Flights to El Verano, Sonoma from NT$16,187

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well organized. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will help get your El Verano escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen ankles and feet are quite common. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are always a smart option.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a serious condition that can affect passengers during long flights. But the great news is there are ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Keep your fluids up, get up and walk around the cabin as much as possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to El Verano in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, 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 the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.