Flights to Cartagena, from NT$18,420

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Cartagena. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your laptop, a charger, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Cartagena in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.