Flights to Copacabana, La Paz from NT$13,531

If you're not prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your vacation in Copacabana. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and go for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Copacabana before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.