Flights to Curtis, Galicia from NT$5,170

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Curtis could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Curtis in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.