Flights to La Calera, Bogotá from NT$44,751

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks for a comfortable start to your getaway in La Calera. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and important medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to La Calera before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? 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're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a chance you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.