Flights to Deshaies, Basse-Terre Island from NT$18,697

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through the airport and discovering Deshaies in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and pick flat, enclosed shoes like slip-ons.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and move your lower limbs often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Deshaies in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.