Flights to Ironsides, La Plata from NT$5,342

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Ironsides. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you carry the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and chargers, any medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Ironsides before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Keep your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.