Flights to Vieques, from NT$25,738

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your getaway in Vieques. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you bring the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've compiled some helpful hints for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Vieques, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.