Flights to Cuastecomate, San Pedro Lagunillas from NT$81,447

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Cuastecomate. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Cuastecomate in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required 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 minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.