Bocas del Toro from NT$15,423

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Carenero Island.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. But the good news is there are numerous ways to lower your risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, wander through the cabin as often as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Carenero Island in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. 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 in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.